Clear goods faster with RPP
Release Prior to Payment (RPP) allows eligible importers to have their goods released by CBSA before paying duties and taxes. With RPP, you can keep shipments moving while paying CBSA later through your statement cycle, helping reduce delays and improve cash flow planning.
- Improve shipment flow by reducing release delays
- Support predictable payments through statement-based accounting
- Maintain compliance by keeping your security and account setup in good standing
What is RPP?
RPP is a CBSA program that enables importers to obtain release of goods before paying duties and taxes at the time of import. Instead of paying immediately at the border, amounts are accounted for and paid later according to the CBSA billing cycle. RPP typically requires financial security (such as a bond or other acceptable security), and good compliance standing.
Faster release
Shipments can be released without waiting for immediate payment.
Better cash-flow planning
Pay duties/taxes on statement timelines instead of at release.
Compliance-driven
Requires proper account setup and security in place.
Who should consider RPP?
RPP is most useful for importers who ship regularly and want smoother clearance and predictable payment timing.
- Importers with frequent shipments (daily/weekly)
- Businesses importing for resale, manufacturing, or distribution
- Importers who want fewer release delays and stronger cash-flow control
- Companies expanding import volumes and needing scalable processes
What can disrupt RPP?
- Missing or insufficient financial security
- Account setup issues affecting release/payment workflows
- Authorization/delegation problems with your broker
- Late payments or compliance problems that can affect eligibility
What you need for RPP
Requirements can vary by importer situation. In general, RPP involves maintaining proper account configuration and setting up acceptable financial security so CBSA can release goods before payment.
1) Importer account setup
Your BN import program must be correctly set up and active.
2) Broker authorization
Your broker must be properly authorized to act for clearance.
3) Financial security
Bond/cash security as required to support release prior to payment.
What you gain with RPP
Faster releases
Reduce delays caused by payment-at-release requirements.
Cash-flow control
Pay duties/taxes later through your statement cycle.
Better visibility
Clearer accounting through statements and structured payment timing.
Operational continuity
Keep goods moving with fewer release interruptions.
How RPP works (in 3 steps)
1) Confirm eligibility
Review your importer setup and compliance position to support RPP.
2) Set up security
Arrange bond/cash security as required to allow release before payment.
3) Release goods, pay later
Shipments can be released and duties/taxes are managed through statements and payment timelines.
How we help with RPP
RPP readiness review
Check importer setup, broker access, and key requirements.
Security guidance
Support choosing and arranging bond/cash security (as applicable).
Ongoing compliance support
Help maintain smooth releases and avoid disruptions tied to payments/security.
Contact us and we’ll guide you through the setup and requirements.