The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is modernizing the way it assesses imported goods and manages revenue with the new CARM initiative. CARM stands for CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management. It’s an online portal giving importers and customs brokers more access to their shipment information and history. In addition to viewing import records, users will be able to:
- Access up-to-date import account information
- Make GST payments directly to the government
- Delegate access to a customs broker representative
What is CARM?
CARM Phase 1: MAY 2021
CARM is a multi-year initiative that will roll out in two phases. The CARM Client Portal will be available in May 2021, enabling shipment visibility for importers and customs brokers. In Phase 1, importers should authorize their customs broker as a delegate on the online portal to ensure a seamless transition to CARM.
CARM Phase 2: MAY 2022 (anticipated)
Phase 2 of CARM will include a larger suite of tools for importers. It will also require importers to pay duties and taxes directly to the government. Additionally, importers will be required to set up their own import bond – insurance that covers defaults on GST and duty payments. Right now, importers use their Customs Broker bond, but that will change in Phase 2 of CARM.
Why does CARM matter?
For importers with a hands-on approach, the CARM portal makes it easier to work directly with the CBSA. It provides increased visibility and control over your import records and payments.
Most importers will prefer to focus on growing their business rather than the nitty-gritty of their CARM portal. These importers can assign their customs broker as a delegate to manage, review and provide insight on their CARM portal and ensure the transition doesn’t result in interruptions to customs clearance services.
Why authorize a customs broker to manage your CARM portal?
The benefit of assigning a delegate like JORI to your CARM portal is the expert oversight we can provide. As a delegate we can ensure customs compliance and duties and taxes are accurate. Think of us as a spell check before going to print.
- JORI can easily identify whether there’s any credits owed to you from previously overpaid GST or duty
- JORI can identify any potential customs compliance issues
What actions do importers
need to take to be prepared for CARM?
- Assign an internal point of contact responsible for maintaining CARM
- Authorize your customs broker to be a delegate on the online portal to ensure a smooth transition.
- Sign up on our newsletter for further CARM updates
- Attend our upcoming webinar on CARM
- If you receive a letter from the CBSA about CARM or you have any questions, contact us
JORI has a pulse on all CBSA updates and will keep you informed with additional information about the CARM system. Navigating a new online portal can be daunting but JORI is here to walk you through the process and make it easy.