BC’s leading trucking and warehousing company dives into the important changes surrounding the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project. With these tips, you’ll be able to stay informed and navigate effortlessly through the new system.

Business owners around the world have probably seen their fair share of changes when it comes to importing goods. From fluctuations in rates and container shortages to sudden backlogs, the last few years have been a whirlwind of adaptations to prevent problems before they materialize. This time we’re here to touch on some changes that are happening closer to home as we focus on the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project.

What is CARM?

The Canada Border Services Agency Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project aims to help transform the collection of duties and taxes for goods imported into Canada. This multi-year initiative will help modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods. 

What are the benefits of CARM?

The implementation of this system is to help the overall process of importing and save time and money by having self-service access to a variety of tools. It also improves the consistency of compliance with trade rules and simplifies the importing process in general. 

One major system introduced is the CARM Client Portal (CCP) which helps facilitate the importer’s accounting and revenue management processes with the CBSA. This importer-center self-service portal’s main goal is to allow importers the ability to manage the accounting activity of their import business and eventually make payments on all amounts owed to CBSA and adjustments and corrections to release declarations.

When are changes in CARM taking place?

CARM will be introduced in two stages. The first release launched back on May 25, 2021, and set into motion the following:

• Importers (commercial importers, customs brokers, and trade consultants) had to register for the CARM Client Portal (CCP) and create a business account. 
• Commercial import transactions are now managed through the CCP (including CBSA monthly Statement of Accounts – SOAs)
• Direct electronic payment options with the CBSA were set up
• Access to your customs brokers, including the Delegation of Authority, can be delegated
• Request and track customs rulings can be made
• Access CBSA Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and duty/tax estimator tools available

The second release is set to take place in 2023 with the specific date yet to be announced. The next phase will expand the functionalities of the CARM Client Portal including:

• Submission of electronic commercial accounting declarations with the ability for corrections and adjustments to be made
• New offsetting options and harmonized billing cycles
• New requirements related to the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program
• Electronic management of appeals and compliance

Who are commercial importers and can you delegate access to customs brokers?

Commercial importers are Canadian residents and non-resident businesses that import commercial goods into Canada. They are responsible for the payment of any duties and taxes as the importer of record (IOR).

Your customs broker may have typically submitted your B3 final accounting information to CBSA using their liability bond and helped you manage your monthly statement of account with CBSA on your behalf. However, with CARM, the IOR will need to have a CCP, their own security bond in place for access to Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges, and manage payments with CBSA directly.

Going forward, you may choose to give your customs broker access via the third-party delegation of account. They can continue to manage payments on your behalf, but the scope of service and potential service fees may need to be revisited.

While reporting and various other aspects have remained the same for now, further changes are coming. Having an experienced team that is proactive in mitigating problems before they arise can save you time and money. As a leading provider in container trucking and bonded sufferance warehousing in BC with authorized access to all major ports and rails in Metro Vancouver, we are here to offer our full support to all our customers. 
Our Less-than-truckload LTL and Full-truckload FTL services span across Canada with more frequent services to Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Contact us at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com to learn about our efficient and seamless transportation options from the Port of Vancouver to all major destinations throughout Canada. We’re a one-stop shop for all your logistical needs.