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romnick1
Apr 164 min read

Charting Success: Preparing for CARM Launch through CCP Registration

Effective October 21, 2024, the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system will become the primary platform for importers and trade chain partners (TCPs) to manage their customs-related duties and taxes owed to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This new system aims to streamline and modernize the process of accounting for goods, ensuring greater efficiency and accuracy in the collection and reporting of revenue.

 Photo by CBSA

Please select the appropriate link below based on your needs. Each link provides detailed steps for Portal Registration, Business Registration, and Delegation of Authority. These steps will guide you through the process of registering, creating a profile, and linking your business to the Business Account Manager (BAM) profile.

 

Registering Your Small / Medium Business on the CARM Client Portal 

 

Registering on the CARM Client Portal (CCP) as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI)

 

Step 1

CBSA Video: How to create sign in credentials and a user account in the CARM Client Portal

Step 2

CBSA Video: How to link a user account to a business account in the CARM Client Portal

Step 3

CBSA Video: How to set up a delegation of authority for a third party service provider in the CARM Client Portal

 

You can also access the full CBSA’s CARM User Guide below

 


Key Highlights of the Transition:


  1. Cutover Period: To facilitate the migration from current systems to CARM, the CBSA will enforce a cutover period from October 4 (4:00 pm ET) to October 21 (3:00 am ET). During this time, existing CBSA systems, such as the Customs Commercial System (CCS) and Customs Automated Data Exchange (CADEX), will be phased out to ensure a smooth transition to the CARM platform.


  2. Limited System Access: The CARM Client Portal (CCP) will be inaccessible during the cutover period, halting new registrations or program enrollments for importers. Trusted Trader Enrolment under the Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) will also be paused but resumes post-cutover on October 21. Partners in Protection (PIP) enrollment will remain active through the Trusted Trader Management System (TTMS).


  3. Ongoing Release Operations: While several systems will be down, release processing for goods will continue as usual, with a minor maintenance window scheduled between October 5 and October 6, 2024. Existing Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges will remain intact, and broker RPP bonds can be used as per current process.


  4. New Importer and Exporter Guidelines: New commercial importers can still obtain a business number (BN) and program account through an interim process until October 18, 2024. Non-resident importers must register their BN through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) before using the CARM Client Portal (CCP) for customs-related transactions after October 21.

    Following CARM implementation on October 21, 2024, for the purposes of commercial business with the CBSA, the BN should be obtained via the CCP, however, CRA’s business number registration process remains available. The program account (RM) can only be obtained via the CARM Client Portal.

    Important note: any non-resident requiring a BN, must follow CRA’s business number registration process and then use the CCP to enrol in CBSA programs to obtain a RM account.

    For exporters, the CBSA will continue assigning new RM accounts until October 18, 2024. However, exporters must utilize either a customs service provider or complete the paper BSF844 Exporter Contingency Form for export declarations during the cutover period. These paper submissions must be converted to electronic declarations once the CARM system is fully operational.


  5. Electronic Accounting Documents: The submission of B3 accounting documents will be paused during the cutover, with importers required to submit these in the new Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) format starting October 21, 2024. The CBSA has established a schedule to handle the backlog of withheld B3/CADs, ensuring the timely processing of documents after the system transition.


Key Dates for CAD Submission Post-Cutover:

  • October 21: Submit CADs for releases between October 4-5.

  • October 22: Submit CADs for releases between October 6-7.

  • The schedule continues until October 29, covering releases until October 20.


  1. Penalties and Interest Relief: To ease the transition, the CBSA will not issue late accounting, payment penalties, or interest for 90 days following the cutover. However, unpaid accounts may still face CRA collection measures.


Important Considerations:

  • The Statement of Account (SOA) for October 2024 will reflect transactions processed between September 25 and October 4, and CARM transactions between October 21 and October 24.

  • Payments must be made by October 31 through approved channels, including online banking and pre-authorized debits (PAD).


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