Get ready for CARM

The CBSA’s CARM system is the platform for managing imports and payments.

Importers must:
Register in the CARM Client Portal (CCP) Register in the CARM Client Portal (CCP)
Use their own BN15 (Business Number)
Delegate authority to their customs broker (optional)
Manage duties, taxes, and post-entry adjustments
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To stay eligible for Release Prior to Payment (RPP), importers must secure financial security:

RPP bond: Covers 50% of your highest monthly duties/taxes
Cash deposit: 100% coverage (Note: BorderBuddy does not assist with this)
Failure to register may result in:
Import delays
Loss of RPP eligibility
No post-entry adjustments
Need help registering or securing your bond? We’ve got you covered.

What’s your email?

What’s your email?

Create your user profile

To log in to the CARM Client Portal, you must select either Sign In Partners or GCKey.

The CARM Client Portal can be first accessed from the CBSA Website . All individuals and businesses must first go through the initial setup prior to  using the CARM Client Portal’s main functionalities.

To help you get up to speed, access the CARM Client Portal Website  https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/auth/login

What’s your email?

What’s your email?

Importer's Full Legal Company Name

CARM RPP Bond

Under CBSA’s new CARM rules, all importers are now required to post financial security (either a surety bond or cash deposit) to maintain Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges. This became mandatory on May 20, 2024.

Get your RPP Bond here*

Login through sign-in partners

All individuals and businesses who use the Sign-In Partners option to login into the portal must have a personal account with the selected partner.

On selecting a Sign-In Partner, you will be directed to the Partner’s sign-in page where you need to follow the steps provided for logging in.

Create your GCKey

All individuals and businesses registering with the CARM Client Portal must use the GCKey option to log in. If you do not already have an active GCKey, you will need to create one.

Click on "Continue to GC Key"
This is NOT the same GC Key Access as the CRA for your CRA account.

Previous broker BN usage

Have you previously used the provided Business Number (BN15) with another broker to clear shipments either in the months leading up to opening an account with BorderBuddy or before October 4, 2024?

CARM Sign Up

Click on "Sign Up" button in the "Simple Secure Access" area to the right-hand side of the screen.

CARM transaction history from another broker

Since we don’t have prior transaction history associated with your Importer (RM) account, we’re unable to provide this information directly.

We recommend reaching out to your previous customs broker (prior to BorderBuddy) to request your transaction history, as this will help you successfully answer the CARM security questions.

For further assistance, you can contact the CBSA’s CARM Client Support Helpdesk (CCSH) by completing the Web Contact Form or by calling 1-800-461-9999. You may also email your inquiries to  cbsa.carm_engagement-engagement_de_la_gcra.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

If you’d like support from our team, feel free to book an appointment with our CARM Support Team.

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FAQ

Answers to all
your queries

What are my options for providing financial security?
  • Cash Security Deposit: This requires a deposit equal to 100% of your highest estimated monthly accounts payable to the CBSA, including GST. While this guarantees payment, it can significantly impact your cash flow.
  • Surety Bond: A more flexible option, requiring a bond for 50% of your highest monthly accounts payable. This allows you to maintain better cash flow while still meeting your CBSA obligations. The minimum bond amount is $5,000.
  • No Security: Without a cash deposit or bond, you'll need to pay duties and taxes at the time of import, potentially causing delays and impacting your ability to get goods to market quickly.
Why does a surety bond make sense for my business?
  • Frees up cash flow: You only need to secure 50% of your highest monthly obligation.
  • Faster customs clearance: Avoid payment delays and get your goods moving.
  • Flexibility: A surety bond adapts to your import volume, covering all your shipments.
  • Compliance: Ensures you meet CBSA requirements and avoid penalties.
How much financial security do I need for CARM?

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires financial security equal to 50% of your highest monthly duty and tax payable within the last 12 months. This is calculated by taking your highest monthly total for duties and taxes and dividing it by two.

How do I find out how much security I need?

The easiest way to determine your required financial security amount is through the CARM Client Portal:

  1. Log in to your CARM Client Portal.
  2. Navigate to the Financial Security page: You can usually find this under "Home" or the main menu, then "Financial Information," and finally, "Financial Security."
  1. View your Financial Security Dashboard: This dashboard provides a clear overview of your financial security status, including:
    • Total security required: The exact amount of financial security you need for your account.
    • Current security coverage: The amount of financial security you currently have in place.

By checking your dashboard, you can quickly and easily verify the specific amount of financial security required for your business.

What if I'm a new importer?

New importers have a minimum financial security requirement of $5,000. While you won't have prior import data to calculate 50% of your highest monthly duty and tax payable, you'll need to secure this minimum amount.

The CARM Client Portal will proactively notify you as your import activity grows and your required security approaches or exceeds your current coverage:

  • 75% Utilization: You'll receive a notification when your required security reaches 75% of your current coverage. This serves as an early warning to consider increasing your security.
  • 100% Utilization: If your required security exceeds 100% of your current coverage, you'll receive notifications on days 1, 6, and 10. These notifications will remind you that you must either pay off your outstanding balance or increase your security coverage to avoid account disruptions.

These notifications are designed to help you maintain adequate financial security and ensure smooth import operations. Regularly monitor your CARM Client Portal notifications to stay informed.

GET IN TOUCH

Still have questions?

Email us:

For any inquiries or further information, email us at carm@borderbuddy.com

Call us:

Speak directly with one of our experts by calling
+16044098163

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