How to set up import accounts as a new importer in Canada

Companies that set up import accounts in Canada gain access to valuable trade opportunities available in the Canadian economy. Learning how to start importing to Canada can reduce the time and effort required to establish your business.

Depending on where your business operates, and the type of goods you send to Canada, you can register your import company in a few days or a few months. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recommends that you have all the required information and documentation before filling out import forms. Most businesses will be able to register through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal, while others will need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to begin importing in Canada.

How to start importing as a new Canadian importer

The majority of new importers of commercial goods can start by registering with the CARM Client Portal. Canadian resident importers can get a business number (BN9) through the portal, which will consist of a nine-digit number that serves as an identification for the importer’s business. Non-resident importers (NRI) are businesses located outside of Canada. NRIs must go through a different process to register as an authorized importer-exporter within Canada.

In addition to the BN9, new Canadian importers will need to register for an import-export (RM) program account number. Prior to applying for the RM program, you’ll need to have your BN9 ready. After successfully registering through the CARM portal, you’ll have a four-digit RM program number. Both your BN9 and RM numbers will be required to clear your imports, so it’s important to have them on hand well before you start importing goods across the border. Within the import-export industry, the BN9 and RM are sometimes referred to as the BN15. A BN15 consists of the nine-digit business number, the two-letter program identifier, and the four digit RM number.

Designating a business account manager (BAM) is another key aspect of establishing an import business in Canada. This will be the first person to provide their personal profile in the system. A BAM will have the highest access level to the business account, including the ability to change all business information in the CARM portal. A second business account manager should be designated if possible as a backup for the account.

How is the registration process different for NRIs?

Starting as a non-resident importer (NRI) in Canada will involve the CRA, in addition to registering with the CARM Client Portal. Unlike resident importers, who can get a BN9 through the CARM portal, NRIs will need to register with the CRA to get a business number.

After registering with the CRA, NRIs will have a BN9 number that can be used as their business identifier. At this point, NRIs can go ahead and start the process of getting a RM number by registering under the CARM portal as an importer-exporter.

What import forms do I need as an importer in Canada?

The CBSA outlines the import forms and documentation that businesses need in order to register with the importer-exporter program. Typically, it’s recommended for businesses to have the following registrations and paperwork ready to go before applying:

• Business Account Manager (BAM) name and email
• GCKey user ID
• BN9 and RM number
• Legal entity name or the operating name of the business
• Full physical or mailing address of the legal entity attached to the BN9
• Information such as transaction numbers, account balances, payments, and duties/taxes

When you have all these details ready to go, registering in the CARM portal will be much smoother and faster. Many importers, both new and established, choose to work with customs brokers in Canada to ensure that all the details will be taken care of.

How importers work with customs brokers through CARM

Registered customs brokers collaborate with resident importers and NRIs to help manage a variety of business processes and compliance issues. Similar to import businesses, customs brokers must also register in the CARM portal to provide services to clients.

Importers can delegate authority to customs brokers and allow them to act on behalf of their import business. This enables the BAM of a customs broker to assign roles to other customs employees, who assist in providing services to the importer. Import businesses and customs brokers should discuss payment arrangements for duties, taxes, and other customs-related costs.

Trade consultants also have the ability to provide services to importers via CARM. If an importer wants to submit rulings to the CBSA, they can delegate that task to a consultant who will perform the process instead.

Start your Canadian importing business the right way

Starting as a Canadian importer involves a few key steps, including registering with the CARM Client Portal, obtaining a BN9 and RM program number, and designating a BAM. Non-resident importers follow a slightly different process, but they must ensure they have the same necessary documentation as a resident importer, such as a BN9 and a registration for an RM number. Collaborating with customs brokers and trade consultants can help to streamline the process of starting as a new Canadian importer, letting business owners focus on growing their business instead of dealing with complex regulations.

Cole International has more than a half century of experience with import and export businesses operating across Canada and the United States. Reach out and connect with one of our customs leaders today.

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