Registered in CARM yet? Here's what you need to know right now.

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management program (CARM) is expected to move into Release 2 in 2023. Are you ready?

Check your registration

Moving to any new system can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but CARM doesn’t have to be. Working step by step through your CARM checklist will ensure you have all your ducks in a row when it comes time to start swimming in the CARM Client Portal (CCP). Check out our CARM Checkpoints app that helps you make heads or tails of your CARM checklist.

If you have not registered yet, consider this your reminder to do so—and soon!

All importers must register in the CCP before Release 2 (R2) happens. While you might glance at the calendar and think, “Okay, I have 10 months before R2,” it’s important to remember that registration is only the first of several things to put in place in order to be ready for R2.

Your CARM-readiness checklist

Release 1:

• Register in the CCP
• Create your account and delegate authority to your employees and/or customs broker and/or trade consultant
• Familiarize yourself with your account layout and view where transactions are posted
• Set up your payment system
• Begin to track progress of rulings electronically
• Set up your Importer Security Bond

• Understand changes to your CBSA billing cycle and account activities
• Submit, correct and adjust a Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD – replaces form B3)
• Post and monitor security for Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges

Education is the best medicine

When it comes to being ready for CARM, the more prepared you are, the better your experience will be. Along with attending the webinars above, consider reviewing these informative posts we shared when CARM first came on the scene:

• Getting started with CARM
• CARM simplified: registering in the CARM Client Portal (CCP)
• CARM simplified: delegation
• CARM simplified: CARM import bonds
• CARM: Cole's latest updates for importers

CARM: A new world

Despite the fact that CARM asks importers to manage their own account(s) with CBSA, broker assistance continues to be in high demand. This is because CARM will continue allowing brokers visibility into importer account transactions and SOA, as well as tracking current CBSA activity. In other words, your broker can review and assist with the importer account if requested.  

At Cole International, we will continue offering account assistance to all our importer customers registered in CARM. Here are a few ways our brokers can help you:

• Ensure you understand your CBSA account activities visible in your CARM Client Portal (CCP)
• Distinguish between importer versus broker balances (note: broker balances will go away in CARM)
• Help you discern what to pay CBSA, and what your broker is paying CBSA 
• Alert you to when payments should be made and when they will clear the balance
• Show you where to access the information you need
• Assistance with outstanding credits and balances
• Keep you up to date on the CBSA broker and process rules. Visit here for the most relevant updates regarding importer accounts.
• Continue providing education, resources as well as full-spectrum broker services

Confused by changing rules and requirements? An experienced customs broker can handle the details and make the import process easier. Partner with us today.

CARM. It's what we do.