CARM Compliance
Navigate CARM with Confidence
R&R Customs Brokers guides Canadian importers through every phase of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management transition — from portal registration to ongoing compliance.
Background
What Is CARM?
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is the Canada Border Services Agency's multi-year initiative to modernize and streamline the collection of duties and taxes on imported goods. It replaces legacy systems with a single online portal — the CARM Client Portal (CCP) — and introduces new self-assessment, payment, and release processes that directly affect every Canadian importer.
All commercial importers are now required to register in the CARM Client Portal and manage their own trade accounts directly with the CBSA.
What changed for importers
- 1
Mandatory portal registration
Every commercial importer must create a CARM Client Portal (CCP) account — no exceptions.
- 2
Importers post their own security
Customs brokers can no longer post financial security on your behalf. You must arrange a surety bond or cash deposit directly with CBSA.
- 3
Monthly statement billing
Duties and taxes are now billed on a monthly cycle, replacing the old transaction-by-transaction model.
- 4
Broker delegation required
You must formally grant your broker delegation authority inside the CCP before they can transact on your behalf.
Impact
How CARM Affects Your Business
CARM fundamentally changes how duties and taxes are assessed, paid, and managed. Here's what every importer needs to understand.
Talk to an expertOur Services
How R&R Helps
Our team has guided hundreds of importers through the CARM transition. We handle the complexity so you can focus on your business.
CARM Registration Assistance
Step-by-step guidance to register your business in the CARM Client Portal, including business number linking and account setup.
Delegation of Authority Setup
We walk you through granting R&R the proper delegation level in the CCP so we can continue managing your customs transactions seamlessly.
Security & RPP Advisory
We assess your import volume and advise on the right financial security option — surety bond or cash deposit — to maintain Release Prior to Payment privileges.
Statement Reconciliation
We can assist with reviewing your monthly CARM statements, flagging discrepancies, and helping you reconcile duty and tax amounts before payment deadlines.
Compliance Health Checks
Proactive reviews of your classification, valuation, and origin declarations to reduce the risk of CBSA corrections and penalties under the new system.
Ongoing CARM Support
As CBSA continues to roll out CARM features, we keep you informed of changes and update your processes to stay ahead of new requirements.
Our Process
Getting CARM-Ready: Our Process
Assessment
We review your current import profile, existing broker relationship, and security arrangements to identify gaps and priorities.
Portal Setup
We guide you through CCP registration, business number linking, and delegation of authority to R&R Customs Brokers.
Security Arrangement
We help you select and post the appropriate financial security with CBSA to maintain RPP privileges and avoid shipment delays.
Ongoing Management
We monitor your monthly statements, flag issues early, and keep your compliance posture strong as CARM continues to evolve.
Get started
Ready to Get CARM-Compliant?
Don't let CARM catch you off guard. Our team is ready to walk you through every step — from portal registration to monthly statement management.