What is CARM?

What is CARM?

CARM, which stands for the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management, is a digital initiative by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that aims to change how duties and taxes on commercial goods imported into Canada are assessed and collected. It will become the official system of record for importers and other trade chain partners to pay duties and taxes, and it offers a client portal for registration and management of import-related transactions. The initiative is set to be fully implemented by May 13, 2024, and it will have significant implications for importers, customs brokers, and other trade chain partners.

Benefits of CARM?

Once fully implemented, CARM will simplify the overall importing process by:

1. providing a modern interface for importing into Canada
2. giving importers self-service access to their information
3. improving consistency of compliance with trade rules

A new way to account for imported goods

A new commercial accounting declaration (CAD) will be introduced in May 2024. The CAD will serve as the digital document to account for imported goods into Canada, replacing the current customs coding (B3) and request for adjustment (B2) forms. Any corrections or adjustments made to a CAD will be recorded as a new version of the original declaration.

The CARM system will automatically calculate the duties and taxes based on the information provided by the client on the CAD. Clients will be able to submit, correct or adjust the CAD via the CARM Client Portal or electronic data interchange (EDI), or an application programming interface (API).

Clients can make corrections to the original CAD submission up to the payment due date, interest-free. Any changes client make to the CAD after the payment due date, otherwise known as adjustments, may be subject to CBSA review.

The CAD will not impact the release process. There will be slight changes for the C-type entry process, where the CAD form will replace the B3 form in the release package. A CAD will not be accepted from a customs broker without a proper delegation of authority.

To learn more, visit the CBSA website for more information on CARM.

How Trustfreight is preparing for CARM

At Trustfreight, we are proactively embracing the advancements brought by the CBSA CARM initiative. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry innovation is demonstrated through our active participation in the CBSA CARM Client Portal. We recognize the significance of a seamless transition to this new system for our clients, and we are dedicated to fostering this through close collaboration and support.

Moreover, our team is engaged in comprehensive training programs to master the new processes and requirements introduced by CARM. Not only are we updating our internal systems and procedures but also ensuring they are in complete alignment with the new digital platform. Our focus is to provide our clients with the most efficient and effective service, underpinned by the latest technological solutions and professional expertise.

If you have any questions or concerns about CARM, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to support you through this transition and ensure a smooth and successful experience for your importing needs.