You’ve no doubt seen or heard about CARM, an initiative from the Canada Border Services Agency which seeks to modernize and streamline the process of importing commercial goods.
Here’s an introductory look.
CARM is an acronym for CBSA’s Assessment and Revenue Management project. It is a multi-year initiative that will modernize how the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) assesses imported goods and manages revenue.
Once fully implemented, CARM will streamline and automate business processes and offer online self-service tools to help the trade community do business in Canada.
CBSA advises it will be launching CARM in stages, as follows:
CARM Release 0 – has been accomplished. It had no impact on the trade community; the changes occurred in the background.
CARM Release 1 – May 2021:
The CBSA will provide current clients (composed of importers, customs brokers and trade consultants) with the ability to:
- sign up on the CARM Client Portal to create, view, and manage their accounts,
- make payments
- file advanced ruling requests
- delegate access to customs brokers online and
- otherwise become familiar with the CARM self-serve options.
CARM Release 2 – Spring 2022:The CBSA will replace the current B3 (customs coding form) and B2 (adjustment request forms) and related processes with a new electronic declaration form, called the Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD).
Changes to the billing cycle will be introduced to harmonize the payment due dates for all transactions and simplify the ways account information can be corrected and adjusted.
In addition, as part of Release 2, changes to the Release Prior to Payment Program will be introduced whereby importers interested in participating in the program will be asked to post financial security directly, with various online options.
To help keep you educated and aware of CARM, Farrow will be issuing more information about what you need to know, and what you (our valued clients) need to do with respect to CARM in the days, weeks and months to come.
In the meantime, for more information and to stay up-to-date on CARM, visit this link on a regular basis, or contact your Client Partnering Representative.
