The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has sent a reminder to all trade chain members about the end of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) transition period for importers obtaining Release Prior to Payment (RPP) which ends on May 20, 2025. Further details of the release are available here.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has continued to work with the agency around the potential implications of CARM and the transition period ending. The CBSA has outlined that if an importer has not enrolled in RPP, there will be no release on file with the agency, and that the conveyance cannot proceed inland without this release on file.
Without RPP, importers will have to pay all duties and taxes at the time of arrival at a port of entry, and importers will no longer be able to benefit from having their goods released at the border prior to making payment of the duties and taxes after May 20.
The agency indicated there are steps that transporting carriers and freight forwards can take for a smoother border crossing experience on May 20, such as:
- Applying for a Bonded Status
- Registering for eManifest and Release Notification System notices by emailing the Technical Commercial Client Unit at tccu-ustcc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Establishing an alternate inland sufferance warehouse destination
Carriers are also encouraged to remain in contact with customs brokers, who can assist in determining an importer’s RPP status.
The CARM Client Support Helpdesk is available to provide support and the CBSA has added resources and a dedicated work flow for CARM registration enquiries.
User guides and the CARM Go-Live Playbook are also available on the User Guides web page to help clients navigate the CARM Client Portal. Clients requiring support for Electronic Data Interchange or Application Program Interface may contact the CARM Technical Support Unit