Since the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced another delay to the long-awaited launch of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has continued to reach out to members for feedback about the initiative, with fleets indicating that CBSA must continue to work with industry to alleviate border fluidity concerns, and be ready to implement CARM as scheduled on October 21, 2024.
CARM is a digital initiative which will modernize the collection of duties and taxes for goods imported into Canada. All trade chain partners have worked to be ready for CARM over the last several years, with over 90,000 importers now registered on the portal. These importers represent well over 90 percent of the volume of goods imported into Canada.
The CBSA has indicated that the movement of trucks will remain a high priority when CARM is introduced, and has previously provided CTA with additional guidance on measures that will facilitate release at the border and help reduce or eliminate possible border slowdowns. Although the agency has stated they are ready for CARM’s roll out, the CBSA must ensure that contingencies are put in place to address issues quickly and efficiently should repercussions arise at the border.
“Fleets have been working diligently with their customers and customs brokers over the last several months to be ready for the launch of CARM. There is also an understanding that despite the perception of readiness, the onboarding of any new system can lead to unexpected challenges, especially when dealing with IT infrastructure, multiple trade chain partners, and a highly complex project such as CARM,” says CTA’s Director of Policy and Industry Awareness Programs, Lak Shoan.
Carriers are strongly encouraged to reach out to their customs brokers and customers to ensure CARM awareness and compliance. Members with questions or concerns regarding CARM can submit feedback to operations_safety@cantruck.ca.
Carriers will be able to register for a CARM Client Portal account following the October implementation. A business number is required and can be obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency.
For information related to CARM onboarding, webinars, and other communications materials, fleets can review the following links:
- CARM Webinars and Open Mic Sessions
- Instructional Videos to help you with CARM
- Stay up to date with CBSA via the CARM: Assess and pay duties and taxes on imported commercial goods (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) web page
- Frequently Asked Questions about the CARM Client Portal
Carriers with further questions about CARM can reach out to CBSA via email at: cbsa.carm_engagement-engagement_de_la_gcra.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca