CARM – CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management System

In an era where trade and commerce cross borders with the speed of light, staying ahead of regulatory changes is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. At Otimo, we’re not just participants in the evolution of customs brokerage and trade compliance; we are leading the charge towards a future where efficiency, transparency, and compliance are not just ideals but realities.

Introducing CARM

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is rolling out CARM — the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system, a multi-phase initiative transforming how duties, taxes, and fees on imported goods are assessed, secured, and paid.

CARM is more than a systems change. It represents a fundamental shift toward a fully digital, importer-accountable customs environment, designed to support trade facilitation while strengthening the security and integrity of Canada’s borders and economy. Through advanced digital tools, CARM modernizes customs operations to reflect today’s evolving trade and regulatory landscape.

CARM Client Portal

At the centre of CARM is the CARM Client Portal (CCP), a single, centralized digital platform for managing importer accounts and trade data.

Under CARM, all commercial import transactions are managed through the CCP, including:

A new requirement for importers to post financial security directly with CBSA to maintain access to Release Prior to Payment (RPP)
Transition to the Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD), replacing the legacy B3 customs coding form
Changes to accounting dates, billing cycles, and statement processing, improving accuracy and efficiency
Expanded capabilities for online corrections, adjustments, offsets, and enhanced B2 processing
Online submission of rulings and appeals, increasing transparency and reducing administrative delays

How CARM impacts you as an Importer?

The two most significant changes under CARM are:

The shift to importer-based liability that includes financial security
Mandatory use of the CARM Client Portal (CCP)

Effective October 2024, all commercial importers must be registered in the CARM Client Portal to import goods into Canada.

NO CCP account = NO importation privileges

Under CARM, importers must take a more active role in managing their customs compliance. Participation is no longer optional, it is mandatory.

Importers are now responsible for:

Enrolling in Release Prior to Payment (RPP)
Posting and maintaining financial security
Granting Delegation of Authority to customs brokers and service providers
All trade compliance

Financial Security Requirements

Under CARM Release 3.0, effective October 2024, all importers must post financial security through the CCP in one of the following forms:

D120 Bond

Security amount equals 50% of the highest monthly amount owing to CBSA over the previous 12 months
Bonds must be posted electronically through the CARM Client Portal
Otimo recommends using Tariff Hippo to assess and obtain the appropriate financial security bond amount.

Cash Security

Cash security requires 100% of the highest monthly amount owing to CBSA over the previous 12 months
Cash is also posted directly through the CARM Client Portal

CBSA Annual Review of Financial Security

Each year on October 20, CBSA issues a financial security review notice via the CARM Client Portal.

This notification will advise whether your required security:

Must be increased, or
Is eligible to be reduce

Importers have until January 15 to complete any required updates to their financial security to remain compliant.

Otimo: Your Guide Through the CARM era

Otimo is an industry leader in navigating the CARM transition. With deep expertise and ongoing engagement with CBSA requirements, Otimo ensures a smooth transition to importer-based security and RPP under CARM and managing all trade compliance under the CARM Client portal. Trust your OC Team.

Forms that you need:

Otimo can help you get prepared for the upcoming changes in CARM. Let’s start by understanding the new forms that will replace the legacy system.

Download forms from Hippo

Contact Us Today

Don’t let the changing customs landscape catch you unprepared. Reach out to Otimo today to secure your spot at the forefront of customs modernization. Schedule a consultation or join one of our informative webinars to learn more about navigating the CARM Release 3.0 changes with confidence and ease.