The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has outlined the steps required for Trade Chain Partners (TCPs) to authenticate or register their businesses and access the CARM Commercial Portal (CCP). Registration is a critical step for accessing CCP functionality and performing operational activities under the CARM system.

At the end of the registration process, TCPs will either validate existing identifiers or obtain new ones:

• BN9 (Business Number)
• RM (Program Identifier)
• Program ID (for specific CBSA programs, if applicable)

What You Need to Know

The registration process involves creating a User Profile, linking existing identifiers (BN9, RM, and Program ID), and completing registration scenarios. This process ensures all businesses can securely access and operate within the CARM Commercial Portal.

Key Identifiers Explained:

1. BN9: A nine-digit Business Number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Businesses receive a BN9 when they register federally, provincially, or for specific tax programs (e.g., GST, HST).
2. RM: A six-digit program identifier indicating enrollment in CBSA programs such as Importer, Carrier, or Customs Broker. Under CARM, the RM identifier now applies to all CBSA programs.
3. BN15: A combination of the BN9 and RM program identifier (e.g., 123456789RM0001).
4. Program ID: A unique CBSA identifier for businesses in specific CBSA programs, including:
   • Transporter (Carrier)
   • Customs Bonded Warehouses
   • Sufferance Warehouses
   • Duty-Free Shops

Registration Process Steps

The registration process follows five key steps:

1. Log into the CARM Commercial Portal (CCP):
   TCP accesses the CCP to initiate the registration process.
2. Create a User Profile:
   The TCP creates an account in the CCP to gain access.
3. Complete Delegation of Authority:
   Delegation of Authority must be completed to assign permissions and roles.
4. Provide Identifiers (BN9, RM, Program ID):
   TCPs must provide or validate existing identifiers or obtain new ones during registration.
5. Complete Registration:
   TCP completes registration by following one of the five outlined scenarios.

Important Information for Existing Clients

• TCPs with active Importer or Customs Broker accounts prior to CARM implementation will already have a BN9 and RM.
• TCPs in CBSA programs like Transporter (Carrier), Customs Bonded Warehouses, Sufferance Warehouses, or Duty-Free Shops will use their legacy Program IDs for registration.

ARGO Customs Brokers Can Help

Navigating the CARM registration process can be complex. ARGO Customs Brokers is here to help:

• Assistance with User Profile creation and Delegation of Authority
• Guidance on obtaining and validating BN9, RM, and Program IDs
• Support for completing registration scenarios

Need support for CARM registration? Contact ARGO Customs Brokers today.