If your business imports or exports commercial goods into or out of Canada, you must have an import-export program (RM) account.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides federal business numbers that allow it to administer taxation and other government programs. You are also required to have a federal business number (BN) to participate in some other federal and provincial programs.
Importers and exporters need to register for their business number with the CRA before they can register for an import-export program (RM) account, which is administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
On October 21, 2024, you will be able to register for an import-export program (RM) account using the CARM Client Portal.
Until then, if you wish to register for an account, you must:
- Complete form BSF947: Request for a CBSA Import/Export Program Account using your 9-digit business number from the CRA.
Important: Indicate all of your business names that may appear on customs release forms and documents, such as invoices (if the name on the customs release document is different from the name that the CBSA has on file, your request may be rejected.) - Email the completed and signed form as an attachment to carm_rm_support-soutien_rm_gcra@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
If you need to update or make changes (for example, RM program account name change, RM program account address changes, RM program account re-activation):
- Complete form BSF948: Request for Change(s) to Existing CBSA Import/Export Program Account. Email the completed form as an attachment to carm_rm_support-soutien_rm_gcra@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
If you need support or have questions about your CBSA RM program account, email: carm_rm_support-soutien_rm_gcra@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Helpful Links
CARM: Assess and pay duties and taxes on imported commercial goods (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/start-passer-eng.html
ARGO Customs Brokers is At Your Service
For assistance with creating an Import-Export Program Account, contact our agents. ARGO Customs Brokers is available for consultation regarding all activities involving importing to and exporting goods from Canada.