Participating in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program offers several important advantages for commercial importers:
- Accelerated Goods Release – Minimizes potential costs and delays.
- Deferred Accounting and Payment for Goods – Improves cash flow management.
- Enhanced Supply Chain Efficiency – Reduces border wait times and expedites customs clearance.
Over the past several months, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has actively communicated changes affecting the procedures for importing commercial goods into Canada:
- In April 2024, the CBSA announced a phased approach in the implementation of CARM as the official system of record for the importation of commercial goods into Canada, starting with an internal launch on May 13, 2024, and with an external launched for trade chain partners in the Fall of 2024.
- In May 2024, the CBSA announced that CARM would launch externally and become the official system of records for the collection of duties and taxes for goods imported into Canada on October 21, 2024.
- In August 2024, the CBSA announced a series of transition measures to ensure continued border fluidity and timely submission of accounting and payment of duties after CARM implementation on October 21, 2024. One of the key measures was a 180-day transition period, allowing importers and service providers time to adapt to the new financial security model and avoid disruptions.
To support users of the CARM system, the CBSA has made several resources available:
- The CARM Bulletins page provides timely updates on known issues, planned outages, and resolutions.
- The User Guides section includes documentation and the CARM Go-Live Playbook, which help clients navigate the CARM Client Portal.
- The CARM Client Support Helpdesk has increased staffing and created a dedicated workflow to handle CARM registration inquiries.
- For support with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or Application Programming Interface (API), users can contact the CARM Technical Support Unit.
The CBSA is the second-largest revenue generator for the Government of Canada, collecting over $40 billion annually in duties and taxes on commercial imports. The CARM project was initiated to modernize the aging technology used for this essential work and protect Canada’s revenue stream through updated systems and improved processes.
Argo Customs Brokers Is Here to Help
Navigating the CARM system, understanding the RPP Program, and ensuring full compliance can be complex—but you don’t have to do it alone. Argo Customs Brokers is ready to assist you every step of the way.
Whether you need help registering in the CARM Client Portal, posting financial security, or ensuring smooth customs clearance, our experienced team is here to guide you. We ensure your compliance with CBSA regulations so your goods keep moving—fast, secure, and hassle-free.
Contact Argo Customs Brokers today for expert customs brokerage services tailored to your business needs.