Upcoming Implementation of CARM Release 3 - Reminder

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be implementing the Canada Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Release 3 on October 21st, 2024.

Effective from October 21st, CARM system will become the official system for Canadian and Non-Resident Importers and other Trade Chain Partners (TCPs) to account for their goods and pay for their duties and taxes owed to CBSA.

This notice is to provide Canadian and Non-Resident Importers and service providers with important information regarding the cutover period, which is required for the CBSA to migrate existing systems and functionality to CARM systems and functionality for:

• New Implementation Date: October 21st, 2024
• Cutover Period: October 4 (4:00 pm ET) to October 21 (3:00 am ET). During the cutover period, the CARM system will not be accessible for users to register or log into the portal. And at the beginning of the cutover period, some CBSA legacy systems, such as the Customs Commercial System (CCS) and the Customs Automated Data Exchange (CADEX), will be retired.

What does it mean for Canadian Importers/You?

1. Access CARM Portal: Ensure your CARM portals are set up and you can access all relevant features prior to October 4th so that you are ready for the implementation on October 21st. If you have not yet registered or need assistance, visit the CBSA CARM Portal at https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/homepage
2. Review System Changes: Ensure you are familiar with the new functionalities and requirements of CARM Release 3. Detailed information about these changes can be found on the CBSA’s website 
3. Update Your Systems: Verify that your internal systems and processes are compatible with CARM Release 3. This may involve updating your software, modifying your procedures, or conducting tests to ensure smooth integration.
4. Delegate Authority: Make sure to delegate the appropriate authority to your customs broker. This delegation is crucial for them to act on your behalf and manage your import transactions effectively under the new system. You can update or verify this delegation through the CARM Portal.
5. Train Your Team: Provide training for your team members on the new procedures and requirements introduced by Release 3. Proper training will help avoid disruptions and ensure compliance with the new system.
6. Review Compliance Requirements: Double-check that all your documentation and compliance procedures align with the new regulations and guidelines introduced with Release 3

For assistance, please contact Crane’s Canada Customs Team: canada.customs@craneww.com if need any help and support!

May, 2024

CARM Update

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advised late Friday afternoon an update on its plans for the launch of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM).  The launch date for trade chain partners is being rescheduled to October 2024 to accommodate a possible impact on the Agency’s operations in the event of a positive strike vote by the Public Service Alliance of Canada.  Delaying the launch date of CARM for trade chain partners to October 2024 ensures that trade partners will receive full support of CBSA.

For more about Crane Worldwide in Canada, click here

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) digital initiative is changing how CBSA assesses and collects duties and taxes on commercial goods imported into Canada. 

On May 13th, 2024, CARM will become the official system of record that importers and other trade chain partners will use to pay duties and taxes. CARM Release 2 is a significant milestone in CBSA's efforts to modernize and streamline the customs and trade process, aimed at enhancing efficiency and security in the importation of goods into Canada.

Key points to remember for the CARM Release 2 implementation:

1. Implementation Date: CARM Release 2 is scheduled for May 13th, 2024, at which time all importers must be compliant with the new system.

2. Register on the CARM Client Portal: If you haven't already, make sure you are registered for a CARM Client Portal account. You will need this account to access the new system and complete your import-related transactions. Businesses must be registered on the CARM Portal prior to the CARM Release 2 launch date to avoid service disruptions. Visit the CBSA website for detailed instructions on registration. 

3. Delegation of Authority: If you haven’t already, ensure that you have assigned delegation of authority to any employees within your organization who require access to your CARM portal as well as your customs brokers and other service providers required to continue to offer customs brokerage or trade services.

4. Educational Resources: CBSA has provided a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, guides, and FAQs, to assist you in understanding the changes and how they will impact your import processes. These resources are available on the CBSA website https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/menu-eng.html

5. Testing: It's advisable to test the CARM Release 2 functionalities to ensure a smooth transition. You can participate in the CARM Release 2 sandbox environment to practice using the system before the implementation date.

6.Partner with Service Providers: If you work with customs brokers or other service providers, ensure they are well-informed and prepared for the transition to CARM Release 2. Collaboration with your service providers is essential for a seamless transition.

7.Stay Informed: Continue to monitor updates from CBSA, including any changes or additional information leading up to the implementation date.

CARM is here. Don't delay. Register today.

Making sure your business is ready for May 13th, 2024, is easy:

• Customs bonded warehouse licensees need to submit a warehouse inventory. Confirm how you will submit this information by March 29th, 2024. More for customs bonded warehouse licensees
• Importers should register their businesses and delegate authority to their customs broker in CARM now. More for importers
• Customs brokers should continue working with importers to ensure they are registered and have delegated the necessary access. More for customs brokers
• Trade consultant, financial security providers, or other trade chain partners can find out what they can do to get started with CARM.

What does it mean for You?

Pre-register on the CARM Client Portal, do the testing and grant accesses to your employees and/or your Brokers.

Contact Crane’s Canada Customs Team: canada.customs@craneww.com if need any help and support!