How to Navigate CARM for Canada Imports
General
Key takeaways
CARM is now mandatory for all commercial shipments entering Canada.
Importers must register in the CARM Client Portal and post financial security.
U.S. exporters can act as Non-Resident Importers (NRIs).
Failure to comply leads to shipment delays and financial penalties.
Mercury helps simplify compliance with full visibility and proactive support
What Is CARM and Why Does It Matter
Starting May 20, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) activated the final phase of CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management). From that date, all commercial imports into Canada—regardless of value—must go through the CARM Client Portal. The Importer of Record (IOR) must post financial security in its own name to maintain Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges. Failure to comply can lead to shipments being held until duties and taxes are fully paid. (CARM: Assess and pay duties and taxes on imported commercial goods)
Understanding the CARM System
CARM replaces older customs processes with the CARM Client Portal (CCP). It streamlines account management, electronic billing, and documentation. Unlike the past, where customs brokers could post financial security, the importer must now post their own bond or cash deposit.
CARM offers real-time dashboards, transaction records, and full payment visibility, reducing uncertainty around customs clearance.
CARM Before and After
Before CARM | With CARM | |
|---|---|---|
Where do you file & pay | Paper or broker portals | CARM Client Portal (CCP) |
Who posts security | Often the customs broker | Importer of record posts its own surety bond (50% of monthly A/R, ≥ CAD 5,000) or cash |
When entries clear | After the broker’s bond covers them | Only after the importer’s bond is on file, unless duties/taxes are prepaid |
Visibility | Limited statements | Full dashboards, daily transactions, e-billing |
Who Needs to Comply?
CARM applies to all commercial goods entering Canada, regardless of value. Personal-use goods carried by travelers are exempt from duty. This means that a $10 promotional item is treated with the same level of compliance rigor as a large commercial shipment.
Whether you’re a U.S.-based exporter or a Canadian buyer, someone must serve as the Importer of Record (IOR) and fulfill CARM requirements.
CARM ignores the usual “low value” (CAD 3,300) courier exemption—even a CAD 10 promotional sample counts as a commercial import.
Importer of Record: Recipient vs. Non-Resident Importer
The IOR can be either the Canadian recipient or the U.S. exporter acting as an NRI. Here’s how they differ:
Scenario | Who must register in CARM? | What they need |
|---|---|---|
The recipient in Canada is IOR | Canadian company |
|
Exporter acts as Non-Resident Importer (NRI) | Company shipping to Canada |
|
The choice affects who controls the shipment and customs process.
How to Register in the CARM Client Portal
Create a Government of Canada login.
Add your Business Number (BN 9) and RM import account.
Assign a Business Account Manager (BAM).
Connect brokers and parcel carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL).
Upload a surety bond or cash deposit.
Start registration here: https://ccp-pcc.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/en/auth/login
What Happens If You Don’t Comply
Shipments without CARM compliance will be held at the border or a bonded warehouse. Duties and taxes must be paid before release. This also ends the traditional 30-day payment terms, adding financial strain.
Additionally, non-compliance results in storage fees, demurrage costs, or returns to sender.
How Mercury Keeps You Compliant and Moving
Mercury simplifies cross-border compliance with a four-step process:
Pre-flight Checks: Every Canada-bound order is reviewed to confirm who is acting as the IOR.
Direct Outreach: Mercury contacts the IOR to verify CARM registration and posted security.
Escalation Alerts: If there’s no confirmation within one business day, Mercury notifies the shipper to act.
Expert Coaching: Our teams are trained in CARM and NRI workflows and support clients through every step.
With Mercury, you avoid delays and maintain full control of your shipments.
Your CARM Compliance Checklist
Choose the Importer of Record for each Canadian shipment.
Confirm the IOR has a BN 9 and RM import account.
Ensure the IOR has been registered in the CARM Client Portal.
Post financial security (bond or cash).
Authorize parcel carriers and customs brokers in the portal.
These steps apply regardless of shipment value.
How Mercury Helps You Focus on What Matters
CARM brings a new layer of complexity to U.S.-Canada trade. Mercury handles the logistics and compliance burden so your team can focus on business growth, client relationships, and operational efficiency.
Our integrated platform tracks shipments, monitors compliance, and alerts you to exceptions. We tailor workflows based on your needs—whether you're a U.S. biotech firm sending kits to a Canadian lab or a medical device company shipping product samples.
Conclusion
CARM is now a permanent part of doing business in Canada. Understanding its rules and staying compliant is no longer optional. Non-compliance results in delays, added costs, and reputational risk.
Mercury’s expert teams and proactive systems ensure you stay ahead. Let us handle CARM so you can focus on what you do best.
Need help with Canadian imports? Contact Mercury to ensure compliance and keep your shipments moving without interruption.
