CARM Client Portal Requirement
Effective October 21, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will require the importer of record to pay duties and taxes directly to CBSA through a client portal called CARM for all businesses importing commercial shipments to Canada. Each importer is required to register in advance.
Shippers who are importer of records should contact their Canadian customs broker to obtain further guidance of what is needed. Your shipment to Canada will be detained if your registration is not arranged in advance.
How do I involve my broker?
A business relationship can be established between a client (Importer) and its service provider(s) in the CARM Client Portal. Service providers will first be required to set up both individual and business accounts, much like the process their client would follow. Only then will a service provider be able to initiate a business relationship by sending a request to their client. Once established, the business relationship will allow a service provider (customs broker and/or trade consultant) to act on behalf of their client(s) and manage their account(s) within the CARM Client Portal.
Client Support:
Contact the CARM Client Support Helpdesk (CCSH) if you are a current importer, customs broker or trade consultant and need support
Online: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/start-passer-eng.html#s1
Telephone: 1-800-461-9999 Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm EST.
For more information, visit the CARM client portal here.