Important Changes to CARM Release 2 Implementation Date

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has officially postponed the staged introduction of Release 2 for the Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) projects to May 2024.

The CARM project stands as a significant effort by the CBSA to modernize duty and tax collections for imported goods into Canada. In the project’s initial phase, importers, brokers, and trade consultants could view transactions, account statements, and request rulings. These services continue to be available prior to the Release 2 phase implementation of CARM.

We continue to recommend that importers familiarize themselves with the forthcoming changes and the impacts of CARM, well in advance of the planned May 2024 launch. CBSA is granting a 180-day transition period to all importers who have successfully joined the CARM Client Portal, prior to May 2024, Release Prior to Payment qualifying status allowing ample time to adjust to the new model. Importers who neglect to register on the CARM Client Portal, before the May 2024 launch, will be required to provide financial security upon implementation and risk facing possible border disruptions due to not being enrolled in RRP through the CARM Client Portal.

Should you have inquiries about the CARM Client Portal, Release Prior to Payment, or the implementation timelines, please feel free to contact our office for assistance.