CARM Explained: What Shippers, Carriers, and Trucking Companies Must Know to Move Freight into Canada

If the importer isn’t CARM compliant, your truck doesn’t move.

If you’re hauling freight into Canada—or shipping goods there as an importer of record—you now face one of the most significant changes in cross-border trade in years: CARM, short for the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system.

Launched by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), CARM is a modernized digital platform that completely changes how duties and taxes are assessed, paid, and tracked for commercial imports into Canada.

Why CARM Matters for Cross-Border Trucking

While CARM has been rolling out in phases for several years, October 21, 2024 marked the date when all importers of record—including U.S. companies—were required to register in the CARM Client Portal (CCP). And starting May 20, 2025, importers must also post financial security in CARM before CBSA will release shipments.

For U.S.-based carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers, this means:

• No CARM registration = no clearance. If your importer (or you, if acting as the importer of record) isn’t registered, cargo will be held at the border.
• CARM is not just for importers. Carriers and freight forwarders must also register to manage carrier codes, post security, and avoid delays.
• More accountability for U.S. companies. Even if you use a customs broker, you must be in the CARM system to authorize them to act on your behalf.

Key Dates

• October 21, 2024 – CARM became mandatory for all importers of record.
• May 20, 2025 – Importers must have posted financial security in CARM (surety bond or cash deposit) to continue clearing shipments.

Who Needs to Register in CARM?

• Canadian importers
• Non-Resident Importers (NRIs) – U.S. businesses acting as the importer of record
• Carriers – to obtain or manage a CBSA carrier code and handle AMPS penalties
• Freight forwarders – to manage CBSA program accounts and documentation

How CARM Changes the Process

Before CARM: Importers often relied on brokers to handle all customs accounting using legacy systems.
With CARM: Every importer has their own online account in the CARM Client Portal, where they can:

• View and pay duties/taxes electronically
• Access real-time statements of account
• Submit corrections and adjustments
• Manage bonds and financial security
• Monitor AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalties)

CARM Financial Security Requirements

Starting May 20, 2025, all importers—including NRIs—must post financial security in CARM:

• Surety Bond – Annual cost varies by amount of coverage required
• Cash Deposit – Equal to 50% of the highest monthly duties/taxes owed

Tip: Smaller-volume shippers may find a cash deposit cheaper than a bond. High-volume shippers will usually benefit from a surety bond.

Step-by-Step: Registering in the CARM Client Portal (CCP)

1. Assign Business Account Managers (BAMs)

At least two people should be set as BAMs to control the account and prevent lockouts.

2. Gather Required Numbers

• BN9 – 9-digit Canada Revenue Agency business number
• RM account – Import/Export program number
• CBSA Carrier Code – Four-character code for carriers

3. Create Your CCP Profile & Enable MFA

Access via GCKey or Sign-In Partner, then set up multi-factor authentication.

4. Register Your Business

• Non-resident companies must obtain a BN9 before registering
• Link existing carrier codes to your BN9 if you already have one
• Apply for a new carrier code if needed

5. Grant Employee Access

Employees can request access using the BN9 in the CCP.

6. Delegate to Your Broker or Service Provider

Authorize your customs broker or logistics partner to handle transactions in CARM on your behalf.

What Trucking Companies Must Watch Out For

• Importer not registered – Your load will sit at the border until they are.
• eManifest mismatches – CARM does not replace ACI eManifest requirements; both must match.
• Security not posted – After May 20, 2025, shipments will not be released until financial security is active.
• Inaccurate account setup – Incorrect BN9, RM, or carrier code information will cause clearance delays.

Border-Crossing Best Practices in the CARM Era

1. Verify your importer’s CARM registration before accepting the load.
2. Ensure your CBSA carrier code is current and linked in CARM.
3. Work closely with your customs broker—but remember, you must authorize them in CARM.
4. Plan for processing delays as businesses adjust to the new system.
5. Educate drivers on required documentation—passport, CDL, and any FAST card—since CARM changes importer compliance, not driver entry requirements.

Bottom Line

CARM is now the central hub for Canada’s import compliance. Whether you’re a shipper, carrier, or broker, failure to register and meet the new requirements will stop your shipments cold at the border.

With the May 2025 security deadline approaching—and CBSA processing times sometimes stretching weeks—now is the time to get your accounts set up, your security posted, and your partners authorized in CARM.

Get your CBSA Carrier Coda now.