Register for CARM once, get it right the first time.
CARM is now the official system of record for duties and taxes on every commercial shipment entering Canada. This guide walks you through all seven registration steps — or we can walk through them with you.
What CARM is, and why your registration matters
CARM is the CBSA’s online system for managing duties, taxes, customs accounting, and payments for commercial imports. The portal is yours — your broker only acts inside it with your permission.
The 7-step registration form
Work through these in order. Each one builds on the last, so skipping ahead usually just means backtracking later.
Sign in to the CARM Client Portal
Go to the CARM Client Portal and be ready to register your business. See CBSA’s video tutorial or the full onboarding user guides. Have this on hand before you start:
Create your CARM user profile
Each portal user creates their own sign-in credentials via GCKey or a Sign-In Partner, plus multi-factor authentication. We recommend GCKey. Your profile identifies you as an individual — it’s separate from your company’s business account.
Register your business
Select “Register My Business” and follow the CARM instructions. Make sure your details match exactly what’s on file with the CRA and CBSA — mismatches are the most common cause of registration delays. CBSA has a video tutorial for this step.
The person who completes this becomes the Business Account Manager (BAM) — the one who approves employee access requests going forward.
Manage your CARM account
As BAM, you control your company’s CARM account and grant access to other users.
Review your business and import account
Confirm before moving on:
Delegate authority to Cargo Customs Solutions
Authorize us through Delegation of Authority (DOA) in the portal. To make sure it takes effect without delay, when approving our request:
- Select “All programs”
- Under Access, choose “Business management”
- Check all three boxes under “Transaction visibility rules”
Your company always owns the CARM account. We act inside it only as your authorized broker. CBSA has a video tutorial for this step.
Enrol in Release Prior to Payment (RPP) and post financial security
RPP lets your goods be released before duties and taxes are paid. Enrol through the portal and post the required security — this obligation belongs to the importer, separate from any security we hold as your broker.
See the RPP breakdown below for what that actually costs, or consult CBSA’s official step-by-step guide on posting a bond.
Release Prior to Payment: what it costs
You’ll choose one of two security options for each active import (RM) account.
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | ~50% of your highest monthly duties and taxes, $5,000 minimum per RM account. We can connect you with a bonding partner. |
| Cash deposit | 100% of your highest monthly duties and taxes, posted directly with the CBSA. Not used to pay duties — refundable if you close your importer account. |
Not a standard importer?
Need help with CARM?
CARM can feel complicated the first time through. We’ll make sure it’s done right before you begin importing.
CARM Account Setup Assistance
- Understanding the CARM registration process
- Setting up your CARM user profile
- Registering your business
- Understanding your BAM responsibilities
- Delegating authority to Cargo Customs Solutions
- Understanding RPP and financial security requirements
Your account. Your control. Our expertise.