With the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system fully operational, importers carry greater direct responsibility for their trade accounts. We outline the practical steps that keep clearances moving.
The transition to CARM has shifted several obligations from brokers to importers of record. Chief among them is the requirement to register in the CARM Client Portal, delegate authority to a customs broker, and post financial security in the importer's own name.
Organizations that completed registration ahead of the cutover have experienced minimal disruption. Those still operating under interim arrangements should prioritize portal enrolment, confirm their financial-security posture, and review delegation settings to ensure their broker can transact without interruption.
Beyond mechanics, CARM is an opportunity to consolidate trade data. Importers now have direct visibility into their statements of account, duties and taxes — information that, when reviewed regularly, supports better classification discipline and duty-recovery opportunities.
Our brokerage team continues to support clients through registration, delegation and ongoing reconciliation. We recommend a quarterly review of CARM statements alongside classification and origin documentation to maintain an audit-ready position.
Written by Elizabeth Tremblay, Managing Director, Manitoba Global Logistics Inc.