Ezcustoms Inc. — Licensed Canadian Customs Broker
CARM portal compliance management for Canadian importers

CARM compliance Canada

CARM Compliance & Registration in Canada

CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) changes how importers manage duties, GST, and compliance with CBSA. Ezcustoms helps you register on the CARM portal, set up your security bond, delegate broker access, and manage ongoing CARM obligations. Available to importers across Canada — all steps handled online.

Ezcustoms handles filing, customs coordination, and practical support for importers that need this service delivered clearly and efficiently.

CARM compliance Canada

What CARM means for your import account

CARM is CBSA's digital platform that shifts responsibility for duty and tax payments directly to importers. All commercial importers must register on the CARM Client Portal, obtain a security bond, and manage their own accounting and payment obligations. Ezcustoms guides importers across Canada through CARM registration, compliance setup, and ongoing portal management — entirely online.

Ezcustoms keeps the service practical by combining electronic filing with direct coordination when timing, documentation, or compliance issues matter.

What this service includes

CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is CBSA's digital self-service platform that modernizes how duties, taxes, and trade compliance obligations are managed. It requires importers to register directly with CBSA, maintain a security bond, and manage their own Statement of Account. Customs brokers are delegated as secondary account holders.

How Ezcustoms handles it

Ezcustoms walks importers through every step of CARM setup: Business Number verification, CARM Client Portal registration, security bond procurement, Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privilege setup, and broker delegation. We also provide ongoing support for monthly statement reconciliation and compliance queries.

Who this is for

When importers use this service

New importers setting up CARM compliance for the first time
Established importers transitioning from broker-managed duty payments to direct CARM billing
E-commerce and retail importers with high-volume, frequent import programs
Corporate importers managing multiple Business Numbers and importer accounts

Process

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Confirm Business Number (BN) and importer number registration with CBSA

  2. Step 2

    Register on the CARM Client Portal and set up user accounts

  3. Step 3

    Arrange security bond (surety bond or cash deposit) for Release Prior to Payment

  4. Step 4

    Delegate Ezcustoms as your customs broker in the CARM portal

  5. Step 5

    Configure payment profile and review Statement of Account workflow

  6. Step 6

    Provide ongoing support for monthly reconciliation and CARM portal queries

Benefits

What importers gain from this service

  • Full CARM registration and setup handled by experienced compliance specialists
  • Security bond procurement guidance — surety bond vs. cash deposit options explained
  • Release Prior to Payment (RPP) setup so shipments aren't held pending duty payment
  • Broker delegation configured correctly — no gaps in filing authority
  • Ongoing CARM portal support and monthly statement review

Why Ezcustoms

Why importers choose Ezcustoms for this service

A practical customs approach built around clear communication, accurate filing, and responsive support.

  • Hands-on CARM setup support — we guide you through every portal step
  • Experienced with CBSA's CARM transition requirements and common portal issues
  • Broker delegation managed correctly so your entries file without interruption

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers for importers evaluating customs brokerage, CARM compliance, and duty management options in Canada.

What is CARM and do I need to register?

CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is CBSA's digital platform for managing import duties, taxes, and compliance. All commercial importers in Canada must register on the CARM Client Portal. Failure to register can result in delayed releases and non-compliance with CBSA requirements.

What is a security bond and why do I need one for CARM?

A security bond (also called a customs bond or surety bond) guarantees payment of duties and taxes to CBSA under the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privilege. Without RPP, your shipments must be paid before release, which significantly slows clearance. Ezcustoms can guide you through bond procurement options.

Can my customs broker manage CARM for me?

Your customs broker can be delegated as a secondary account holder in your CARM portal and can file entries on your behalf. However, the importer of record is directly responsible for their CARM account, security bond, and payment obligations. Ezcustoms manages the delegation setup and provides ongoing compliance support.

What is Release Prior to Payment (RPP) in CARM?

Release Prior to Payment (RPP) is a CARM privilege that allows importers to receive their goods before paying duties and taxes. It requires a security bond and is essential for avoiding payment holds at the border. Without RPP, payment must be made before CBSA releases the shipment.

What happens if I don't comply with CARM requirements?

Non-compliance with CARM can result in delayed customs releases, revocation of Release Prior to Payment privileges, CBSA penalties, and potential suspension of your import privileges. Ezcustoms helps you stay compliant and up to date with CARM system changes.

Need help with this service?

Send us your shipment details or service requirements and our team will outline the next steps clearly.