Today, CBSA announces an update on the forthcoming launch of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) digital initiative, aimed at modernizing duty and tax collection processes for goods entering Canada.

As originally planned, CARM is set to debut internally within the CBSA on May 13, marking a significant stride in enhancing the Agency’s compliance and enforcement endeavors. However, due to ongoing strike vote proceedings led by the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and the potential operational impact on the Agency should a positive vote occur, the CBSA intends to reschedule the external launch for trade partners to October 2024. This strategic decision ensures optimal support for partners as they integrate CARM into their operations. Consequently, trade chain partners will maintain their current procedures until the fall.

While CARM stands poised for deployment, the full cooperation of CBSA staff is paramount for its successful implementation. By adjusting the launch timeline, the Agency aims to facilitate a seamless transition for industry partners. Notably, the interconnectedness of CARM with other core systems within the CBSA and Canada Revenue Agency dictates October 2024 as the next viable window for significant IT updates.

Extensive collaboration efforts have underpinned the development of CARM, with the CBSA conducting numerous consultation sessions, technical working groups, and engagement events, alongside rigorous testing spanning over ten months, with active participation from CBSA personnel and industry stakeholders. Presently, approximately 71,500 importers are registered in CARM, representing over 92 percent of imported goods by volume.

Beyond safeguarding and enhancing revenue streams amounting to $40 billion annually, CARM promises a host of benefits, including:

– Streamlining of paper-based processes, saving time and resources

– Empowering the CBSA to focus compliance and enforcement efforts more effectively

– Enhancing importer functionality through program enrollment, document submission, and real-time notifications via the CARM Client Portal

The internal launch of CARM within the CBSA on May 13 will propel the Agency towards bolstering compliance measures. Leveraging CARM, the CBSA aims to identify and rectify errors and discrepancies in duty and tax submissions, collaborating closely with industry stakeholders in this endeavor. These initiatives align with recommendations from the Auditor General of Canada, who highlighted the potential misclassification of up to 20% of goods entering Canada, resulting in revenue loss.

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