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CARM Expertise Built on Experience

As of October 21, 2024, CARM is the system of record for importer accounting and adjustments with the CBSA. As a member of the CBSA CARM Trade Chain Partner Working Committee since its inception, we bring practical insight that helps organizations quickly identify whether issues relate to business processes, user adoption, system configuration, or the platform itself—reducing delays and keeping operations moving.

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What is CARM?

CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) is the CBSA's digital platform for managing commercial import accounting, duties, taxes, and trade compliance. The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is the primary interface through which importers and other trade chain partners manage their accounts and meet key regulatory obligations.

Commercial importers seeking to maintain Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges must be registered in the CARM Client Portal (CCP). Registration is a mandatory requirement.

 

Navigating the CARM Client Portal with Confidence

What the CARM Client Portal Does

The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is the primary platform for importers and trade chain partners to interact with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and manage commercial import obligations, including the accounting and payment of duties and taxes.

Key functions include:

  • Creating and managing rulings and appeals

  • Managing CBSA trade verification reviews

  • Monitoring CCP account activity

  • Completing import accounting and payment transactions

  • Submitting post-accounting adjustments

How We Help

The CARM Client Portal (CCP) is a powerful platform with significant long-term potential. However, its complexity and evolving functionality continue to present operational challenges for many importers. Our team has participated in multiple rounds of CARM testing and collaborated directly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) through the Trade Chain Partner Working Group, giving us first-hand insight into the portal's design, capabilities, and common pain points. Whether you need guidance, training, or ongoing support, we can tailor our services to meet your organization's needs, including:

  • Executive & stakeholder orientation to build a practical understanding of the CARM Client Portal and its business impact.

  • Targeted user training focused on specific portal functions, workflows, and operational requirements, with follow-up support as needed.

  • Managed portal services, where our consultants administer selected CARM Client Portal functions on your behalf, allowing your team to remain focused on core business operations.

Dominion's CARM Help Desk

All clients have access to Dominion's CARM Help Desk for portal-related questions. Because our help desk team has run the CARM Client Portal through extensive testing simulations, we can quickly diagnose whether your specific challenge is training-related or a portal design issue, minimizing the number of tickets you need to open with CBSA's Help Desk and the operational delays that come with waiting for CBSA responses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do we have to use the CARM portal?

Yes. As of October 21, 2024, CARM is mandatory for importers seeking to maintain release-prior-to-payment privileges. There is no alternative.

What's the most common issue your team sees?

Account setup and user-permission configuration—particularly for organizations with multiple legal entities, numerous users, or complex customs broker relationships. A properly configured CARM Client Portal lays the foundation for compliant, efficient, and uninterrupted import operations, yet many of the operational challenges we encounter can be traced back to an incomplete or incorrect initial configuration.

Can you manage the portal entirely on our behalf?

Yes, for clients who want to delegate the operational portal work, we manage portal activities directly with appropriate access permissions. For clients who want to keep the work internal, we provide training and ongoing help desk support.

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