The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system has been in place since October 21, 2024.
Under CARM, all commercial importers must post their own financial security in their CARM Client Portal (CCP) to benefit from the Release Prior to Payment program (RPP) – their customs brokers’ security can no longer be used.
The RPP program allows commercial importers with financial security to have their goods released electronically before paying duties and taxes.
A 180-day transition period was provided to importers, ending on April 19, 2025. After this date, importers who have not posted financial security will lose access to electronic release before payment.
To enroll in the RPP program, importers must follow these steps:
Ensure that they are registered and enrolled as an importer on the CARM Client Portal.
Enroll in the RPP Sub-Program, under the "Program Account Profile" in the CARM Client Portal.
Post Financial Security via an *electronic written security agreement or an electronic cash deposit. The amount is determined based on the importer’s highest monthly accounts receivable in the last 12 months, inclusive of GST.
*Importers posting an electronic written security agreement should contact their financial security provider first to obtain the security and confirm their preferred transmission method. For a list of financial security providers that are registered in the CARM system, please refer to the Financial security providers web page.
More information on the RPP Program and related surety requirements:
D17-1-8 Release Prior to Payment Privilege
D17-5-2 Financial Security for Release Prior to Payment
Consult the following user guides on specific RPP-related functions in the portal:
How to post financial security for RPP
How to view your RPP financial security information
How to enroll in a CBSA sub-program, including the RPP Program
Attend a CBSA webinar about the Release Prior to Payment Program to learn more!