Importers/Shippers Provided 30-Day Extension to Meet Financial Security Requirements under CARM

Release of Goods Could be Impacted if Requirements are not Met

(TORONTO, March 27, 2025) -- Following up on a request made by stakeholders, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada has approved a regulatory package, which provides a 30-day extension - until May 20, 2025 at 3:00 am (EDT) - to the period in which imported goods may be released prior to payment without giving financial security

The Government of Canada press release states that if an importer does not meet the financial security requirement of Release Prior to Payment (RPP), which is required under the CBSA assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system by the end of the transition period, they will no longer be able to benefit from having their goods released at the border prior to making payment of the duties and taxes. 

The CBSA recently circulated a CARM newsletter which outlines some of the potential implications on drivers and carriers if importers do not meet this deadline. It states that if an importer has not enrolled in RPP, there will be no release on file with the agency, and that the conveyance cannot proceed inland without this release on file. Without RPP, importers will have to pay all duties and taxes at the time of arrival at a port of entry. 

The agency is strongly recommending that all importers take immediate action by providing financial security in CARM, and that all trade chain partners verify with their importers and/or customs brokers that they have enrolled in RPP prior to May 20, 2025 to avoid potential delays at the border. 

For more information, members can also click here for more details related to CARM and webinar registration. Carriers are encouraged to check back on a regular basis for additional webinar dates that will be added for both French and English.