The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has unveiled updates on its CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) digital initiative, a transformative step towards modernizing duty and tax collection for imports into Canada.
Initially slated for an internal launch on May 13, CARM’s introduction at CBSA offices is set to bolster compliance and enforcement mechanisms. However, the external rollout to trade chain partners faces a delay, now rescheduled to October 2024, due to ongoing strike vote activities by the Public Service Alliance of Canada. This delay aims to safeguard the operational readiness and support for partners in integrating CARM.
Over the development phase, CBSA facilitated around 100 consultation sessions, engaged in over 160 direct interaction events, and underwent extensive testing, including a 10-month simulation phase with active participation from CBSA employees and industry stakeholders. Impressively, about 71,500 importers, representing over 92% of the imported goods volume, have registered in CARM, showcasing industry readiness and adaptability.
Beyond revenue collection, CARM is expected to revolutionize several aspects of the import process:
- Streamlined Processes: CARM will eliminate the need for cumbersome paper-based procedures, ushering in a more efficient digital era.
- Enhanced Enforcement Tools: The new system equips CBSA with advanced tools to focus compliance and enforcement efforts on areas of concern.
- Improved Importer Experience: Importers will benefit from features allowing enrollment in commercial programs, seamless document submission, and real-time notifications via the CARM Client Portal.
With the internal deployment of CARM at CBSA slated for May, the agency aims to enhance compliance efforts by identifying and rectifying errors in duty and tax declarations.