Understanding the CARM Portal: A Guide for Businesses and E-commerce Sellers importing with ShipSavvy

For small businesses and e-commerce sellers expanding their reach across borders, understanding customs and tax processes is critical. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced the CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) portal to simplify these procedures. But what exactly does CARM offer? And how can it help businesses handle cross-border shipping and tax management?

What Is the CARM Portal?

The CARM portal is a CBSA initiative designed to provide a centralized system where businesses can handle customs duties, manage compliance, and access transaction history for cross-border goods. With this system, businesses can easily review and pay taxes and duties, manage imports, and ensure they comply with CBSA regulations.

Key Features of the CARM Portal:

• Account Management: Register your business, manage business numbers, and view all CBSA transactions in one place.
• Tax and Duty Payment: CARM allows businesses to calculate, view, and pay duties and taxes directly, making customs management faster and more transparent.
• Access to Transaction Records: Businesses can review import transaction records and track duties over time, which can simplify accounting and tax preparation.

Why We Need Customers that Import with ShipSavvy to Register on the CARM Portal?

If you plan to import goods with ShipSavvy, it’s essential to register your business on the CARM portal. Here’s why:

• Authorization for ShipSavvy and oue Broker to Act on Your Behalf: Once you’re registered, you’ll need to grant Power of Attorney to our customs broker, allowing us to handle the import process on your behalf. This authorization lets ShipSavvy manage customs clearance efficiently and ensures we can bring your products across the border seamlessly.

• Activation of Import Services: Without registration on the CARM portal and a POA granted to our broker, ShipSavvy will not be able to activate your import services. Products that arrive at our US warehouse cannot cross the border into Canada without CARM authorization. To ensure seamless transport, it’s crucial to register and assign POA before shipping your packages to our US location.

• Direct Payment of Duties and Taxes: By registering on CARM, you’ll manage and pay import duties and taxes directly to the CBSA through the portal. This removes the need to pay ShipSavvy for these fees, giving you more control and transparency over your customs costs.

• Enhanced Compliance and Record Keeping: With your business registered in CARM, you’ll have access to detailed records of your import transactions, making it easier to track and manage expenses. This setup supports easier compliance with CBSA requirements and allows you to handle duties and taxes with confidence.