All Canadian importers logging into the CARM Portal will see the following message from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):
Release Prior to Payment (RPP): Transition period
A transition period began on October 21, 2024, when CARM launched externally. The purpose of this transition period is to give importers time to adapt to using the CARM Client Portal. In order to benefit from the RPP program, beyond the transition period, importers must post their first financial security in the portal before 3 am EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) on May 20, 2025.
Please note: All importers that registered to the portal prior to October 21, 2024 or have a history of importing commercial goods into Canada within the past four years, were automatically enrolled in the RPP program and are benefiting from the transition period ending on May 20, 2025. This includes importers who use the services of a customs broker.
New importers (no history of importation) that are registering to the portal after October 21, 2024, but within the transition period, will need to enroll in RPP to benefit from RPP privileges for the remainder of the period ending on May 20, 2025.
More information:
- User guide: Enrol in a CBSA sub-program
- Customs Notice 24-27: CARM October Implementation – Transition Measures
All importers are required to post security with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) by May 20, 2025, when the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) transition period ends, using one of the following two options:
- Option 1: a financial security instrument, e.g. RPP bond, for 50% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST) with a minimum financial security of $5,000 per import program (RM)
- Option 2: cash security deposit for 100% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST)
Recommendation – obtain a bond for a higher amount than required to avoid costly bond endorsements
(associated with fluctuations in importer security requirements)
Importers who have not yet obtained an RPP bond:
Here’s what you need to do:
To determine your Financial Security requirements, log into the CARM Portal and follow the following 3 steps:
Go to the Financial security page (Home or Menu – Financial information – Financial security) to view your Financial security dashboard.
- The first item listed on the Financial security dashboard displays your Financial security overview, which includes the following:
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- Total security required: how much financial security you need for your account
- Current security coverage: how much financial security you have
- Contact your Universal Logistics Client Care Representative to assist with securing your RPP bond.
Importers who have already secured their RPP bond with CBSA:
Here is what you need to do:
Make sure you have the necessary coverage by logging into the CARM Portal to review your current security coverage before the May 20, 2025 deadline. Follow the three steps outlined above.
The CARM system utilizes a nudging framework to encourage real-time compliance with financial security requirements. This framework is specifically designed for RPP importers. If an RPP importer’s financial security utilization exceeds 75% or surpasses 100%, the CARM system will prompt the importer to either increase the financial security posted or make a payment to reduce the account balance.
During the current RPP transition period, ending on May 20, 2025, these nudges or financial security notifications are for information purposes only. They serve as reminders for importers to post the necessary financial security by the end of the transition period in order to continue enjoying the benefits of the RPP privilege.
Universal has secured very competitive RPP Bond rates with our Surety. To take advantage of these rates please contact your Client Care representative or Mark Glionna, Vice President—Client Relations & Business Development.
