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CARM: What all importers need to know about CARM

Route Article

What you don’t see in CARM could cost you

What you don't see in CARM could cost you - Route Newsletter: April 2026

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) now communicates directly with importers through the CARM Client Portal (CCP), and many of those notifications carry strict compliance deadlines. Critically, CBSA treats a notification as official communication whether it has been viewed or not — missed alerts don’t create an extension, they create exposure.

Make sure you are regularly monitoring: 

  • Portal alerts and notifications
  • Monthly Statements of Account (SOA)
  • Financial security for Release Prior to Payment (RPP)
  • User access and roles to ensure the right people are receiving CBSA communications

Falling behind can result in missed deadlines, Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS), or loss of RPP privileges — all of which can disrupt your shipments and increase costs.

If you have questions about your CARM account or need help navigating the CCP, contact your Client Care Representative.

Quick Tip #61
Understand why AMPS is so important

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) was introduced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) effective October 7, 2002. The master penalty document outlines 181 contraventions and the responsibility for these contraventions has been downloaded to the Canadian importers and exporters.

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