Since the launch of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system (CARM) on October 21, 2024, the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program has been in a 180-day transition period to “give importers time to adapt to using the CARM client portal.”

This transition period will end on April 19, 2025, and all importers must post their financial security in the CARM client portal before that date to continue to benefit from the RPP program past the transition period.

The RPP program allows importers to obtain release of their goods from the CBSA before the payment of duties and taxes. Those who do not use the RPP program must pay duties and taxes at the time of importation at the port of entry.

Participation requires financial security through a surety bond/written security agreement or cash security deposit. The amount of required financial security is based on the importer’s highest monthly duties and tax balance from the last 12 months for each importer program account (RM).

Financial security posted in the form of a surety bond/written security agreement must be 50% of the required financial security calculated by CBSA and shown in the CARM client portal, while a cash security deposit must be 100% of the calculated amount. The minimum amount is $5,000 Canadian, while the maximum amount is $10 million Canadian.

More information on the CARM client portal and the RPP program can be found here:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/schedule-calendrier-eng.html

CSBA Customs Notice 24-27 on transition measures can be found here:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn24-27-eng.html

CBSA Customs Notice 24-29 on the CARM cutover period can be found here:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn24-29-eng.html

You can register for CBSA’s RPP webinars here:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/carm-gcra/webinars-webinaires-eng.html