April 2014: ISF Enforcement Updates

CARM Release 2 Important Update for Customs Brokers and Importers On August 11, 2023, CBSA’s CARM Engagement team released an important update on the next phase of the CARM project launch. Per their email to trade and logistics partners: “In October 2023, the CARM Release 2 system will be available for selected industry partners who want to test their own internal systems, and for software service providers to continue to certify their software with CARM. The proposed regulatory amendments continue on schedule with a planned coming-into-force date of May 2024, when CARM becomes the official system of record. Further enhancements are […]

On March 27th, the CBSA held a Trade Chain Partner Working Group meeting and announced the following changes related to CARM’s Release 2 (“R2”), coming May 13, 2024: The minimum bond amount requirement will change from $25,000 to $5,000 for all importers with the implementation of R2. The maximum bond amount will remain capped at $10,000,000 per RM account. As a reminder, the bond amount will be calculated at 50% of the highest month of duties and taxes (including GST and all debts/accounts receivables) over the previous 12-month period. CBSA cannot keep up with the paper bond filings (we have […]

An import bond is more than a simple commodity. Choosing the right customs surety bond provider can add stability and certainty to your business as well as the flow of your import clients’ goods. Properly vetting your customs bond provider and the surety company they represent will help you deliver on your client’s service expectations. Here are some  essential characteristics to consider  when making this critical decision. 1. Longevity, Experience, and Service A good starting point in the vetting process is to look for a partner that demonstrates staying power in the industry and aligns with your company’s standards and […]