The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a further 30-day extension to the transition period for importers to comply with financial security requirements under the CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) system. Importers now have until 3:00 a.m. (EDT) on May 20, 2025 to submit the required financial security to maintain Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges.
This marks another delay in the ongoing CARM rollout, which has seen multiple timeline adjustments since the system was first introduced. Importers who fail to meet the financial security requirements by the new deadline will no longer be able to release goods at the border prior to payment of duties and taxes.
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CBSA Email Notice:
Good afternoon,
Following up on a request made by a number of stakeholders, Treasury Board has approved a regulatory package for a 30-day extension to the period in which imported goods may be released prior to payment without giving financial security until May 20, 2025 at 3:00 am (EDT). An importer who does not meet the financial security requirement of Release Prior to Payment (RPP) by the end of the transition period will no longer be able to benefit from having their goods released at the border prior to making payment of the duties and taxes (Please refer to News Release).
Importers and trade chain partners (TCPs) are strongly encouraged to take immediate action by providing financial security in CARM, if they are already enrolled in RPP or by enrolling in the program before the end of the transition period. Importers choosing to participate in the RPP program will now have until 3:00 am (EDT) on May 20, 2025 to post their financial security in the CARM system. Commercial goods belonging to RPP participants will continue to be released prior to payment without a posted financial security until this date.
Importers who do not post financial security requirement by May 20, 2025 will no longer be able to benefit from having their goods released electronically at the border prior to making payment of the duties and taxes. Without RPP, importers will have to pay all duties and taxes at the time of arrival at a port of entry.
Memorandum D17-1-8 provides detailed instructions for TCPs to follow in enrolling Release Prior to Payment program.
Thank you.
CARM Stakeholder Engagement / Commercial and Trade Branch
Canada Border Services Agency / Government of Canada
CBSA.CARM_Engagement-Engagement_de_la_GCRA.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
CBSA News Release - March 26, 2025:
When the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system was launched externally on October 21, 2024, a 180-day transition period was introduced to grant commercial importers additional time to post their financial security electronically while benefitting from the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. In response to feedback received from stakeholders, the CBSA will grant a 30-day extension to the transition period. Importers will now have until 3:00 am (EDT) on May 20, 2025 to post their financial security in the CARM system. Importers who do not post financial security in CARM by May 20, 2025 will no longer be able to benefit from having their goods released electronically at the border prior to making payment of the duties and taxes. Without RPP, importers will have to pay all duties and taxes before goods can be released.
Once enrolled in the RPP program, importers are not required to visit a commercial office to pay for the duties and taxes owed at time of release of their commercial shipment. Electronic enrollment also means that importers can avoid longer paper-based processing times. As such, all importers are strongly encouraged to make arrangements to post financial security well before the deadline of May 20, 2025.
Quick Facts
Since the external launch of the CARM system, a new financial security model exists whereby all commercial importers must post their financial security in CARM either by making a deposit into their importer account or by entering into a financial security agreement with a financial security provider to benefit from the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program.
Participating in the RPP program offers several benefits:
Accelerated Goods Release – minimizing potential costs and delays
Deferred Accounting and Payment – improving cash flow management
Enhanced Supply Chain Efficiency – reducing border wait times and expediting customs clearance
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FAQ
Q: Can I get an RPP surety bond entirely online through Bond Connect?
A: Yes! At Bond Connect, the entire process is online — from application and approval to payment and bond issuance. No paperwork or in-person visits required.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for an RPP bond?
A: Most bonds are approved the same day, depending on the bond size and applicant profile. For smaller bond amounts, approval can be instant. Get an RPP Bond here!
Q: Are your bonds certified for use with CARM?
A: Yes. All surety bonds issued by Bond Connect are certified e-bonds and fully compliant with CBSA requirements. They connect directly to the CBSA’s CARM API for seamless integration.
Need Assistance with your Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Security?
At Bond Connect, we help Canadian & International importers meet CBSA’s RPP financial security requirements quickly and efficiently through our online surety bond application, approval, payment, and issuance.
Whether you’re newly enrolling or updating your security in CARM, our team can support you with a direct API connection to CBSA’s platform – no delays. Get in touch now!
