What is CARM and do I need to register?▼
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is the CBSA's new online portal for managing trade accounts, viewing statements of account, and making duty payments. Yes — all Canadian importers and their customs brokers must register in CARM. If you import commercial goods into Canada, you need a CARM account linked to your Business Number. We handle the full setup process including BAM (Business Account Manager) delegation so you can authorize Sunshine as your broker within the system.
What is RPP and how does it affect my duty payments?▼
RPP (Release Prior to Payment) allows your goods to be released from customs before duties and taxes are paid. Under CARM, you or your broker must post financial security (bond, cash deposit, or letter of credit) to qualify for RPP. Without RPP, your goods will be held until payment clears — which can add days to your supply chain. We help you determine the right security amount and manage your RPP status to ensure continuous release authorization.
How do I get a Business Number (BN) for importing?▼
You need a CRA Business Number with an import/export (RM) account to import commercial goods into Canada. If you already have a BN for GST/HST, you just need to add the RM program account. Apply through the CRA Business Registration Online service — it's usually processed within 1–2 business days. We can guide you through the application process and ensure your account is properly linked to CARM.
What documents do I need for China–Canada imports?▼
Typically: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (ocean B/L or air waybill), Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential duty under a trade agreement), and any applicable permits (CFIA for food, Health Canada for regulated products). For specific commodities, you may also need a Phytosanitary Certificate, Material Safety Data Sheet, or ISPM-15 wood treatment certificate. We'll tell you exactly what's needed for your specific shipment.
What are AMPS penalties and how do I avoid them?▼
AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System) is CBSA's enforcement mechanism for trade compliance violations. Penalties range from $150 for minor documentation errors to $25,000+ for serious infractions like late ACI filing ($2,000 per occurrence), incorrect tariff classification, or missing pre-arrival data. The best way to avoid AMPS: work with a broker who has disciplined pre-filing review built into every shipment — HS classification, SIMA exposure, and accuracy checks before transmission, not after a penalty arrives.
Glossary: Key Canadian customs terms▼
B3 — Customs Coding Form, the primary import declaration filed with CBSA.
B2 — Adjustment request for correcting a previously filed B3.
PARS — Pre-Arrival Review System, used to identify highway shipments before they arrive at the border.
ACI/eManifest — Advance Commercial Information, required electronic cargo data submitted before goods arrive in Canada.
D.O. — Delivery Order, issued by the shipping line authorizing container release from the terminal.
HBL/MBL — House Bill of Lading / Master Bill of Lading, the two-tier documentation system used in consolidated shipments.
HS Code — Harmonized System code, the international 6–10 digit tariff classification number that determines duty rates.
CUSMA Certificate of Origin — Document proving goods qualify for preferential duty rates under the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement.