Canadian Customs Bond (CARM/GCRA) — GCI Global Laval

Customs Bond

GCI Global issues customs bonds directly. Fast, simple and managed entirely by your broker — no third-party required.

GCI Global: your bond provider

Since May 20, 2025, every Canadian commercial importer must post their own financial security in the CARM portal to benefit from Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges. GCI Global is an approved bond provider and can issue your customs bond directly — quickly, at a competitive rate, with complete handling of registration and posting in CARM.

Why get your bond through GCI?

Everything in one place

Your customs broker also manages your bond. One contact, one conversation — full coordination between your customs file and your financial security.

Fast processing

Bond issued and posted in the CARM portal quickly. No delays between obtaining the bond and activating your RPP privileges.

Competitive rates

Transparent pricing based on your highest monthly accounts payable. Annual renewal with no hidden fees.

Full CARM support

We guide you through registration in the CARM portal, broker delegation and posting your bond — step by step.

Available options

GCI Global offers the surety bond option. The cash deposit remains an alternative you can manage directly in CARM.

Surety Bond (recommended)

50%

$5,000minimum

Bond equal to or greater than 50% of your highest monthly A/R (duties + taxes) over the last 12 months. Annual renewal. Issued by GCI Global via Trisura, approved by CBSA.

Cash Deposit (self-managed)

100%

No minimumrequired

Cash deposit of 100% of your highest monthly A/R, deposited directly in the CARM portal. No renewal required but more working capital immobilized.

How to get your bond through GCI

The process is simple and we handle it from start to finish:

We calculate your required bond amount based on your CARM transaction history

We issue the bond via Trisura and transmit it to CBSA

We post the bond in your CARM portal and confirm activation of your RPP privileges

Want to learn more about customs bonds, the non-accumulation policy, calculation examples and CARM requirements?

Read our complete customs bond guide →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a new bond every year?

Yes. The surety bond must be renewed annually. GCI manages renewal and automatically notifies you before the expiry date.

What if my imports increase significantly during the year?

If your bond usage reaches 75% of total coverage, CARM will send you an alert. At that point, you can increase your bond through us — quickly and easily.

Can I get a bond even if I'm not yet registered in CARM?

Yes. We can guide you through CARM registration and broker delegation at the same time as obtaining your bond. Everything is handled together.