Canadian Customs Bond CARM — Complete Guide 2025 | GCI Global

Customs Bond Required by CBSA

Since May 20, 2025, all commercial importers must post their own financial security directly in the CARM client portal to benefit from Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges.

What is a customs bond?

A customs bond (also called a surety bond or financial security) is similar to an insurance policy. It guarantees that CBSA will receive payment of duties and taxes owed on your commercial imports. Under the new CARM system, each importer must post their own bond directly in the CARM Client Portal — they can no longer rely on their customs broker's bond.

Why is it required?

CARM — New system since Oct. 2024

The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system became the official system of record on October 21, 2024. It requires all commercial importers to manage their own financial security.

Mandatory since May 20, 2025

The transition period ended May 20, 2025. Importers who did not post their financial security were removed from the RPP program and can no longer benefit from automated electronic release.

No longer the broker's responsibility

Previously, customs brokers posted a bond on behalf of their clients. With CARM, only the importer's own bond is accepted. The broker still manages declarations, but not the security.

The RPP (Release Prior to Payment) program

The RPP program lets importers with posted financial security get goods released electronically at the border BEFORE paying duties and taxes.

Without RPP (no bond)

You must pay duties and taxes in person at a CBSA office before your goods are released. Longer processing times, possible delays.

With RPP (bond posted)

Fully electronic release at the border. Goods cleared immediately. Payment made later based on your monthly statement.

The RPP program is a privilege — not a right. CBSA can revoke it in case of non-compliance.

Two options for your financial security

You must choose one of the following two forms of financial security and post it in your CARM Client Portal.

Surety Bond

50%

$5,000minimum

Bond equal to or greater than 50% of your highest monthly accounts payable (duties + taxes including GST) over the last 12 months. Annual renewal required.

✓ Most economical option — only a fraction of the total is immobilized.

Cash Deposit

100%

No minimumrequired

Cash deposit equal to 100% of your highest monthly accounts payable (GST included) over the last 12 months. One deposit can cover multiple RM accounts.

✓ No annual renewal — but immobilizes more working capital.

How to calculate your required amount

The CARM system automatically calculates your requirement based on your transaction history. Here is how the calculation works:

Reference period

July 25 of the previous year to July 24 of the current year (12 months). CARM identifies your highest monthly amount during this period.

Example — Surety bond (50%)

Highest monthly A/R (duties + GST)$20,000

Required bond (50%)$10,000

Minimum bond to post: $10,000 ✓ (above the $5,000 minimum)

Example — Cash deposit (100%)

Highest monthly A/R (duties + GST)$20,000

Required cash deposit (100%)$20,000

Full amount immobilized in CARM portal

⚠ CARM sends you an alert when your bond usage reaches 75% of total coverage. At that point, you should increase your security or make an advance payment.

Steps to get your bond

Get an importer program account (RM — 15-digit BN)

Enroll in the RPP program in your CARM portal

Get your bond: GCI Global can provide one directly, or you can contact your insurance company, bank or credit union approved by CBSA.

Post your bond in the CARM portal — the system validates it automatically with the provider

Approved surety providers

Your bond must come from a financial institution approved by CBSA (regulated by OSFI). Approved sources include:

Insurance companies · Banks (national and foreign) · Trust companies · Credit unions

GCI Global can provide you with a customs bond directly. Otherwise, contact your insurance company, bank or credit union. We work with Trisura and can guide you through the entire process.