- Workplace Type: On-site
CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements
Step 1: Register on the CARM Client Portal (CCP)
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As a Canadian importer, you’re required to register your business in the CARM Client Portal (CCP). Once registered, the portal becomes your gateway to the CBSA’s system for managing ​account information and import duties and taxes.
While the registration process isn’t complicated, inaccurate or incomplete information can make it time-consuming—meaning delays to your shipments and disruptions to your supply chain.
Follow the steps on this page to avoid this and enjoy seamless importing, uninterrupted operations, and full compliance.
Not sure you’re ready to register? Speak to one of our customs professionals to make sure everything is in place.
Before you start
To register quickly and successfully, make sure you have this prepared:
- A designated Business Account Manager (BAM) who will serve as the main administrator for your company on the portal​​​.
- A valid GCKey or Sign-In Partner credentials​​​.
- Your BN (business number) and RM number (import/export program account number).
- Access to two recent key identifiers on record with CBSA (transaction number, ​CBSA ​payment details, or Statement of Account (SOA) balance).
How to register on the CARM Client Portal
Step 1: Sign in to the portal
- Visit the CARM Client Portal.
- Sign in using either:
- Your GCKey (Government of Canada login)
- A sign-in partner
ProTip: Make sure the login credentials match the person authorized to represent the business. This user will automatically become the account administrator once registration begins.
Step 2: Create a user profile
- The portal will automatically prompt you to Create your user profile, which includes User Information, Contact Information, Settings and Preferences, and Security Questions.
- Fill in the required fields (first and last name, phone number, company email address, notification settings, preferred language, and three security questions and answers).
- Click Save changes.
ProTip: You can access your user information later and make any necessary changes by clicking Setup my portal in the top-right corner and choosing Personal profile from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Register your business
- You will arrive at the First time setup page.
- From the box on the right, click Register a Business.
- Answer the Requirements Validation questions with Yes and click Next.
- Enter your Business Number (BN9) and RM import/export program number. The import account number can be found on an invoice from your broker, B3 Canada Customs Coding form, B2-1 Detailed Adjustment Statement, or Daily Notice.
- Click Next.
ProTip: Make sure your BN and RM account number match exactly what’s registered with the CRA. If your business has additional RM identifiers, choose one active account for registration purposes. Other accounts will be linked in the process.
Are you a new importer? Follow the registration steps outlined in our CARM Portal User Guide, "Registering as a New Importer".
Step 4: Validate your legal business information
Provide your business details. This information must match exactly what ​CRA​ has on record (including abbreviations, punctuation, characters, and spaces). You can refer to CRA and/or CBSA-related documents, such as ​tax filings, ​notices, d​etailed​ adjustment statements (DAS), or business registration documents, to fill out the following information:
- Your 9 digit business number (BN9)
- Program reference number (i.e. RM0001)
- Ownership type (i.e. corporation)
- Legal entity name of the business
- The business’s full legal physical or mailing address
Once you pass this step, the in-progress CARM Registration is permanently saved to this sign-in and must be completed using the same sign-in. The CCP will save your registration progress.
ProTip: The system will lock you out after 10 error messages during the process. Contact your provider or the CBSA helpline after seven attempts for help with information errors.
Step 5: Answer financial affinity questions
Provide two identifiers from the past six years about financial activities with CBSA. These could include:
- A transaction number and the total of duties and taxes (from a B3 form)
- A Statement of Account (SOA) balance
- A payment amount to CBSA
ProTip: Retrieve these details from your most recent customs entries and CBSA statements, and enter them exactly as they appear. Incorrect numbers or outdated information can cause validation to fail. The customs broker who handled a previous import during this period can provide details about your ​transactions, ​SOA balance, and payment amount.
Step 6: Assign your company officials​ ​
Provide the details of at least one authorized company official. This person will be responsible for financial control, including obtaining and posting surety bonds. ​
- Fill out the required details in the Authorized Official 1 Section (title, first and last name, email address, telephone, and preferred language).
- Click Next, unless you would like to add a second authorized official by clicking the button at the bottom of the form​​​.
Step 7: Enter business contact information ​​
Provide the contact details for the business, and at least one person that CBSA may contact regarding program enrolment or account details.
- Fill out the required general business details (email address, telephone, preferred language).
- Fill out the information for Contact 1 (type, title, name, email address, telephone).
- Click Next, unless you would like to add a second contact by clicking the button at the bottom of the form.
Once the above is completed, the system will ask you to review your business information. If your business has other programs (RM), they will be listed on this page.
Click confirm to complete the registration process. You will be taken to the CCP home page for your account.
ProTip: Do not autofill the information to prevent errors. If you receive a message stating “Registration failed,” check the format of the information you entered.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens if I do not register on the CARM Client Portal?
Without registration, your business will not be able to:
- Import goods into Canada
- Submit Commercial Accounting Declarations (CADs)
- Delegate access to your customs broker
- Post financial security
- View and reconcile your Statement of Account (SOA)
- Make payments through the portal
How long does the registration process take?
What information is required to register my business on the CARM Client Portal?
I don’t have a business number and/or RM number. Can I still register on the CCP?
I’m a non-resident importer. Can I sign up for a CARM account?
What validation information do I need to complete my registration?
I entered the wrong business information. How can I fix this?
Can my customs broker register on my behalf?
Who becomes the Business Account Manager (BAM)?
Why does registration fail when completing the business information?
How many users can I add to my CARM account?
Still have questions?
Speak to a customs professional from the Cole team. We’re here to help you stay compliant, every step of the way.
Next steps
Now that your business is registered on the CCP, it’s time to establish who has access to your account. On the next page, you’ll learn how to assign roles to users and delegate authority to your customs broker.
