- Workplace Type: On-site
CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements
Step 2: Delegate access to
internal users and customs brokers
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NEXT STEP
Once your business is registered in the CARM Client Portal (CCP), the next step is to set up who has access to your account. That means assigning user roles to internal staff and delegating access to third-party service providers, including your customs broker.
This step is critical to keeping your CARM account secure and ensuring the right people can perform essential tasks, such as submitting declarations, reviewing account statements and making payment
Follow the steps on this page to complete the delegation process.
Need help with delegation? Speak to one of our customs professionals for guidance on completing this process.
Before you start
What is delegation in CARM?
Delegation is the process of authorizing internal users and third-party service providers to perform tasks and access your CARM account. These include internal managers, customs brokers, and trade consultants.
To delegate access, internal users and providers must first request access to your business account(s). The active BAM must then approve their access under an assigned role.
There are two types of delegation you can grant through the CARM Client Portal (CCP):
- Internal user delegation: For business employees
- Third-party delegation: For service providers
Under both types, roles and access can be assigned according to user functions.
Internal user roles
- Business Account Manager (BAM): Provides full access to all CCP functionality for a business account and all associated program accounts.
- Program Account Manager (PAM): Allows full access to CCP functionality for specific program accounts only.
- Editor: Authorizes the performance of operational activities in the CCP (for example, request rulings, make payments, etc.).
- Reader: Permits viewing of operational activities in the CCP (for example, rulings, payments, and financial information).
Remember that a BAM can manage access for the entire business account, whereas a PAM can only manage access for their specific program account(s).
ProTip: Ensure your business has at least two active BAM users to avoid account lockouts.
Third-party roles
- Business-level delegation: Grants access to the entire business account (ideal for service providers who manage all your import activities).
- Program-level delegation: Grants access only to specific program accounts (RMs) (useful when delegating access to a certain line of business or department).
If your customs broker handles all your imports, business-level delegation is best.
Use program-level delegation if you have multiple RM accounts and/or several brokers.
Once the role has been selected, your business will need to assign the level of transaction visibility for the provider. This can be limited to their transactions only, all provider transactions, or complete account transactions.
​​​​Designating internal users​​​
It is important to set up a second BAM to avoid disruptions if the primary contact is unavailable or in the case of a lockout. Once you decide on the person who will assume this role, ask them to do the following:
- Log in to the CCP and create a user profile (Steps 1 and 2). You will reach the First time setup page.
- From the box on the left (​​Request access to my employer​​), under Find a business, fill in your Business number (BN9) and click Search.
- Provide a reason why you need access and click ​​Request Access.
- Notify the active BAM that the request has been submitted for approval.
Other internal users will follow the same steps to request access.
How to delegate access in the CARM Client Portal
Step 1: Sign in to the portal
- Visit the CARM Client Portal.
- Use your GCKey or sign-in partner to log in.
ProTip: Have the login credentials for the Business Account Manager (BAM) ready. Note that only the BAM can manage delegation settings.
Step 2: Manage access requests for internal users
To grant another employee access to the account, they must first request access to the business by following the above steps. Once their request is submitted, a current user with manager permissions can review and approve it.
- From the CCP homepage, click Setup my portal in the main navigation.
- Click Manage my employees.
- Select the Access requests tab to see the employees who have requested access to the business.
- In the Actions column, click Approve or Reject. You can click Details to view additional information about the request.
- If you wish to approve access, you must choose whether the employee has access to All programs or Individual programs. You must also select the User role from the drop-down list.
ProTip: You can edit program access and user roles in the Manage my employees page by selecting the Manage employees tab.
Step 3: Manage access requests for external users
To connect a third-party service provider (customs broker, trade consultant, etc.) to your organization, they must first send you an access request. Here are the steps to approve or reject delegation to a third-party service provider:
- From the CCP homepage, click Setup my portal in the main navigation.
- Click Manage my business relationships.
- Select the Received requests tab to see the providers who have requested access to your business.
- In the Actions column, click Approve. You can click Details to view additional information about the request.
- Choose the Access Type (All programs or Specific programs).
- Choose the Transaction visibility rules.
ProTip: For best assistance with your account, it is recommended that your primary broker be delegated to All Programs, Business Management, with all levels of visibility marked. You can edit provider access in the Manage my business relationships page by selecting the Manage relationships tab.
Not sure who needs access and what permissions to grant them? Our customs professionals can guide you through user roles, permission levels, and best practices for managing delegation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does delegation mean in the CARM Client Portal?
In CARM, delegation refers to granting other business employees or a third-party service provider (such as a customs broker) permission to work on behalf​ of the business​, access information, and manage your account.
To complete the delegation, the employee or service provider must send a request for your approval, and you will need to choose whether to grant them business-level (BAM) or program-level (PAM) access.
What is a business relationship in the CARM Client Portal?
Who can delegate authority to a third-party service provider in the CCP?
What is a pBAM and a pPAM?
How can I change assigned user roles?
What level of access should I give my customs broker?
Can I review request details before approving access?
What are visibility attributes, and why do they matter?
How are multiple brokers or service providers handled on the CCP?
Can I change delegation settings later?
What should I do if I mistakenly approve the wrong access level for a third party?
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 roles are assigned and delegation is complete on the CCP, you will need to post security. On the next page, you’ll learn everything about financial security under CARM.
