CBSA/CARM - RPP Bonds

Changes will soon be implemented by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) as it pertains to the collection of duties and taxes for commercial goods imported into Canada.

The CBSA’s Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal is a self-service tool that facilitates accounting and revenue management processes with the CBSA. The portal will enable importers, and their customs brokers and/or trade consultants, to view their transactions and statements of account, classify goods and estimate duties and taxes.

The next phase of CARM will include electronic commercial accounting declarations with the ability for corrections and adjustments, as well as the requirement for importers to post security to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privilege program. One of the mandatory requirements in the next phase will be for importers to provide direct financial security to clear their shipments for arrival into Canada.

Customs/RPP Bond

Most companies that issue surety bonds work through Insurance Brokers, also called producers; an importers’ first step to obtaining a Customs/RPP bond would be to contact a Surety Broker as they specialize in surety bonding for commercial security and would be best qualified to assist with obtaining a bond. A Surety Broker’s role is to guide importers through the bonding process and to assist with establishing a business relationship with a Surety company.

For reference, some of the items that may be requested from an importer to provide to a Surety Broker can be found on this checklist HERE (downloadable PDF). Note that this is not a comprehensive list and should be used as guidance only; as well, not all of these items may be required as Sureties will review each application on an individual basis.

To find a Surety Broker, importers can access the Surety Association of Canada’s on-line Surety Broker directory HERE (note: select the tab titled "Looking for a Broker").

Webinar Session

To assist importers in gaining a better understanding of what is an RPP bond and the steps on how to directly obtain one, the Surety Association of Canada presented a webinar: An Introduction to Obtaining Release Prior to Payment Bonds on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Topics that were covered include:

• An introduction and overview of RPP bonds 
• The difference between RPP bonds and other forms of security (i.e., cash, credit card, etc.)
• How to obtain an RPP bond and the underwriting process
• Current surety industry challenges and how this may affect bonding

CLICK HERE to access a link to the recording of the webinar.

CLICK HERE to access the presentation (downloadable PDF).