CARM: Bond or Cash?

Short Version.

If you Import, you will eventually need a Bond or Cash Deposit.

If you want some help or advice, email me at savings@sospartners.ca

As an accredited Trade Chain Partner (CBSA), I can verify the amount necessary, provide options, explain the changes, and make your transition easier.

More Details

From October 21 until April 19, 2025, Importers must post financial security for the CBSA’s CARM program. Many will see this as an unnecessary new charge imposed upon Canadian small businesses by our Federal Government. But if you run the numbers, it is a benefit for most. Here’s why.

  1. The Surety Bond is the standard option for most volume importers. Based on the 50% of your highest month of Duties & Taxes in the past 12 months, an elemental Surety Bond for Customs importation (a D120) will provide up to $25,000 of security. Underwriters usually sell these for 1-3 years.
  2. Cash Deposits are a good option for smaller Importers. Based on the 100% of your highest month of Duties & Taxes in the past 12 months, this deposit will sit on your account until your business closes. You get this deposit back.
  3. In both cases, you will receive a Notification or nudge from the CBSA if you are required to increase your deposit due to a higher period of charges.
  4. The best part? You should not be charged disbursement or bond fees moving forward. (Double-check with your Broker’s terms if you have a Bond and are charged this fee.)

In summary, implementing the CARM Program should result in cost savings for thousands of Canadian and non-resident importers.

Please email savings@sospartners.ca if you’d like help determining which option is better for you, how much to spend, and where to get a Surety Bond.

If you’d like help with the CARM Client Portal, Bond Purchases, Advice etc.
Contact us at savings@sospartners.ca

Common Questions

Importers must post Financial Security themselves. And in most cases, they are asked to make their own payments in the Portal. Brokers may do this but could be charging a new fee. pulvinar dapibus leo.

Nothing in terms of clearance. Many importers will elect to continue their relationship with their primary Import Broker. This can be done by granting Delegation of Authourity in the CCP.

For those Importers using multiple carriers for their courier, LTL, FTL, ocean and rail entries, each carrier can be given limited visibility in your CCP/CARM Client Portal or you can elect to have your Broker obtain access to these.

1.Visibility of your imports improved.

2. The ability to make changes on value/description/Tariff Codes etc.

3. Duty Draw Back requests will be requested directly on the portal.

4. Shorter turnaround time ( from Months to Minutes) in retrieving adjustment on an automated platform.

Use of the CARM Client Portal will take getting used to and there will undoubtedly be questions. SOS Partners is here to help!

Importers will be responsible for payment of Duties and Taxes directly on the CARM Client Portal. More info on this is available at How to Use the Duties and Taxes Calculator in the CARM Client Portal – YouTube