Get ready for CARM – Who’s your BAM?

In the March issue of Route we identified the 4 key aspects to registering for CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management).  All importers to Canada (whether resident or non-resident) must take certain steps – if not, they simply won’t be able to import into Canada once CARM Release 2 comes into effect (May/June 2022).

Universal Logistics will help our clients along the road to CARM to ensure a smooth transition.  The CARM initiative will be implemented in phases (or releases).  Release 1 is scheduled for May 25, 2021.

Here’s what you need to know to get ready…

1. Identify your company’s Business Account Manager(s) – BAM
2. Register your business in the CARM Client Portal
3. Delegate authority to your customs broker
4. Secure a Release of Goods Bond

Over the coming issues we will provide additional information on each of the 4 steps.  Today’s article focuses on identifying your BAM.

In preparation for registering your company in the CARM Client Portal, you will need to establish your internal Business Account Managers. 

The role of the Business Account Manager is to manage the business account and all program accounts within the CARM Client Portal for your company.  As such, the BAM role provides full access to all functionality of the portal for a business account and all its program accounts.  They are responsible for approving any access requests to your account, including internal employees and your customs broker, and for assigning user roles to each new user.  The BAM has the unique ability to manage legal entity information and has access to sensitive information, including financial security requirements and CBSA payments.

IMPORTANT – It is recommended each importer assign a minimum of 2 Business Account Managers:

1. Financial contact – the person who has access to your CRA account and will manage your daily and monthly statements and payments to CBSA;
2. Operational contact – the person within your organization who interfaces with your customs broker.

Internal identification of your BAM is the stepping stone to registering your account in the CARM Client Portal and must be determined before registration may occur, as the individual who registers the company automatically becomes the company’s BAM.

For more details on CARM and for tips on how to get ready – visit our visit our website or contact your Client Care Rep to discuss how the proper delegation of authority will streamline your import clearance process.