CARM – Deadline to obtain or update financial security is April 19!
All Canadian importers logging into the CARM Portal will see the following message from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):
All importers are required to post security with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) by April 19, 2025, when the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) 180-day transition period ends, using one of the following two options:
- Option 1: a financial security instrument, e.g. RPP bond, for 50% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST) with a minimum financial security of $5,000 per import program (RM)
- Option 2: cash security deposit for 100% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST)
Recommendation – obtain a bond for a higher amount than required to avoid costly bond endorsements
(associated with fluctuations in importer security requirements)
Importers who have not yet obtained an RPP bond:
Here’s what you need to do:
To determine your Financial Security requirements, log into the CARM Portal and follow the following 3 steps:
- Go to the Financial security page (Home or Menu – Financial information – Financial security) to view your Financial security dashboard.
- The first item listed on the Financial security dashboard displays your Financial security overview, which includes the following:
- Total security required: how much financial security you need for your account
- Current security coverage: how much financial security you have
- Contact your Universal Logistics Client Care Representative to assist with securing your RPP bond.
Importers who have already secured their RPP bond with CBSA:
Here is what you need to do:
Ensure you have the required coverage – log into the CARM Portal to review your current security coverage ahead of the April 19, 2025 deadline and follow the 3 steps outlined above.
The CARM system uses a nudging framework to encourage real-time compliance with financial security requirements. The nudging framework is used for RPP importers only. When an RPP importer’s financial security utilization is approaching (for example, greater than 75%) or over capacity (greater than 100%), the CARM system will nudge the importer to either increase the financial security posted or post-payment to reduce the account balance.
During the current 180-day RPP transition period, these ‘nudges’ or financial security notifications are for information purposes only, reminding importers to post the applicable financial security before the end of the 180-day transition period to continue benefiting from the RPP privilege.
Universal has secured very competitive RPP Bond rates with our Surety. To take advantage of these rates please contact your Client Care representative or Mark Glionna, Vice President—Client Relations & Business Development.
Sourcing Beyond the U.S.? We’re Here To Help!
Looking to source your goods from markets outside of the U.S.? Universal Logistics offers tailored international freight solutions to help you grow with confidence. Whether you’re importing from Europe, Asia, South America or beyond, our expert team manages every detail—air, ocean, and multimodal—ensuring cost-effective, reliable delivery from origin to destination. Backed by 75 years of global logistics experience and a trusted international agent network, we simplify the complexities so you can focus on scaling your business.
USA/Canada Trade War – Tariffs
With a number of tariffs already in place, in the coming days we’ll know whether or not the full 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports to the U.S. will be imposed by US President Donald Trump, followed, in turn, by Canada’s retaliatory tariffs of 25 percent.
Here are the tariffs currently in effect:
USA
Watch for our Trade Alerts as more information becomes available.
How to navigate unstable times
As everyone is aware, we are currently experiencing turbulent times in supply chain management, particularly concerning customs policies and freight movement. Keeping up with evolving government regulations related to trade and tariffs, as well as navigating cross-border and international freight, is a challenge that most companies lack the time, resources, or expertise to handle. To make effective and strategic decisions that could impact your business now and in the future, it is essential to rely on industry experts who can provide guidance and support during these unstable times.
We would like to highlight two important teams at Universal Logistics that are dedicated to equipping our clients with the tools and knowledge necessary to make the best decisions for protecting their business interests. Their insights and suggestions are invaluable.
Customs Consulting Services – Our Customs Consulting Services teams, both in Canada and the U.S., are available to assist our clients with compliance strategies while understanding complex Customs regulations, HS tariff classification assessment and tariff application, which has become all too important in recent weeks. Full services from pre-import consultation to post-import reassessment, duty drawback and obtaining binding Rulings from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are available. Our clients understand their products and we understand the regulations – working together we can provide valuable tools to enhance customs compliance while navigating constantly changing import and export complexities.
Freight Solutions – Our Freight Solutions team collaborates with clients to assess their needs and find optimal shipping solutions. We explore various options to help save money, optimize transit times, and capitalize on available consolidation opportunities. With an extensive worldwide network of agents and industry expertise, we stay up-to-date on situations that may impact your freight, enabling us to provide alternative solutions to ensure your shipments keep moving.
Global Spotlight Quiz
Name the city that is home to the Acropolis
- Europe’s oldest capital city.
- Dates back to antiquity and represents millennia of architectural styles.
- Hosted the 2004 Olympic Summer Games.
- Famous for being the birthplace of democracy – around 500 B.C., the city instituted a democratic form of government.
- One of the sunniest places in Europe.
- Home to Europe’s largest passenger port.
For more information about shipping freight to or from this country, contact Debbie McGuire, Director – Freight Solutions.
Quick Tip
Issue instructions in writing
Always put your requirements in writing to avoid misunderstandings. What is completely obvious to you may be seen much differently by another person. Don’t assume your suppliers and/or logistics service providers know what you are thinking (e.g. “Of course I wanted that to go by airfreight…it’s our year end!”).
Eliminate the possibility of errors by clearly communicating your instructions in writing and then having a record in the event things do go wrong.
At Your Service
Audrey Keser
Team Leader - Border Clearances (USA)
Audrey Keser joined our US Customs Operations team in Buffalo, New York in November 2021, where she was responsible for processing customs clearance of truck shipments.
In November 2023, Audrey was promoted to the position of Team Leader – Border Clearances (USA), where she continues to demonstrate her extensive knowledge handling customs clearances at all ports across the USA. Audrey is a valuable resource for our clients and her colleagues due to her exceptional problem-solving skills.
Audrey can be reached by phone (716) 882-4100, ext. 2606 or by email.
Team Leader - Border Clearances
(USA)
SMART Logistics
Controlling how freight moves through your supply chain could save you thousands – or more.
Working with us means someone always asks: how can we make this shipment better?
Single-sourced trucking, customs clearance and distribution to expedite your freight shipments between the U.S. and Canada.
Route is produced monthly for the clients of Universal Logistics. Reader comment and story ideas are welcome. Comments of general interest to all Route readers will, with the permission of the writer, be published. Copyright © 2025 Universal Logistics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction for any commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Route is produced by Universal Logistics. Editor: Bettina Scharnberg. Email: bscharnberg@universallogistics.ca While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained herein, Universal Logistics accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions. Written correspondence should be forwarded to:
Universal Logistics Inc.
125 Commerce Valley Drive West
Suite 750, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 7W4
Tel: 905-882-4880 Fax: 905-882-2250
Attention: Bettina Scharnberg
