The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced new requirements for marine carriers to obtain Carrier Codes through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system. This change replaces the previously used paper-based application process for obtaining a marine carrier code and bond. Per CBSA requirements, all carriers bringing vessels into Canada are required to have a valid Canadian Carrier Code.

The CBSA recommends simultaneously submitting the CARM registration and the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program registration to reduce processing times.

Foreign marine carriers must first apply for a Canadian Business Number (BN) before proceeding with the carrier code application. Upon completing registration for the BN, a carrier code can be issued promptly.   Non-resident carriers must acquire their BN directly from the Canada Revenue Agency portal, rather than through the CARM portal.

Some of the key points to CBSA’s new CARM requirements:

• Marine carriers holding an existing, valid carrier code do not need to register in the CARM system.
• Carriers entering Canada for the first time and without an existing carrier code must register in CARM to obtain a code.
• Carriers wishing to transition from a non-bonded to a bonded carrier code must complete registration in the CARM portal to facilitate this change.
• Notably, agents can no longer apply for a carrier code on behalf of carriers, even if they are registered in the CARM portal.
• CBSA has discontinued the previous paper-based process for carrier code applications, and there is no longer a temporary code issuance process for carriers facing imminent vessel arrivals.

Full details on the updated requirements for obtaining a Carrier Code and bond through the CARM system can be found here.

Additionally, the CBSA has also provided specific onboarding steps for marine carriers, which include:

Onboarding to the CARM Client Portal
Transporter Enrolment

Source The BC Chamber of Shipping