Have you ever had a shipment delayed at the border? If your small or medium-sized business relies on imported goods, you know how frustrating and costly customs delays can be. Missed deadlines, unhappy customers, and unexpected fees can hurt your bottom line.
But there’s good news—your business doesn’t have to face this alone. With Canada’s new customs system, CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management), it’s more important than ever to stay organized and compliant. That’s where a CARM Business Account Manager and customs consulting services come in. These experts can guide you through the process, helping you avoid mistakes that cause delays.
Here’s how they can make your importing process smoother, faster, and more cost-effective.
What is the CARM System?
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is rolling out the CARM system to modernize how duties and taxes are collected on imported goods. It gives importers more responsibility for managing their customs accounts—but also more tools and visibility.
Under CARM, importers must:
- Register and manage their own CARM Client Portal account
- Submit and pay their own duties and taxes
- Keep up with changing customs regulations
That’s a lot to take on—especially if you don’t have an in-house team with customs expertise. This is where a CARM Business Account Manager becomes essential.
What Does a CARM Business Account Manager Do?
A CARM Business Account Manager is a professional who helps you stay compliant with the new system and avoid errors that could delay your shipments. They work closely with your team (or your customs broker) to handle everything from account setup to payment tracking.
Here’s how they help:
1. Proper CARM Portal Setup
If your account is not correctly registered in the CARM portal, your shipments could be delayed or denied entry. A CARM Business Account Manager helps:
- Register your business properly
- Link your business number to the right account
- Set up user permissions for your employees
This ensures that everything is ready when your shipment arrives.
2. Managing Duties and Taxes
In the past, many businesses let brokers handle duty and tax payments. Now, with CARM, importers are responsible. Late or incorrect payments can lead to fines and shipment holds.
Your Account Manager helps track payment deadlines, ensures accurate payments, and helps manage your cash flow more effectively.
3. Accurate Documentation
Missing or incorrect documents like invoices or classification codes are one of the top reasons for delays at customs. Your CARM Business Account Manager will:
- Review all import paperwork
- Check for correct product descriptions and values
- Ensure proper use of trade agreements
This cuts down on inspection delays and prevents costly errors.
Why Is Customs Consulting Important?
Even with a CARM Account Manager, customs regulations can be complicated. Rules change often, and different products may need special handling, permits, or inspection. This is where customs consulting becomes a valuable resource.
Customs consulting services help you:
- Classify goods correctly under HS codes
- Understand new CBSA regulations
- Handling special import cases (like food, electronics, or medical items)
- Reduce risks of penalties or border delays
Consultants can also provide training for your staff, helping your team understand their role in compliance.
Why do Small and Medium Businesses Need These Services?
You might think customs services are only for big companies. But small and medium-sized businesses often face greater risks because they don’t have dedicated logistics or legal departments.
Hiring a CARM Business Account Manager and using customs consulting can help you:
- Avoid costly mistakes and fines
- Speed up customs clearance
- Reduce stress and administrative work
- Build a reliable import process
- Keep customers happy with on-time deliveries
Real Benefits for Your Business
Still unsure? Here’s what these services offer you:
- Peace of mind: You won’t have to worry about missed deadlines or confusing regulations.
- Cost savings: Preventing delays and penalties protects your profits.
- Efficiency: Faster customs clearance means quicker delivery to customers.
- Compliance: Stay ahead of rules and avoid last-minute surprises.
The Bottom Line
Importing goods into Canada is changing, and small and medium businesses need to keep up. The new CARM system puts more responsibility in your hands—but you don’t have to do it alone.
With help from a CARM Business Account Manager and expert customs consulting, your business can avoid costly mistakes, clear shipments faster, and stay compliant with new customs rules.
If your company imports into Canada, now is the time to get ahead. Investing in the right customs support today can save you time, money, and stress tomorrow.