Does your organization have a 9-digit CRA Business Number (BN9)?
Import/Export (RM) Account
Do you have an RM program account number?
This, combined with your BN9, forms your BN15 (e.g., 123456789RM0001).
Portal Credentials
Do you have GCKey or Sign-In Partner (bank login) credentials for Government of Canada portals?
CARM Client Portal Registration
Has your business registered on the CARM Client Portal (CCP)?
Financial Security
Have you posted your own financial security for Release Prior to Payment (RPP)?
Since October 21, 2024, importers cannot use their broker's security for Release Prior to Payment, and the grace period ended May 20, 2025. To keep RPP you need your own security.
Delegation of Authority
If you use a customs broker, have you set up both required layers of authorization?
CARM requires a signed written agency agreement plus digital delegation configured in the portal.
Business Account Manager (BAM)
Have you assigned a backup BAM to your CARM account?
If your only BAM's account becomes inaccessible, you risk losing all access to managing your business account.