Effective May 13, 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) transferred the responsibility for managing import/export number registrations to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This change is significant for businesses involved in import and export activities in Canada.
What's changing?
The CBSA is now responsible for the issuance and maintenance of new import/export program (RM) accounts or modifications to existing accounts.
This includes any updates to existing RM numbers, such as address changes, re-activation, etc.
What's not changing?
The CRA will continue to be responsible for the issuance of the nine-digit business number (BN9) and registration to various CRA program accounts.
What’s the interim process?
The CBSA has implemented an interim process for the registration and maintenance of RM accounts.
The full automation of this process through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system will not be in place until Oct. 21, 2024, when the CBSA will launch CARM externally.
Preparing for the transition
Businesses can prepare for this transition by understanding the CBSA's new processes and requirements to minimize any potential disruptions to their operations.
For updates to existing RM numbers or to register for a new RM account, please refer to the CBSA's guidelines during this interim period.
For more information and detailed guidance on import/export regulations, please contact our Customs & International Trade Services team.
Krunal Soni, Senior Manager, Customs & International Trade Services
Brian Morcombe, Partner, Global Indirect Tax Practice Leader
The information in this publication is current as of June 7, 2024.
This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. The publication cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact BDO Canada LLP to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstances. BDO Canada LLP, its partners, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it.