Post-CARM Era: Practical Compliance Strategies for Canadian Importers Dear Trade Chain Partners, The Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system has permanently reshaped how Canadian businesses manage imports. Gone are the days when importers could take a “fix-it-later” approach to compliance. Today, CARM demands a proactive, structured process backed by accurate […]

Post-CARM Era: Essential Compliance Strategies for Canadian Importers Introduction The Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system has permanently changed how importers in Canada must manage compliance. With the transition to CARM well underway, businesses are learning that past, reactive approaches to customs no longer suffice. The system requires a more […]

24/7 Customs Support: Why It Matters for Cross-Border Trade Dear Trade Chain Partners, Canada doesn’t sleep—and neither do your cross-border logistics challenges. Whether shipments are held up overnight or unexpected issues arise over a weekend, having a customs partner who’s always available isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential. Why 24/7 Availability Isn’t Extra, It’s Essential After-Hours […]

How to Navigate Customs Clearance Costs: Tips for Canadian Importers Dear Trade Chain Partners, If you’ve ever wondered, “How much will customs clearance cost me?”, you’re not alone. Every importer wants clarity on what they’re paying for and how to minimize unexpected expenses. Let’s break down the key cost components, and how smart planning can […]

Smooth Canadian Customs Clearance by Highway, Sea, or Air: What’s Changed and How EDI Keeps You Moving Dear Trade Chain Partners, Canadian customs modernization has real, day-to-day impacts on how freight moves. Two areas to have on your radar: CARM’s Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD), which replaces legacy accounting forms, and Advance Commercial Information (ACI)/eManifest reporting […]

Exporting a Vehicle from the U.S. to Canada: Getting the AES ITN Right Dear Trade Chain Partners, If you’re exporting a car, truck, or trailer from the United States into Canada, the most important step is securing the AES Internal Transaction Number (ITN) before you reach the border. U.S. rules require most vehicle exports to […]

Pohénégamook Port Changes: What Cross-Border Shippers Need to Know Dear Trade Chain Partners, If your business moves goods or people across the Quebec–Maine border near Pohénégamook, please note an operational shift announced by the CBSA. Effective July 7, 2025, in-person service at the Pohénégamook port of entry has been discontinued and replaced by the Program […]

CARM Financial-Security Recalculation: What Importers Need to Know Dear Trade Chain Partners, The CBSA continues to refine how importers’ financial-security requirements are calculated under CARM. A recent update confirms that CARM will determine financial-security levels using a rolling transaction period (covering transactions from October 2024 to October 2025), which will change the amount of surety […]

CBSA Extends RPP Contingency Measures to August 9, 2025 – What Importers Need to Know Dear Trade Chain Partners, Maska International Customs Broker would like to share an important update from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding Release Prior to Payment (RPP) contingency measures. On July 10, 2025, the CBSA announced that the RPP […]

CBSA’s July 2025 Trade Verification Priorities – What Importers Should Expect Dear Trade Chain Partners, The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released its July 2025 Trade Verification Priorities, outlining the main focus areas for import compliance audits in the coming months. These verifications ensure that goods are classified correctly, country of origin is declared […]