Dear Trade Chain Partners,

As Canada’s trade environment continues to modernize, many importers are not only preparing for the upcoming external launch of CARM in October 2024, but also revisiting how they manage duties and customs procedures in the long term. At Maska International Customs Broker, we are working closely with businesses that are planning for growth—whether through expanded imports, bonded warehousing needs, or long-term cost reduction strategies.

One important trend we’re seeing is that companies with higher duty exposure or those entering new international markets are looking for ways to reduce customs costs while staying compliant with CBSA regulations. This is where customs procedures and CBSA’s Trusted Trader frameworks come into play.

Trusted Trader Alignment & Customs Readiness in Canada

While Canada does not operate an “Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)” program in name like the European Union, it does have two equivalent programs under CBSA’s Trusted Trader umbrella:

• Partners in Protection (PIP) – focused on supply chain security

• Customs Self Assessment (CSA) – designed for pre-approved, low-risk importers

These programs not only offer operational advantages such as faster processing and reduced risk assessments, but also simplify access to certain customs procedures, including:

• Bonded Warehousing

• Release Prior to Payment (RPP)

• Temporary Importation

• Inward and Outward Processing

• Duty Deferral Options

To access these programs or apply for certain licenses, CBSA requires that your business adheres to standards that mirror Trusted Trader requirements. In some cases, companies must complete a self-assessment questionnaire proving internal controls, trade compliance, and procedural integrity—even if they are not formally enrolled in CSA or PIP.

Being “Ready” vs. Being Certified

A common question we receive is:
“If we already meet CSA or PIP criteria, should we apply for the program?”

Our response depends on your specific needs.

If your business is only pursuing one or two customs procedures, it may be more practical to stay “Trusted Trader-ready” rather than take on the added cost and maintenance of full program enrollment.
However, if you plan to apply for multiple customs authorizations, increase bonded operations, or reduce customs bonds, becoming a formal CSA or PIP member may provide added efficiency and long-term value.

CARM and Customs Procedure Licensing

With CARM’s external launch scheduled for October 2024, businesses must also ensure they are aligned with new requirements around:

• Electronic bonding (RPP transition)

• Delegation of authority via the CARM Client Portal

• Accurate linkage of RM account numbers to importer profiles

• Interim rules as noted in Customs Notice 24-18

During this transition period, the CBSA will be evaluating importers more closely, especially those requesting new customs privileges. Whether your company is considering bonded warehousing, import/export licensing, or inward processing, demonstrating Trusted Trader readiness will speed up approvals and reduce administrative delays.

How Maska International Can Support You

At Maska International Customs Broker, our team is actively assisting businesses with:

• CARM Client Portal readiness and compliance

• Applying for customs procedures and licenses

• Assessing Trusted Trader eligibility

• Preparing for CBSA audits and procedural reviews

• Clarifying written security agreement requirements

If your company is navigating expansion, considering bonded storage, or exploring duty savings through customs programs, now is the time to evaluate your level of compliance readiness.

We are here to provide clarity, consultation, and customized support—whether you’re applying for new customs procedures or preparing for long-term strategic certification.

Final Note

We appreciate your ongoing trust in our expertise and invite you to reach out for a tailored consultation. As the CBSA modernizes its systems and elevates compliance expectations, your proactive planning today will help avoid delays and reduce costs tomorrow.

Warm regards,
[Maska International]
[Anton]

Dear Trade Partners,

As part of ongoing trade measures, the Government of Canada has introduced a 25% surtax on selected goods imported from the United States, including items such as steel, aluminum, and certain automotive products. These tariffs, collected at the border by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), are applied in the form of a surtax and are intended to address ongoing trade imbalances.

In this post, we aim to clarify how these tariffs affect importers, travelers, and individuals bringing goods into Canada for personal use—whether by vehicle, mail, or courier.

Which Goods Are Affected?

The 25% surtax applies to both new and used goods that fall into the following categories:

Marked as made in*, produced in, or originating from the United States
Goods with *no country of origin marking**, but believed to originate in the U.S.
Items entering Canada for *commercial use**, temporary exhibition, or personal use, including gifts over \$60 in value
* Goods transiting through Canada to a third country
Imports that exceed *personal exemption limits**

If a product is clearly labeled as being from another country (e.g., Made in Germany), it will generally not be subject to the surtax—even if purchased in the U.S. However, the responsibility to prove country of origin lies with the importer.

For a detailed product list, refer to: Customs Notice 25-10: United States Surtax Order (2025-1)

 Impact on Travellers Entering Canada

Whether you’re a Canadian resident returning home or a visitor arriving for a stay, the surtax may apply depending on the goods you bring and their declared origin.

Canadian Residents

If your purchases from the U.S. exceed your personal exemption (based on the duration of your absence), you’ll be required to pay duties, taxes, and this additional 25% tariff. For example:

* After 24 hours away, residents are eligible for a \$200 exemption
* After 48 hours or more, the exemption increases to \$800
* Same-day trips do not qualify for any exemption

More info: [Personal exemptions for returning residents](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/declare-eng.html)

Campobello Island Exception

Residents of Campobello Island, New Brunswick, benefit from a unique exemption. Due to limited access to mainland Canada (by ferry in summer or via the U.S. year-round), goods brought back after short trips of less than 24 hours are not subject to the 25% surtax, as long as:

* The importer resides on the island
The goods are for *personal or household use**
* Items are in the importer’s possession at the time of return

Refer to Section 22 of Customs Notice 25-10 for complete details.

Visitors to Canada

International travelers, including U.S. citizens, are not subject to this surtax on items they bring for temporary personal use, such as luggage, personal effects, and vehicles.

However, if an officer determines that goods exceed a reasonable quantity for the duration of your visit, the excess may be subject to duties, taxes, and tariffs.

Common allowances apply to alcohol, tobacco, meat, and dairy.

How to Calculate the Surtax

The surtax is applied to the value for duty of the imported item—*before taxes such as GST/HST*. Here’s how it’s calculated:

Example

* Item value for duty: $50
* Surtax rate: 25%
* Surtax payable: $12.50

Keep in mind, this is in addition to applicable GST/HST and duties.

Need Assistance?

At Maska International Customs Broker, our priority is helping you navigate Canada’s changing trade environment. Whether you’re a business managing commercial imports or an individual seeking clarity on personal exemptions, we’re here to offer guidance and full-scale consultation.

Visit our [services page](https://maskacustoms.com/services) or contact us directly for expert advice on your import needs.

Warm regards,
Maska International Customs Broker
Anton

Dear Trade Chain Partners,

Maska International Customs Broker is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the evolution of trade operations in Canada. In today’s email, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that it has officially launched the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system internally. This marks a pivotal step towards CARM becoming the official system of record that importers and other trade chain partners will rely on for years to come.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our esteemed industry partners who have been integral to the success of this project from its inception. Your unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in reaching this momentous occasion. With over 81,000 clients already registered on the CARM Client Portal and substantial progress in testing and certifying Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Application Program Interface (API) participants, together, we have achieved remarkable milestones.

While many of you were prepared for the May 13th implementation, the CBSA’s decision to delay the external launch until October 2024 was made to address concerns regarding potential labor disruptions and to ensure adequate support for a successful external launch. CBSA employees are the backbone of the Agency, and their availability is critical to supporting both each other and all trade chain partners during the external launch of CARM.

Furthermore, the link between CARM and the Canada Revenue Agency necessitates aligning with the next scheduled window for a major IT change, which is in October 2024.

As the implementation of CARM continues to evolve, so too will the engagement between the Agency and all trade chain partners. We view this transitional period leading up to the external launch in October as an opportunity for renewed focus and collaboration.

Maska International Customs Broker is dedicated to revitalizing the way we engage with you, with forward-looking objectives, and will be reaching out in the coming weeks to discuss next steps. Our focus during this period will include providing consultation, clarity and direction on key topics such as Release Prior to Payment (RPP), written security agreements, transitional measures regarding the use of the business number (BN), and contingency planning. Additionally, CBSA’s efforts to raise awareness and onboard more small to medium businesses onto CARM will continue unabated. Please check the full list of our services and get in touch with us if you need any clarification or a full scale consultation.

Lastly, we draw your attention to Customs Notice 24-18, which outlines interim processes such as obtaining an importer/exporter (RM) number. This notice provides comprehensive guidance on navigating interim measures effectively during this period of change.

Maska International Customs Broker’s team sincerely thanks you for your collaboration and engagement over the years, and we eagerly anticipate working with you towards a successful external launch of CARM in October 2024.

Warm regards,

[Maska International]
[Anton]