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CARM Bond Requirements
If you import commercial goods into Canada, you cannot release them before paying duties and taxes unless you have posted financial security with the CBSA.
That security is the CARM bond, also called an RPP bond. Without it, every shipment waits until you have paid in full.
This page covers who needs a CARM/RPP bond, the exact amount the CBSA requires, the difference between a surety bond and a cash deposit, the cost, and how to apply online. Zipments issues CARM bonds digitally, often within 48 hours, so you can keep your imports moving.
Maintain Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges
Stay compliant with CBSA's latest CARM regulations
Defer duty and tax payments until after importation
Keep your supply chain running without interruption
What is a CARM bond (and why is it the same as an RPP bond)?
A CARM bond and an RPP bond are the same financial security. You post it in the CBSA CARM Client Portal to obtain Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges, which allow you to release goods before duties and taxes are due. "CARM bond" refers to the system you post it in; "RPP bond" refers to the privilege it secures.
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The CBSA system that manages importer accounts, duties, and security.
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Release Prior to Payment, the privilege that releases your goods first and lets you pay duties and taxes later.
For most importers, the surety bond wins on cash flow. The premium is a fraction of the amount you would otherwise tie up in a deposit, and it scales with your bond amount rather than your total duty.
Who needs a
CARM/RPP bond?
Any business that imports commercial goods into Canada and wants to release them before paying needs to post RPP security in CARM. That security can be a surety bond or a cash deposit.
This applies to:
Resident importers of record bringing commercial goods into Canada
Non-resident importers of record. Foreign businesses importing into Canada can post RPP security and obtain a CARM bond too
Customs brokers and trade consultants arranging security on behalf of their importer clients
Importers who do not post security lose RPP privileges. That means paying all duties and taxes upfront on every shipment before the CBSA releases it, tying up cash and slowing your goods at the border.
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What the CBSA asks for
To get RPP privileges, you need an active CARM Client Portal account and financial security equal to 50% of your highest month of duties and taxes over the past 12 months. A minimum bond amount applies, set by the CBSA.
01
Register your business in the CARM Portal.
02
Calculate your security amount from tax history.
03
Post security as a bond or cash deposit.
04
Confirm RPP active before next shipment.
This security must be in place before you can use Release Prior to Payment. Posting it is now your responsibility as the importer, not your broker's.
How the CARM bond amount is calculated
Your bond amount is 50% of your highest single month of duties and taxes in the last 12 months. If you post cash instead of a bond, the CBSA requires 100% of the highest month.
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A CBSA minimum bond amount applies, so very small importers post at least that floor. To estimate the duty and tax figures behind your own calculation, run your products through the duty and tax calculator.
How the CARM bond amount is calculated
Your bond amount is 50% of your highest single month of duties and taxes in the last 12 months. If you post cash instead of a bond, the CBSA requires 100% of the highest month.
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Your bond amount is 50% of your highest single month of duties and taxes in the last 12 months. If you post cash instead of a bond, the CBSA requires 100% of the highest month.
Surety bond vs. cash bond vs. security: which to choose
Most importers choose a surety bond because it secures the full RPP requirement for a small annual premium instead of locking up a large sum of your own cash. "CARM surety bond," "CARM cash bond," and "CARM security bond" are the options importers compare, not separate products.
Annual premium · 50% coverage
You pay an annual premium to a surety provider, who guarantees your obligation to the CBSA. It covers the 50% requirement, and your working capital stays in your business. This is the option most importers and brokers use.
Capital locked · 100% coverage
You post 100% of the required amount in cash with the CBSA.That capital is locked up and unavailable for your operations until released.
For most importers, the surety bond wins on cash flow. The premium is a fraction of the amount you would otherwise tie up in a deposit, and it scales with your bond amount rather than your total duty.
How much does a
CARM bond cost?
A CARM surety bond costs a small annual premium based on your bond amount, far less than the capital you would lock up with a cash deposit. Zipments shows you the fee upfront, before you commit.
A few points on cost:
The premium scales with your bond amount (the 50% figure), not your total imports.
Bonds renew annually, so the premium is a recurring yearly cost.
A cash deposit has no "premium," but its real cost is the opportunity cost of capital sitting with the CBSA.
Because the exact premium depends on your duty volume and bond amount, the fastest way to see your number is to start an application and get a quote.
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CARM bond deadlines
and timing
RPP security is mandatory now for any importer who wants release before payment, with no remaining grace period. Post your bond before you need to clear a shipment, not after.
CARM moved from transition to full enforcement, so the earlier deadline messaging no longer applies. The practical guidance is simple: if you import commercially and want RPP privileges, your security needs to be active. Apply ahead of peak shipping periods so a missing bond never holds your goods at the border.
When should you apply
for a CARM Bond?
You should apply for your CARM bond before your next shipment to ensure your account remains in good standing with CBSA.
Once the bond is filed and confirmed by CBSA, your RPP privileges remain active, preventing shipment delays or holds.
Typical processing time: 24–48 hours.
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How to apply for a CARM bond with Zipments
You can apply for and receive a CARM bond online with Zipments, typically within 48 hours, with no paperwork to chase. The process is fully digital.
amount and fee
If you also need help clearing shipments, Zipments connects you with a licensed Canadian customs broker. You can also track the release of your shipment once your goods are in transit.
Why choose Zipments for your CARM bond?
01
Fast, online approval
Get your bond in minutes — no paperwork.
02
CBSA-compliant security
Your bond meets all CARM requirements with verified financial partners.
03
Simple, guided process
Clear steps and updates make the application effortless.
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Benefits of a CARM Bond with Zipments
01
Financial flexibility
Secure imports without cash flow issues or upfront duties.
02
Full compliance confidence
Your bond meets CBSA and CARM policies.
03
Dedicated support
Get help from specialists who guide you through bond requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CARM surety bond?
A CARM surety bond is an RPP bond, backed by a surety provider and posted in the CARM Client Portal. It guarantees to the CBSA that you will pay your duties and taxes, allowing you to release commercial goods before payment.
How much does a CARM bond cost?
A surety bond costs an annual premium scaled to your bond amount, which is 50% of your highest month of duties and taxes. For most importers, that premium is a small fraction of the cost of posting the equivalent cash deposit.
What does CARM mean?
CARM stands for CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management. It is the Canada Border Services Agency system that manages importer accounts, duty and tax assessment, and financial security.
What is the CARM program in Canada?
The CARM program is the CBSA initiative that moved importer accounting and RPP security into the online CARM Client Portal. It makes importers responsible for posting their own bond to keep Release Prior to Payment privileges.
Can a non-resident importer get a CARM bond?
Yes. Non-resident importers of record can post RPP security and obtain a CARM bond. Zipments supports non-resident applications.
What happens if I do not post an RPP bond?
You lose Release Prior to Payment privileges. You then have to pay all duties and taxes upfront before the CBSA releases each shipment, which delays your goods and ties up cash.
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