Do I need a Business Number before I can import into Canada?

Yes. Commercial importers need a CRA nine-digit Business Number (BN9) and an import-export (RM) program account. Get the BN9 from the CRA first, then register the RM account in the CARM Client Portal. We can point you to the right path and help with CARM setup.

What is CARM and do I have to register?

CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is the official system for commercial import accounting, payments, and financial security. Importers need a CARM Client Portal account to manage their RM account, post security for Release Prior to Payment, and work with a broker. We offer a CARM setup and management service if you would rather not run the portal alone.

What is financial security in CARM?

Financial security is a bond or cash deposit posted in CARM that lets CBSA release your goods before duties and GST are paid (Release Prior to Payment). The amount is based on your calculated security requirement in the portal. We can arrange a customs bond through our bond service so you are covered without locking up cash.

What does it mean to delegate broker authority in CARM?

In the CARM Client Portal you approve a business relationship with your customs broker so they can transact on your account. You choose access type and transaction visibility. If you use our CARM management service, we guide this step so J.W. Smith has the access needed to clear your shipments.

I already have a broker — how do I switch to J.W. Smith?

Contact us for a quote, sign our agency agreement, approve our CARM delegation (and update or revoke the previous broker when you are ready), then tell your carriers and forwarders that J.W. Smith is your broker of record. Most clients complete the switch with no interruption to scheduled freight.

When should I tell my carrier about the broker change?

As soon as our agency agreement is in place and CARM delegation is approved — ideally before the next shipment books. Carriers and freight forwarders need to know where to send invoices, packing lists, and arrival notices so we can transmit release data before the goods arrive.

Let's Get Started

Getting Started With J.W. Smith

Pick the path that matches you. We will walk you through every step to get set up with J.W. Smith Customs Broker Ltd.

A customs broker reviewing importer registration documents

Step 01

Get a CRA 9-digit Business Number

Every commercial importer needs a nine-digit Business Number (BN9) from the Canada Revenue Agency before goods can clear. Register for the BN with the CRA first. Once you have it, set up your import-export (RM) program account in the CARM Client Portal.

A professional reviewing account setup with a container port outside the window

Step 02

Register your CARM Client Portal

CARM is CBSA's system for import accounts, duties, and taxes. Create your portal account, link your business, and enrol your RM program. Prefer not to wrestle with the setup yourself? Our CARM setup service walks you through registration and keeps the account ready for live shipments.

Customs bond documents prepared for financial security in CARM

Step 03

Post a financial security

Release Prior to Payment needs a bond or cash deposit posted in CARM. Security is what lets CBSA release your goods before duties and GST are paid. We can arrange and manage your customs bond so coverage matches your import volume.

A business professional reviewing documents while choosing a customs broker

Step 04

Contact J.W. Smith

Tell us what you import, how often you ship, and which modes you use. Request a free quote online, or email us with a short overview of your goods and lanes — we will map the right clearance setup and next steps.

Customs agency agreement and consulting documents ready to sign

Step 05

Sign our agency agreement

Once you are ready to proceed, we send a short agency agreement that authorizes J.W. Smith to act as your licensed customs broker. It spells out scope, responsibilities, and how we handle your entries — no surprises when the first shipment moves.

Managing broker access in the CARM Client Portal

Step 06

Delegate broker authority in CARM

Approve J.W. Smith as a third-party service provider in the CARM Client Portal so we can file and manage entries on your account. If you use our CARM management service, we guide this delegation (and keep visibility attributes set correctly) so nothing stalls at go-live.

A freight truck at a Canada-U.S. border customs crossing

Step 07

Inform your carrier J.W. Smith is your broker

Tell your freight forwarder or carrier that J.W. Smith is the customs broker of record. They should send commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and arrival notices to us for pre-arrival clearance — that is how shipments clear without last-minute scrambles at the border.

FAQ