Canadian Import and Export: CERS and CARM

Written by Jet Team | October 10, 2024

Understanding Canadian Export Declaration (CERS) vs. Canadian Import Registration (CARM): Know the Differences and Requirements

When engaging in international trade, especially involving Canada, it is important to understand the two key Canadian customs regulatory systems: Canadian Export Declaration (CERS) and Canadian Import Registration (CARM) Let's delve into the details of each system, highlighting their differences and when they are required.

Canadian Export Declaration (CERS):

What is CERS?

The Canadian Export Declaration (CERS) is a mandatory process for exporters to report goods leaving Canada to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It is a means of providing essential information about the exported goods, such as the nature of the goods, destination, and value, to ensure compliance with customs regulations.

When is CERS Required?

Exporting Goods valued over $2,000 CAD or otherwise restricted.
Compliance with CERS requirements is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth export operations.

Canadian Import Registration in CARM:

What is CARM?

CARM is a Canadian customs online portal. All commercial importers are required to register this portal. Registration requires an importer number and either a deposit or surety bond.

When is CARM Required?

Importing Goods: CARM is required for businesses and individuals importing goods into Canada.
Registration: Importers must register under CARM and obtain a Business Number (BN) to serve as their unique identifier for customs purposes.
Customs Compliance: Adhering to CARM requirements ensures efficient customs clearance and compliance with Canadian import regulations.

Key Differences Between CERS and CARM:

1. Purpose:

CERS: Primarily focuses on reporting exports out of Canada. It is useful for statistical purposes.
CARM: Facilitates import process and establishes a direct connection between the importer and CBSA.

2. Regulatory Focus:

CERS: Ensures compliance with regulations related to exporting goods but primarily is used for statistical purposes.
CARM: Streamlines customs clearance and regulatory processes for importers.

3. Scope:

CERS: Specific to exporting goods to non USA destinations. CERS is most often not required for shipments to the USA.
CARM: Broadly covers all imports, including non- resident importers and imports from the USA.

By recognizing the differences between these two processes and knowing when each is required, businesses and individuals can efficiently manage their import and export activities while complying with Canadian customs regulations.