If you wish to have Chit Chats manage your U.S. returns there are a few requirements. 

  1. An approved Power of Attorney document on file

  2. Registration with CARM

Before your shipments can re-enter Canada, they must be in compliance with the CBSA. This requires you to file a document called a Power of Attorney (POA) that allows Chit Chats and our customs broker to clear returns on your behalf. 


The CBSA is introducing a new digital initiative called CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management). CARM will become the official system of record that customs brokers will use with CBSA.


The CARM Client Portal is currently experiencing issues with registration, enrollment, and business numbers. Rest assured, your U.S. returns will continue to be processed as usual with only POA approval until further notice. Please reach out to CBSA directly for more information.


How do I register for CARM?

To create a user account in the CARM Client Portal, choose the 'Register my business' option and select the Program Type as "Importer" and the Importer Type as "Commercial." If you need extra help, follow the steps outlined in this CBSA support article to create your account. For instructions on how to link your business account to the CARM Client Portal, click here. You can equally access the CARM Client Portal link via your Return Settings. 

  • Creating an account requires a federal business number, which is also required for submitting a POA.
  • We recommend using the same federal business number you provided for your POA and ensure that you register only after your POA has been approved.
  • Once you register, you will obtain a CRA program account number. It has three parts:
    • Your 9-digit business number to identify your business 
    • A two-letter program identifier code to identify the program account (ex: RM, RT)
    • A four-digit reference number to identify the individual program account
    • Ex: 123456789RT0001 


While there is no firm deadline for CARM registration at this time, we strongly encourage you to complete registration before any official deadline is announced. For now if you only have a POA, you can still have your returns processed into Canada; however, you should aim to register with CARM as soon as possible.


Registering for a federal business number is free and as simple as going online or making a phone call to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-959-5525. On average it takes 5-10 minutes to complete the call once you reach an agent. You can find live wait times on the CRA’s website. 

Before you call, make sure to have your SIN number and other identification ready. You may be asked to answer a few questions about your business during the call.

What should I do after registering with CARM?

Once you have created your user account in the CARM Client Portal, head back to your Returns Settings and confirm that you have registered with CARM. 

Chit Chats will then forward your Returns Account number and Business Number to our broker. Our broker will then request Program Access to your portal to manage any returns coming back into the country.

FAQ

  • Why do I need a GCkey or access to my financial institution? 

    • As CARM is managed by the Canadian Border Services Agency and users need a CRA Business number, logging in using their GCKey or through a financial institution connected to their CRA Account is necessary. This login method is the same as what is used for accessing the CRA website to retrieve tax information, federal benefits, credits, and more.

  • What can I do if I do not own or run a business?

    • If you do not currently own or help run a business, you still have the option to register with the CRA for their Import/Export program, which is needed to bring your returns back to Canada. For more information on what's required, please contact the CRA directly.

  • What if I choose not to register a business number?

  • Are there any other required tasks after submitting the information relating to CARM?

    • It is important that once you have registered on the CARM client portal that you log in on a regular basis. For security purposes, accounts created in the CARM Client Portal are deactivated after 180 days of inactivity.

  • What information can Chit Chats provide?

    • Chit Chats can only provide information received from our broker. For example, a transaction number may be required for CARM registration, which is provided on the Statement of Account by our broker. For further inquiries, you may need to consult CBSA directly.