5 Common CARM Mistakes Vancouver Importers Can Avoid
Published: June 18, 2025
The fines are real, but so is the fix.
Importing into Canada sounds easy… until CBSA drops a compliance hammer on your HS codes. If you’re a small or mid-sized business based in Vancouver, here’s the truth: avoiding customs clearance errors is totally doable with the right customs strategy and a broker that speaks fluent CBSA.At Ramsay Customs & Logistics, we help local businesses stay ahead of costly mistakes with proactive compliance, bonded warehousing, and a refreshingly clear approach to the world of importing. Let’s break down the top 5 importing mistakes we’re seeing in 2025 and how you can dodge them like a seasoned pro.
Misdeclaring Goods
A.k.a. The “Close Enough” Catastrophe
Calling your ergonomic chairs “office supplies” might sound close enough but CBSA isn’t here for vibes.
Why it matters: Vague or inaccurate product descriptions = delays, unexpected duties, audits, and real penalties.
👉 How to avoid it: Work with a Vancouver-based broker (hi 👋) who knows what questions to ask to classify your goods using the correct HS code and documentation from the get-go.
Forgetting to Budget for Duties and Taxes
“We didn’t know it’d be that much” is not a strategy.
Scored a great deal on imported merch… until you forgot about the 18% in duties, GST, and clearance costs? We’ve seen it too many times.
The risk: Surprise charges at the border. Inventory stalls. A massive hit to your cash flow.
Bonus pain: Fast-scaling businesses or multi-SKU importers feel this the hardest.
👉 How to avoid it: Ask your broker for a landed cost estimate before you place the order. And ask us about RPP (Release Prior to Payment) bonds, they’re a serious game-changer for cash flow flexibility.
Skipping the Paperwork Double-Check
Trust, but verify especially when CBSA is watching.
Don’t assume your supplier got the invoice right. One incorrect digit on your Bill of Lading can mean major delays and some very cranky clients.
Why it’s risky: Under CARM, importers are accountable for accuracy, no more “let my broker fix it later.”
Common culprit: Misaligned documents that trigger audits or corrections.
👉 How to avoid it: Build a document checklist or let Ramsay handle it. Our team cross-checks every import doc before it hits CBSA’s system.
Reusing Old HS Codes
“It worked last time” doesn’t mean it works now.
HS codes evolve. Tariff rules shift. And that dusty code from 2022? It could be costing you more than you realize.
The risk: Overpaying duties or missing free trade benefits.
Local insight: This hits Vancouver importers hard in sectors like fashion, electronics, and heavy equipment.
👉 How to avoid it: Have Ramsay audit your HS codes at least once a year or ahead of seasonal order spikes. Trust us, it’s worth it.
No Customs Strategy for E-Comm or U.S. Growth
Cross-border = more than a shipping label.
If you’re shipping product into Canada from the U.S. or running a Shopify store without a customs plan, you’re rolling the dice.
What can go wrong: Incomplete filings, shipment holds, longer transit times, lost customer trust.
Pro tip: E-comm logistics isn’t one-size-fits-all. Even big platforms don’t factor in everything.
👉 How to avoid it: Build a smart import strategy. Ramsay helps clients with bonded warehousing, cross-border pre-clearance, and logistics coordination that scales with your business.
Let’s Recap: Avoiding CBSA Penalties in 2025
✔ Get your HS codes right (no guessing)
✔ Plan for duties + use RPP Bonds
✔ Double-check every import doc
✔ Update your codes regularly
✔ Strategize for cross-border growth (not just shipping)
Ramsay Makes Customs… Almost Fun
You’ve got enough on your plate. Let us handle the paperwork, the codes, the acronyms, and the government stuff, with a little flair and a lot of accuracy. Ramsay Customs & Logistics is your not-like-the-rest customs broker in Vancouver.
We specialize in:
✅ CARM compliance
✅ RPP bond support
✅ Freight + customs coordination
✅ Bonded warehousing solutions
✅ Actually answering your emails (with answers)
Ready to Ship Smarter?
Let’s make your next import smooth, stress-free, and fine-proof.
📩 Reach out to us at he***@*************cs.com and let’s keep your freight moving even when the market does the most.