
Importers: How to Manage Your Statement of Account
Published: April 24, 2025
Importing into Canada just got a serious upgrade, and yes, that means you have a little more homework now. Thanks to the rollout of CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management), importers are stepping into the spotlight when it comes to managing duties and taxes.
Gone are the days when your customs broker (like Ramsay!) would just bill you directly for everything. Under CARM, you, the importer of record, are now responsible for checking your Statement of Account (SOA) and making your payments directly to Customs.
Sounds simple? It can be. But only if you’re ready for it.
The New Routine: What Happens on the 25th of Every Month
Mark your calendar and set a phone reminder, because here’s the new rhythm of your logistics life:
🗓 Every 25th of the month, CBSA will release your Statement of Account through the CARM Client Portal.
💵 Payment is due by the end of the same month.
Your SOA shows all the duties, taxes, and adjustments you owe for the previous period. And guess what? It’s now your responsibility to review it and pay it directly to CBSA, not through your customs broker anymore.
If you miss it, you risk late fees, penalties, and even disruptions to your customs privileges. Yikes.
No More Billing From Brokers: Here’s What Changed
Before CARM, brokers like Ramsay Customs & Logistics managed payments for you behind the scenes. We’d bill you, pay Customs, and keep everything moving.
Under CARM? The broker billing system for customs taxes is gone.
Now:
✅ We can still help you classify goods, clear your shipments, and stay compliant.
❌ But we no longer pay CBSA on your behalf.
✅ You must check your SOA and make your payments directly.
It’s a shift, yes. But it’s also designed to give you more visibility and control over your importing activities. (And honestly? It’s pretty empowering once you get used to it.)
How Ramsay Can Help You Stay On Track
Feeling a little overwhelmed? You’re not alone. That’s why Ramsay is here to make this transition smoother than a freshly cleared shipment.
Here’s how we help:
✔️ We walk you through how to navigate the CARM Client Portal
✔️ We remind you when SOA deadlines are approaching
✔️ We help you avoid costly mistakes and missed payments
✔️ We troubleshoot any weird SOA errors (because yes, they happen)
Whether you’re moving goods through Vancouver, Calgary, or anywhere across Canada, our team is ready to keep your logistics running like clockwork.
Bottom line? You’re responsible for your SOA, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Get Ahead, Stay Ahead
Change is never easy, but staying proactive now means smoother shipments and fewer headaches later.
By checking your Statement of Account each month, making your payment on time, and staying engaged with your CARM account, you’re setting yourself (and your supply chain) up for success.
📩 Need a walkthrough or a reminder system? Ramsay Customs & Logistics has your back.
Email us at [email protected] and we’ll make sure you’re good to go before those monthly statements stack up!