What Happens If You Don’t Post Your RPP in Time?
Published: May 7, 2025
No Bond, No Goods
If you’re an importer in Canada and still on the fence about getting your RPP bond in place—this one’s for you. With the CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) transition in full swing, your financial security isn’t optional anymore.
So what really happens if you don’t post your RPP (Release Prior to Payment) bond in time? Let’s just say your goods might be more comfortable at the border than in your warehouse. Let’s break it all down—without the jargon.
The Deadline is Real: Why May 20, 2025, Matters
Let’s start here: May 20, 2025 is the deadline set by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for commercial importers to have their financial security in place. That means you’ll need to post your RPP bond before then—or risk delays, fees, and major disruptions.
And no, this isn’t one of those “guidelines” you can push to the bottom of your inbox. Once the deadline hits, importers in Calgary and across Canada must have security posted in the CARM Client Portal to maintain RPP privileges—aka the ability to get your goods released before paying duties and taxes.
What Happens If You Miss the RPP Deadline?
Picture this: your shipment arrives, you’re ready to go… but Customs won’t release it.
Why? You didn’t post your RPP bond.
Without it, you lose the ability to have your goods released before duties and taxes are paid. That can mean:
▪️ Paying the full amount of duties and taxes upfront
▪️ Delays at the border
▪️ Potential storage or demurrage fees
▪️ Disruptions to your supply chain and unhappy customers
Think of the RPP bond as your entry pass—without it, your cargo isn’t getting through.
Why an RPP Bond Is Better Than Paying Cash
Now you might be thinking, “Can’t I just pay up front and skip the bond?” Technically yes—but it’s not the move we’d recommend.
Why? Because paying cash ties up your money AND it must be done in person at the port of clearance… which is not possible for a majority of importers!
An RPP surety bond gives you flexibility. It covers your duties/taxes without draining your account, and it keeps your logistics flowing. Plus, applying for a bond is faster and easier than most people realize (especially if you’re working with a team like Ramsay Customs & Logistics).
With a bond, you’re still compliant, your shipments keep moving, and you avoid all the last-minute stress. Win-win.
How to Get Back on Track (If You’re Behind)
Missed the deadline or just waking up to the world of RPP bonds? Don’t panic—we’ve got you.
Here’s what to do:
- Register for the CARM Client Portal
- Delegate your customs broker (like us ;))
- Determine your monthly duties/taxes
- Apply for your RPP bond—we can help you calculate the right amount
- Submit your financial security before May 20 hits
And if you’re reading this after the deadline, don’t worry—it’s not too late to course-correct. But the longer you wait, the more costly the delay.
Don’t Risk It
If you’re importing into Canada and want your goods moving through Customs without hiccups, the RPP bond is your golden ticket. Especially if you’re operating in fast-paced markets like Calgary, you can’t afford to have your freight sitting around waiting for payment clearance.
At Ramsay Customs & Logistics, we make the RPP process easy. We’ll walk you through every step, help you secure your bond, and keep your logistics running smoothly.
Email us at [email protected] to get started—or to panic-vent about the deadline. (We get it.)