Canada
NICK BRENIE
Vice President & Managing Director - Scarbrough International (CA) nbrenie@scarbroughglobal.com +1 289.497.1512
In an effort to further expand our service and encompass all of North America, Scarbrough acquired a Canadian customs broker and introduced Scarbrough International in Canada. We are excited to announce that Nick Brenie will be heading up our new operations in Canada. Nick is an experienced customs broker and is a proud member of the Canadian of Society Customs Brokers and holds his CCS certification, and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Professional Status as a Licensed Customs Broker.
Having an experienced Canadian broker like Nick leading our efforts will help navigate the unique requirements and differences between the Canadian and American import processes, chief among them being that in Canada importers are required to have their own bond and pay duties direct to Customs as opposed to in the US they are required to have a bond but the Customs Broker can outlay the duty or tax on the importer’s behalf.
With the introduction of Scarbrough International Canada, we now cover all of North America. Scarbrough International Canada is proud to offer the following services:
- Customs Clearance & Post Entry: We provide customs clearance services at all Canadian port of entries, and all modes of transport, including courier Low Value Shipments (CLVS). In addition to clearance services, we provide post entry customs service in the form of corrections, amends and voluntaries. Need delivery arrangements for your air and ocean shipments? We’ve got that covered as well.
- Consulting Services: Want a second opinion or looking for recommendations to improve your import process and compliance? Through our reviews and consulting services we can provide insight that can lead to improved compliance with customs, as well as a more streamlined import process.
- Education & Training: Looking for more information regarding CARM or other CBSA programs? Our team can help you with all levels of detail to streamline your processes and prepare you for any challenges you may encounter.
CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)
Throughout the first quarter of 2024, CBSA has devoted nearly all its attention to the upcoming launch of CARM. CARM has been a long time coming and aims to be a new, easier way to assess and pay duties and taxes on imported goods. Once it has officially launched, it will streamline the process for CBSA and importers, alike.
Effectively with CARM, importers will be required to post their own form of financial security with Customs to account for their duties and GST on imports. While CBSA is determining other means of financial security, the current options would include posting a cash deposit, purchasing a Release Prior to Payment Bond (RPP), or prepaying through the CARM Client Portal.
On May 13, 2024, CARM will become the official system of record that importers and other trade chain partners will use to pay duties and taxes. Importers are encouraged to not only have their financial security in place prior to the scheduled release date but are also required to have their CARM Client Portal (CCP) registered to access their monthly statement of accounts as well as delegate authority to their Customs Broker of choice.
Scarbrough will be hosting a webinar discussing the intricacies of CARM on April 30, 2024. Nick Brenie and Adam Hill will lead the discussion and will share insights to get you ready for the release date.
Carbon Tax Increase
Another major factor in Canada’s economy is the carbon tax price increase that went into effect on April 1, 2024. The carbon tax was implemented in 2018 across Canada with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Previously, carbon was priced at $65 per ton, but that price recently went up to $80 per ton. This has had some effect on trade and is one of the factors influencing low numbers in the first quarter of the year. While not the most popular policy, it is set to continue with annual increases until 2030.