We would like to remind you that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Financial Security grace period will officially end on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Importers must have posted RPP Financial Security in the CARM Client Portal to continue benefiting from Release Prior to Payment privileges.
Key Highlights:
-
No Extension:
The CBSA has confirmed there will be no extension to the RPP grace period. -
Requirement After May 20:
Importers without the RPP Financial Security indicator in their CARM Client Portal account will be required to submit a C-Type Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) for goods release. -
Transition for Existing RPP Submissions:
-
RPP releases (IID, PARS, RMD) submitted before May 20 but arriving after this date will be covered by the RPP transition plan.
-
Any changes to releases after May 20 (including broker-initiated or CBSA-initiated versions) will trigger a check for RPP enrollment and financial security.
If financial security is not confirmed, the release will be rejected, and a C-Type CAD will be required.
-
-
Financial Security Below Expected Amount:
Importers who have posted financial security but for an amount lower than expected will retain the RPP indicator on May 20. CBSA will address these cases through follow-up actions post-implementation. -
Special Considerations for Importers with Zero Payables:
-
Importers enrolled in RPP with no duties and taxes owed (e.g., zero-rated goods like produce) will retain the RPP indicator.
-
Importers with no previous imports and self-assessed payables of zero must still enroll in RPP.
-
Importers showing a security requirement of .00 but with outstanding CBSA debts will not have the RPP indicator and must post adequate financial security.
-
-
Action Required:
-
Validate that all Financial Security Agreements (non-cash bonds) are correctly allocated to the proper RM numbers before May 20.
-
On May 20, confirm the presence of the RPP indicator in the CARM Client Portal.
-
CBSA Operational Updates:
-
CBSA will increase staffing at certain border crossings to assist with re-manifests, C-Type CADs, and rush shipments.
-
Additional Help Desk Agents will be available on May 20 to manage anticipated call volumes.
-
Payment for C-Type CADs must be made at the border; payments cannot be processed through the CARM Client Portal.
Additional Resources:
-
For full details, please review Customs Notice 25-22: End of Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Transition Period available here.
Next Steps:
We strongly encourage all importers to verify their RPP enrollment status and financial security requirements ahead of May 20 to avoid shipment delays.
If you have questions or require assistance, please contact us at canadianimportbonds@buckland.com