Should Customs Brokers Be Able to Import on Behalf of Unregistered Businesses?

Official title: Consultation on the use of the customs broker business number (BN) following importer of record regulatory legislative changes

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Finance & Consumer
The Canada Border Services Agency wants to know when customs brokers should be allowed to handle imports for businesses that haven't registered in the new CARM system. Right now, importers must register themselves—but that's a barrier for small businesses and one-time importers. The CBSA is asking whether exceptions should expand to cover major events like concerts and sports tournaments.

Why This Matters

Run a small business that imports products? This affects you. Right now, you need to register with CBSA's new system before bringing goods into Canada. That's fine if you import regularly—but a headache if you're a small shop doing it once or twice a year. These changes could let your customs broker handle everything without you jumping through hoops.

What Could Change

Customs brokers may get expanded authority to import goods on behalf of unregistered businesses. New exemptions could cover major entertainment and sporting events. Small businesses importing fewer than 10 times yearly could face fewer registration requirements.

Key Issues

  • Should exemptions expand to cover major events like concerts and sporting events?
  • How can customs brokers better serve small businesses and infrequent importers?
  • What operational challenges might arise from allowing broker BN use in these scenarios?
  • Are there other scenarios where importers shouldn't need to register in CARM?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Feedback was collected via email to cbsa.licensing_unit-unite_agrements.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

Key Documents