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Commercial carrier and freight forwarder identification and eligibility
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a carrier code?
Carriers and freight forwarders need a carrier code to do business with the CBSA. Refer to Identification and eligibility for details.
What do I need to do before applying for a carrier code?
You need a business number (BN9) to register your business in the portal. Consult the following resources to obtain a business number:
How do I apply for a carrier code?
Step 1: Obtain a business number (BN9)
Step 2: Register your business in the CARM Client Portal (portal)
Refer to the "User Guide: Onboarding to the CARM Client Portal" on the Onboarding documentation page for a step-by-step guide to completing your registration in the portal.
Step 3: Apply for a carrier code
- Refer to the "User Guide: Transporter enrolment" on the Onboarding documentation page for a step-by-step guide to obtaining a carrier code in the portal
- If you have a pre-existing carrier code, upon registration, you will be prompted to confirm that you have a program account (a carrier code)
How do I apply for a bonded carrier code?
Applying for a bonded carrier code is done through the CARM Client Portal (portal).
First, you are required to work with an approved surety provider outside of CARM to obtain a non-cash bond before starting the process for non-cash bonds. For more information, please refer to Memorandum D1-7-1: Posting Security for Transacting Bonded Operations.
You can post financial security either by cash deposit (a cash bond) or by obtaining a surety bond (a non-cash bond). Refer to the "User Guide – Post financial security for bonded carriers" on the Onboarding documentation page for a step-by-step guide to obtaining a carrier code in the portal.
What is the difference between a non-bonded and a bonded carrier code?
A non-bonded carrier must release all shipments at the first point of arrival in Canada.
A bonded carrier can transport in-bond goods beyond the first point of arrival and must post financial security with the CBSA. This includes:
- transiting through Canada (that is, using Canada as a corridor, for example US to Canada to US)
- moving goods inland to a CBSA office or sufferance warehouse
- applying to the Customs Self Assessment program, the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program
- participating in the Marine Overland Movement Program
How much security do I need for my bonded carrier code?
Note: All amounts are in Canadian currency.
- Highway: $5,000 per vehicle up to a maximum of $25,000
- Marine: $25,000
- Freight forwarder: $25,000
- Rail: $80,000
- Air: $10,000 to $80,000
All-cargo aircraft
Aircraft equipped for "all-cargo" operations will, for the purpose of calculating security requirements as specified in this memorandum, be categorized according to the aircraft's maximum certified take-off weight (maximum weight).
An aircraft with a maximum weight of 75,000 lbs (pounds) or less will be considered as being a "small or medium aircraft" and will be subject to a $10,000 per aircraft minimum (maximum $80,000 per fleet).
An aircraft with a maximum weight of more than 75,000 lbs. will be considered as a "large aircraft" and will be subject to a $20,000 per aircraft minimum (maximum $80,000 per fleet).
Note: A "fleet" consists of all aircraft owned, operated, or registered to the company, organization, or division indicated on the bond, and is not determined by the number of units intended to be used in the provision of the international service being offered.
As defined in the Air Transportation Regulations, "all-cargo aircraft" means an aircraft that is equipped for the carriage of goods only.
Security required ranges from a minimum of $10,000 per aircraft for small and medium aircraft, and a minimum of $20,000 per aircraft for large aircraft, with a maximum of $80,000 per fleet.
For information regarding aircraft classes/groupings, licences and CTA charter flight notification, contact the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) at the address or telephone numbers listed below.
More information
- Licensing information: Licenses and charter permits
- Memorandum D3-1-1: Policy Respecting the Importation and Transportation of Goods (Appendix F)
How do I change my bonded status?
Carriers or freight forwarders with an existing, active CBSA carrier code may now change their carrier code's bonded status without having to apply for a new carrier code.
To apply to change your existing carrier code's bonded status with the CBSA:
- register your business in the CARM Client Portal (portal)
- make applicable updates in the portal
- From non-bonded to bonded: If you are requesting to change your non-bonded carrier code to a bonded carrier code, you must submit your financial security information to the portal
- From bonded to non-bonded: If you are requesting to change your bonded carrier code to a non-bonded carrier code, you must cancel your bond with your surety provider and update the portal
What is a shared secret code and do I need one?
A "shared secret code" is a one-time access code used to create a business account in the eManifest Portal. The eManifest Portal allows small- and medium-sized enterprises to submit ACI. While ACI is mandatory for all carrier modes and freight forwarders, the eManifest Portal is an ACI filing option that is only available to highway carriers and freight forwarders. For information on how to apply for a shared secret code, refer to eManifest Portal: Apply for a shared secret.
Is there a phone number that I can call for carrier code assistance?
Questions related to carrier code applications may be directed to the CARM client service and help desk team. Refer to CARM client service and helpdesk for the contact form and phone number information.
For Carrier Code Program questions not related to the carrier code application process, please email carrier-cargo@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
For all other inquiries, please Contact border information services.
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