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Consultation on the use of the customs broker business number (BN)

The "Consultation on the use of the customs broker business number (BN) following importer of record regulatory legislative changes" has begun and will run for only the month of October, closing on Friday, October 31, 2025.

 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is seeking feedback on new scenarios in which customs brokers would be authorized to use their business number (BN) to submit accounting declarations on behalf of importers who are not yet registered in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system.

The CBSA is seeking feedback from:

  • commercial importers
  • customs brokers
  • trade chain partners
  • industry associations
  • other government departments
  • other interested stakeholders

 

Key questions for input

Your ideas and input are sought around the following questions and related themes:

  1. What benefits do you see for businesses and the public by allowing the use of the customs broker BN in these circumstances?
  2. Do you foresee any operational and business impacts by allowing the use of the customs broker BN in these circumstances?
  3. Are there specific situations or sectors that may face challenges with the use of the customs broker BN in these circumstances?
  4. Should any other scenario for use of the customs broker business number without the importer registering in CARM be considered, for example, for large sporting events?
  5. How can the CBSA better support infrequent importers (those importing less than 10 times per year)?
  6. How can a fully licensed customs broker better serve infrequent importers (those importing less than 10 times per year) and what can the CBSA do to support this?
  7. How can a fully licensed customs broker serve small businesses (defined as a companies with 1 to 99 paid employees) that import goods into Canada and what can the CBSA to do support this?
  8. Do you envision new business opportunities for companies or other entities to support small businesses that import goods into Canada under this framework?

Please visit this link for more information, including how to provide feedback: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/consult/consultations/2025-1-eng.html

 

Topic(s)

Hot topics
CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)
Acts & Regulations
Importer of Record (IOR)
CBSA Policies & Decisions
Security and Trade Facilitation Programs
International Trade and Border Management

Information source

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Disclaimer

The foregoing information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered, professional advice or a substitute for conducting your own thorough research and review. Before making any decisions or taking any action based on the information provided, you should conduct your own independent investigation and/or seek professional advice from a qualified expert in the relevant field. The CSCB disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided.