Canada’s IT market keeps growing fast with cloud infrastructure, telecom equipment, and data-center hardware imports hitting record volumes. But meeting the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requirements is no small feat. This 2025 guide explains how Importer of Record (IOR) compliance works in Canada and how Carra Globe makes the process smooth, compliant, and cost-predictable.
CBSA’s Framework for High-Tech Imports
The CBSA enforces import rules under the Customs Act and Customs Tariff. Every importer must correctly declare goods, pay duties, and maintain compliance documentation for six years. (CBSA)
2025 Updates That Affect IT Importers
- Electronic Trade Documents (CARM Release 2): Importers now submit all declarations through CBSA’s new CARM Client Portal.
- Advance Commercial Information (ACI): Shipment data must be submitted electronically before arrival.
- Tariff Classification & HS Codes: Hardware components like servers or routers must match Canada’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule for ICT goods. (tarifffinder.ca)
- Tax Handling: Canada applies a 5 % GST on imports, with additional PST/HST based on the province.
| Requirement | What It Means for IT Importers |
| CARM registration | Mandatory for all importers or IORs |
| Advance shipment data | Pre-arrival filing required |
| HS classification | Must match CBSA tariff codes |
| Duty and GST filing | Real-time through CARM |
Common CBSA Compliance Challenges
1. Incorrect Tariff Classification
IT hardware shipments often bundle multiple items (servers, routers, storage arrays). Misclassified goods trigger reassessment and penalties.
2. Missing or Late CARM Registration
Under the new CARM system, all importers must have a registered business number and customs account. Without it, goods are held at the port.
3. Valuation Errors
CBSA audits declared values frequently. Undervalued imports can cause seizure or fines, while overvaluation inflates duties unnecessarily.
4. Dual-Use & Technology Control
Encryption-based hardware may fall under Global Affairs Canada (GAC) controls or dual-use restrictions aligned with the Wassenaar Arrangement. (International.gc.ca)
How Carra Globe Simplifies IOR Compliance in Canada
Carra Globe handles every part of the import chain, customs, documentation, classification, and post-entry audit support, giving tech firms a single compliant route into Canada.
Importer of Record (IOR) & Exporter of Record (EOR)
We act as your legal importer, handle CARM registration, submit ACI data, and ensure valuation and HS accuracy. Learn how our North American team ensures compliance in How Importer of Record (IOR) Services Simplify High-Tech Equipment Imports.
Duty, GST & Tax Management
Carra Globe manages full landed-cost computation, GST/HST filings, and reconciliation through CARM.
Real-Time Customs Visibility
Our digital tools integrate with CBSA’s electronic clearance system to track declaration, inspection, and release status in real time. See how we optimize digital trade management in Staying Ahead of Global Trade and Customs Compliance.
Post-Entry Compliance & Record Keeping
We maintain all customs records and audit documentation, ensuring compliance with Canada’s six-year data-retention rule in Documentation Errors That Trigger Customs Audits in the UK.
Case Example: Telecom Equipment Import via Vancouver Port
A global telecom operator imported high-capacity switches using Carra Globe’s IOR service. Pre-arrival filing through the CARM portal and ACI clearance cut processing time from six days to 48 hours.
Results:
- 60 % faster customs release
- Zero penalty audits
- Seamless GST reconciliation through digital invoice tracking
Why Canada Is a Key Market for IT Imports
- Stable tax and customs structure under CBSA
- Predictable compliance for high-value tech imports
- Integrated North American logistics through the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
- Expanding data-center and telecom infrastructure investments
Partner With Carra Globe for Canadian Import Compliance
Carra Globe makes Canadian imports easy, managing CARM registration, valuation, and duty filings while ensuring smooth logistics and real-time visibility.
Contact Carra Globe to plan your compliant IT import strategy into Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Importer of Record (IOR) under CBSA?
The IOR is the legally responsible entity for ensuring all import declarations, duty payments, and compliance filings are completed under CBSA rules. It can be the importer or a third-party provider like Carra Globe.
2. What is CARM, and why is it mandatory?
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is Canada’s new digital system for managing all import declarations, duty payments, and audits. Every importer must register for CARM to move goods through customs.
3. How long should importers keep their CBSA records?
CBSA requires all import documentation invoices, declarations, permits, and communications to be retained for six years after the import date.
4. Does IT hardware require special permits in Canada?
Certain tech equipment (e.g., encrypted routers, telecom switches) may require import permits under Global Affairs Canada’s dual-use rules. Carra Globe helps assess and obtain the right clearances.
5. How can Carra Globe help tech importers stay compliant?
Carra Globe handles everything from HS classification and CARM registration to real-time customs tracking, duty reconciliation, and post-entry audit readiness.