Customs Brokers That Clear Complexity

Clearing goods isn’t as simple as it might seem. Regulations change, agencies don’t always speak to each other, small errors can have big consequences, and the list goes on. BBE cuts through the noise and helps clients move through customs with clarity.

For decades, we have supported customs clearance as a core part of integrated supply chains. Acting on your behalf, BBE combines customs and freight under one accountable team. This reduces fragmentation and strengthens compliance, which ultimately shortens resolution times.

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Canadian Customs

Our Canadian customs brokers follow three core priorities:

Compliance & Control

Providing review and oversight for classifications, valuations, and regulatory requirements.

Speed, Efficiency and Quality

Aligned services that focus on quick customs clearance times, free of errors.

Premium Customer Experience

Communication and support at every step of the customs journey.

U.S. Customs Brokerage

Strategic Partnerships

BBE coordinates U.S. customs services via our trusted partners to support seamless cross border movement. Our process reduces border friction and supports predictable delivery schedules, especially for time-sensitive and regulated freight.

Our U.S. Customs Services Support:

Commercial Canada–U.S. trade lanes
Regulated and time-critical shipments
Northern and remote delivery schedules
Seasonal and infrastructure-constrained routes

Customs Consulting & Trade Advisory

Most customs issues start upstream from the border. BBE provides consulting and advisory services to help organizations identify gaps and strengthen their global trade networks.

HS code validation and tariff strategy
Valuation and country-of-origin assessments
Trade agreement qualification
Audit preparation and post-entry reviews

Talk to an Expert

CARM Assistance

CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is Canada’s modernized duty and tax management system. BBE registers and reports goods on your behalf.

How do I register for CARM?

To register for CARM, importers must create a CARM Client Portal (CCP) account through the CBSA website.

Steps:

Sign in using a GCKey or Sign-In Partner
Register your Business Number (BN9) import/export account (RM)
Assign internal business roles (e.g., Business Account Manager)
Delegate your customs broker (e.g., BBE)
Set up your financial security (bond or cash deposit)

BBE Advantage:
We guide you through registration, validate your setup, and ensure your broker delegation is correctly configured eliminating common errors that delay shipments.

How do I get a bond?

Under CARM, importers must post financial security to release goods prior to paying duties and taxes.

Options:

Surety bond (recommended) through an approved provider
Cash deposit directly with CBSA (less capital-efficient)

Typical bond amount:

Minimum: $5,000
Standard: 50% of your highest monthly duties/taxes (within a 12-month period)

BBE Advantage:
We connect you with approved surety providers, calculate the appropriate bond value, and ensure it is filed correctly in CARM so your shipments are not held at the border.

What is BAM and why do I need to assign my customs broker?

BAM (Business Account Manager) is the highest-level authority in your CARM account. This role controls access, delegation, and compliance responsibilities.

You must assign your customs broker within CARM to allow them to:

Submit entries on your behalf
Manage release and accounting
Communicate with CBSA

Without proper delegation, your broker cannot clear your shipments.

BBE Advantage:
We ensure correct delegation setup the first time preventing clearance delays, rejected entries, or compliance exposure.

I’m an NRI. How do I get set up for CARM?

NRIs must complete the same CARM registration process but with additional considerations:

Requirements:

Canadian Business Number (BN9 RM account)
CARM portal registration
Financial security (bond)
Broker delegation

Additional considerations:

Tax structure (GST implications)
Canadian importer of record responsibilities
Banking and payment setup

BBE Advantage:
We specialize in NRI onboarding—ensuring your structure is compliant, tax-efficient, and operationally ready to move goods into Canada without friction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose BBE as a customs broker?

BBE is built for complex, remote, and high-stakes logistics environments.

What differentiates us:

Deep expertise in Northern, energy, mining, and regulated cargo
Integrated freight + brokerage + compliance capability
Hands-on support through CARM transition and beyond
Proactive issue resolution—not reactive processing

We don’t just clear shipments—we protect your operation.

What is CARM and why does it matter to importers?

CARM impacts how importers interact with CBSA.

Key impacts:

Importers (not brokers) are financially responsible
Mandatory registration in the CARM portal
Required financial security (bond)
Direct visibility into duties, taxes, and transactions

Why it matters:
Without proper setup, your shipments can be delayed, rejected, or denied release.

BBE’s role:
We ensure your CARM environment is fully compliant and operational—so your supply chain keeps moving.

Can I get customs brokerage services from you if I didn’t do the shipping with you?

Yes.

BBE provides standalone customs brokerage services, regardless of who handles your freight.

We regularly support:

Third-party logistics providers
Direct carrier shipments
Complex multi-vendor supply chains

Value: You gain expert clearance, compliance protection, and consistent service—without changing your transportation setup.

What is an importer bond, and can I get it at BBE?

An importer bond is a financial guarantee to CBSA that duties and taxes will be paid.

It allows you to:

Release goods before payment
Maintain cash flow efficiency
Avoid border delays

Does BBE require customers to provide HS Codes?

No—but accurate classification is critical.

Options:

Provide your own HS codes (if validated internally)

Leverage BBE’s classification expertise

Does BBE require customers to provide HS Codes?

No—but accurate classification is critical.

Options:

Provide your own HS codes (if validated internally)

Leverage BBE’s classification expertise

Global Reach. Northern Roots.

BBE Is Your One-Stop Customs Brokerage Partner

BBE is one of the few freight forwarders in Canada with deep customs brokerage capabilities and sector-specific handling expertise. We simplify the international transport of specialized shipments, including dangerous goods and temperature-sensitive cargo, through a single, integrated process.

With established international networks and long-standing Northern relationships, BBE connects global shipments to underserved regions. We provide services beyond major hubs, connecting all of Canada to the rest of the world.

About BBE