Why You Must Understand RPP (Release Prior to Payment) in the Canada CARM Era

If you’re an Amazon seller importing products into Canada, you’ve likely heard about the recent updates to CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management). With CARM Phase 2 now in effect, whether or not you have RPP (Release Prior to Payment) status directly affects your customs clearance speed and cost efficiency. Based on real cases we’ve handled at Trufulfillment, here’s what you need to know about RPP and how to prepare for it.

What is RPP?

RPP stands for Release Prior to Payment, which allows goods to be released from customs before duties and taxes are paid.

Without RPP, goods remain held in CBSA facilities until all payments are completed, leading to delays, inventory shortages at Amazon, and potential lost sales.With RPP, shipments can move forward before payment, reducing lead times, stabilizing inventory, and minimizing revenue loss risks.

In short, RPP is a key tool for Amazon sellers to streamline logistics and protect sales continuity.

What Changes Under CARM?

Previously, customs brokers could provide a bond for importers, allowing them to benefit from RPP indirectly.However, under CARM Phase 2, importers must now set up their own security bond in the CARM Client Portal to access RPP benefits.

We’ve seen many cases where lack of CARM registration led to no RPP access, shipment delays, and Amazon inventory issues.

How to Register for RPP

• CARM Portal Registration: Log in with your Business Number (BN) and RM account

• Set Up Financial Security: Obtain a surety bond or use financial institutions for bonding

• Get RPP Approval: Once approved by CBSA, shipments can be released prior to payment

  
  

Trufulfillment supports sellers with full guidance, from CARM registration to RPP setup and customs clearance preparation.

Trufulfillment IOR Service for Urgent Shipments

If your CARM registration is not yet completed or you need urgent customs clearance, you can use Trufulfillment’s IOR (Importer of Record) service.

This allows Trufulfillment to act as the importer on your behalf, enabling one-stop customs clearance and Amazon delivery without waiting for your CARM registration or RPP setup.

It’s a practical solution for time-sensitive shipments.

Risks of Not Having RPP

• Amazon FBA shipment delays → inventory shortages → possible sales disruption

• Additional costs such as storage fees and container demurrage

• Higher logistics costs if emergency air freight becomes necessary

Prepared sellers avoid these costs and delays by setting up RPP in advance.

How Trufulfillment Can Help

Trufulfillment offers:

• CARM portal registration assistance

• RPP bond setup consulting

• Amazon shipment scheduling and full customs clearance support

For Amazon sellers entering the Canadian market, Trufulfillment provides complete logistics and customs solutions backed by real-world experience.

👉 Contact Trufulfillment for expert support: support@trufulfillment.ca