Hiring a customs broker does not automatically grant that business access to an importer’s CARM account. Delegation of Authority is the process for allowing an approved representative to perform permitted activities. The importer remains responsible for governing that relationship and reviewing its customs information.
Identify the person who can approve access
A Business Account Manager can manage broad business access, while a Program Account Manager has authority within the scope of a particular program account. The individual approving a request should understand which legal entity and account are involved. Delegation is not a substitute for knowing who remains responsible for customs declarations.
Review access scope and visibility
Third-party access can include specific program permissions and transaction-visibility settings. Grant only what the representative needs to perform the agreed work. A provider that helps review documentation may not need the same permissions as a licensed customs broker authorized to carry out certain accounting activities.
Coordinate timing with your broker
Before your first shipment with a new service provider, confirm the correct business identifiers and arrange the portal request and approval. A verbal instruction or email saying “you are our broker” does not by itself create portal authorization. Ask the provider to confirm that the relationship is active before shipping.
Remove permissions when arrangements change
When a contract ends, review existing third-party access rather than leaving unused permissions active. Maintain an internal register of who can see statements, file documents or manage cases. Audit permissions after staff turnover, changes of ownership and major compliance events.
Make delegation a controlled handoff
Before a broker starts work, confirm its legal business details and which importer BN15 it is servicing. Have the Business Account Manager review the access request and permitted functions instead of approving everything without reading it. Store the date, scope and business purpose of the delegation with the onboarding records. Where a broker asks for a permission that does not fit the agreed service, discuss it before granting access.
When a relationship changes, verify that the incoming representative has the permissions needed for upcoming shipments and that the former provider's permissions have been reviewed. An account that still allows an inactive third party to view financial information presents a governance problem even if no shipment is delayed. Treat delegation as a role assignment, not as a permanent transfer of the importer’s legal obligations.
Practical checklist
- Confirm the broker’s correct business identifier.
- Review the requested account and permissions.
- Approve the appropriate relationship in CARM.
- Revoke outdated access and keep a delegation register.
An example in practice
A business changes customs brokers while shipments are in transit. Its account administrator coordinates the new delegation and reviews the old broker’s permissions so neither access gap nor excessive access becomes a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Can any employee approve a broker?
No. Approval depends on assigned portal roles such as Business Account Manager or appropriate Program Account Manager.
Does delegating authority transfer all importer liability?
No. Importers still need to monitor filings and compliance responsibilities.
Does delegation transfer importer liability to the broker?
No. A representative may perform authorized tasks, but the importer continues to have its own legal and recordkeeping responsibilities.
Discuss your shipment with K Line Logistics Canada
For questions about the transportation and documentation surrounding a commercial import, share the cargo details, origin, Canadian destination and any time-sensitive account issues with the K Line Logistics team. A shipment discussion does not replace CBSA guidance or qualified customs advice.
Contact K Line Logistics Canada