Canadian importers often encounter three similar-looking identifiers: BN9, RM and BN15. They are related but not interchangeable. Keeping the full identifier accurate matters because customs accounting, delegation and payments must be associated with the right legal importer and program account.
Understand the BN9
The BN9 is the nine-digit identifier for a business. A company may already have a BN9 because it registered with the Canada Revenue Agency or another program. Having that number alone does not establish that the business has the correct CBSA import program account.
Understand the RM account
A CBSA importer program account is commonly shown with an RM suffix such as RM0001. The complete account identifier consists of the BN9 followed by this six-character program account suffix; together they form the BN15. Companies with different eligible program accounts may have more than one RM.
Use the right number on documents
A typo or use of the wrong entity’s RM can cause accounting, shipment and reconciliation problems. Confirm that purchase orders, customs instructions and broker records identify the same legal importer. Do not use a freight forwarder’s or vendor’s account simply because it appears on a prior shipment.
Know when numbers need review
Mergers, entity changes, new subsidiaries or changes to importer-of-record arrangements can require an account review. A branch office and a separate incorporated company are not automatically equivalent for customs purposes. Resolve identity questions before goods move, especially when multiple corporations share a trade name.
Read a BN15 without confusing its parts
A BN9 identifies the legal business. The six-character program component begins with RM and includes four digits, such as RM0001. Put them together and the result is a 15-character importer identifier, for example 123456789RM0001. This is a fictional example, not an actual client identifier. A company can have multiple program accounts, so confirm the specific BN15 on the shipment rather than copying an account from a previous vendor or division.
Create one shared field for the approved importer BN15 in your purchasing, shipping and finance systems. Validate it before customs instructions are issued, especially after a business reorganization, subsidiary change or broker transition. A typo can cause a rejected filing or complicate reconciliation, while an incorrectly selected legal entity can become a larger compliance problem than a routine data correction.
Practical checklist
- Record the full BN15, not just BN9.
- Match the legal entity to customs instructions.
- Check the importer RM displayed in CARM.
- Notify logistics and accounting teams of authorized identifiers.
An example in practice
Illustrative identifier: BN9 123456789 combined with RM0001 produces 123456789RM0001. It is only an example; never copy it into a real shipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is RM0001 a full importer number?
No. It is the program account suffix; the complete BN15 includes the nine-digit BN.
Can a business have multiple RM accounts?
Yes, depending on its registered CBSA programs and accounts.
Can I use a GST/HST program number instead of RM?
No. The importer account uses the appropriate RM program component; other CRA program account identifiers have different purposes.
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