Release Prior to Payment (RPP) lets an eligible commercial importer obtain release of goods before paying the associated duties and taxes. The privilege is not automatic when a business registers in CARM. It requires enrolment and CBSA-recognized financial security in the importer’s own name.
What RPP allows
RPP is a CBSA sub-program associated with the importer account. It generally enables release before payment, provided the importer satisfies enrollment, financial security, accounting and payment requirements. This is different from a blanket waiver of duties: the government amounts still become payable according to the applicable billing schedule.
Understand importer financial security
CBSA ended the temporary CARM security transition in May 2025. Importers seeking RPP can no longer rely on a customs broker’s security as a substitute for their own. They must arrange qualifying security, which can involve an electronic surety bond or cash deposit, and ensure the required coverage is recognized in CARM.
Watch changes in exposure
The amount of security a business needs can depend on its account history and projected or actual exposure. Growth in imports may increase requirements. Review CARM notices, coverage and account balances periodically; a process that worked during low-volume months may become inadequate as shipments expand.
Coordinate RPP before the shipment
If the importer is not enrolled or lacks sufficient security, the shipment may require a different accounting and payment approach before release. Discuss alternatives with the authorized customs professional well before goods arrive. Time-sensitive freight is a poor setting for discovering that RPP setup was incomplete.
Decide whether RPP suits the business
With RPP, accounting and payment take place within the applicable deadlines after release. Without RPP, the importer must follow an appropriate payment-at-release process. The choice affects cash-flow planning and shipment preparation, especially for businesses importing repeatedly. CBSA calculates the required security through CARM under its rules; businesses should not estimate an amount from an old broker bond or a generic website calculator.
A hypothetical distributor importing every week may prefer RPP because payments can be planned through the monthly account cycle. A company with an occasional shipment might instead evaluate the cost and administrative work of maintaining security against the payment-at-release alternative. In either case, confirm that the portal shows the required enrolment and accepted security before instructions are given to the customs representative.
Practical checklist
- Check importer RM and RPP enrollment.
- Confirm the security amount and accepted form.
- Monitor balances, utilization and official notifications.
- Plan the appropriate release/payment procedure if not enrolled.
An example in practice
An importer increases monthly orders ahead of the holiday season. Its shipping team alerts finance to review RPP coverage before the larger volume reaches the Canadian border.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my broker’s RPP bond instead?
No. CBSA states that importers requiring RPP must post their own security.
Is RPP mandatory for every importer?
No. Importers may use the applicable payment-on-release approach instead of the RPP privilege.
Can an importer still use a customs broker's RPP bond?
No. The earlier transition ended in May 2025; importers using RPP must provide their own qualifying security.
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