Since January 2026, interest charges are back
Since January 31, 2026, with the end of the CARM transitional measures, interest charges have resumed
In recent weeks, we are seeing an increase in questions from importers — particularly in situations where interest is being charged despite payments having been made.
Why is this happening? And more importantly, how can it be avoided?
End of Transitional Measures
To facilitate the transition to CARM, the CBSA had suspended interest and penalties between October 2024 and January 30, 2026.
Since January 31, 2026:
- Interest is calculated on a monthly basis
- Outstanding balances may be subject to penalties
- Interest now appears on Statements of Account (SOA)
Key concept to understand
Under CARM:
- All amounts associated with a given RM (Business Number) are consolidated into a single account, regardless of the customs broker
- Payments are applied to the oldest outstanding balances first
In practical terms:
Even if you pay a recent transaction, the payment may be applied to an older unpaid balance. As a result, the recent transaction may appear as outstanding and generate interest charges.
Why this creates confusion
This mechanism is not new. However, under CARM, all transactions under a single RM are now:
- consolidated into a single account, across all brokers
- and payments are applied to the overall account balance, not to specific transactions
With the return of interest, this now results in actual charges being applied — sometimes unexpectedly.
As a result:
- Some transactions may appear overdue
- Interest may be charged, even if payments were made
What to watch for
We are seeing a higher risk of unexpected interest in situations where:
- Multiple brokers are acting under the same RM
- Payments are not coordinated between parties
- Prior balances remain outstanding
- There is no consolidated oversight of the CARM account
What this means for your business
In this context, it is essential to:
- Maintain a consolidated view of your CARM account
- Understand the origin of interest charges
- Ensure that payments cover the entire outstanding balance
Without proper oversight, additional costs can accumulate quickly.
How Axxess can support you
At Axxess, we support importers in understanding and managing their CARM accounts.
To address these challenges, we have developed a monthly Statement of Account (SOA) management service.
This service allows you to:
- Receive a clear monthly overview of amounts payable
- Be notified of any adjustments or discrepancies
- Understand the origin of interest charges
- Anticipate upcoming payments
Our goal is simple: help you stay in control and avoid surprises.
Summary
- Interest charges have resumed as of January 31, 2026
- Payments are applied to the oldest outstanding balances
- Accounts are consolidated by RM, across all brokers
- You may have made payments… and still incur interest
Need support?
Our team can help you analyze your situation and optimize the management of your CARM account.
Contact us to discuss further.