After CARM enrollment, ongoing operations include entry monitoring, payment management, classification corrections, USMCA preference claims, and surtax compliance. For SMBs without dedicated trade compliance staff, ongoing CARM support is part of typical advisory retainers.

This guide covers CARM Ongoing Operations Guide.

For SMB importers, the practical implementation depends on volume, sector, and forward-pricing decisions.

Daily entry monitoring

CARM portal shows recent entries, status, and any flags. Daily review catches errors before they liquidate.

Payment management

Automatic EFT payment for accepted entries. Monitor payment-due dates; address any rejected payments immediately.

Corrections and PSCs

CARM facilitates entry corrections (Canadian PSC equivalent). Most corrections processed in 2-4 weeks.

USMCA preference claims

Initial claim at entry; verification audits may follow. CARM tracks USMCA preference rates and Certificate validity.

Frequently asked questions

When does this apply?

See the section above on scope. Most relevant for SMB importers with cross-border or FTA-related operations.

What documentation is required?

Standard CBP Form 7501, supplier certificates where origin is claimed, BOM analysis for complex products. We review documentation as part of typical engagements.

How long does this take?

Simple cases 1-2 weeks; complex cases 4-12 weeks. Most engagements run 2-6 weeks.

What does this cost?

Initial assessment $3,500-$8,500 fixed-fee. Ongoing retainer $2,000-$6,000/month for active operations.

How do I get started?

Book a 15-minute scoping call. We confirm fit and scope before any engagement letter.

Get started

Book a 15-minute scoping call to discuss your situation.

About the author

Kyle Peacock is the Principal of Peacock Tariff Consulting, an independent tariff and customs advisory firm serving SMB importers across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the E.U. He has been quoted in Forbes, CNN, The Washington Post, BBC, CBC, CTV, Financial Post, Nasdaq, Supply Chain Brain, and Harvard Business School publications. Connect on LinkedIn.