CBSA has provided updated information regarding requests for FIRM reports. Updated information follows; paragraphs 6 and 7 have been changed.
FIRM is an information retrieval system that allows CBSA to generate reports related to all of the Canada Customs Coding Form (B3) fields that have been input into the Customs Commercial System (CCS). A FIRM report is a valuable tool that can be used as a guide to assist importers and their representatives in determining compliance and gathering CBSA related information. Each request for a FIRM report requires both an authorization to release information and a request for specific information.
- Authorization to Release Information
As per CBSA D Memorandum D1-6-1 Authority to Act as Agent, in accordance with Section 107 of the Customs Act, FIRM reports can be provided directly to importers or their agents, lawyers, brokers, and accountants. If requesting directly, an importer may do so in the form of a letter on corporate letterhead, signed by an officer of the company. If a FIRM report is requested by an importer’s agent, lawyer, broker, or accountant, an RC59 http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/rc59/rc59-fill-16e.pdf can be completed by the importer granting CBSA the authorization to release confidential information. Other written agreements such as an agency agreement or a power of attorney are also considered acceptable forms of authorization. - Information Requirements
In addition to the authorization, the following information must be provided in order to process each individual FIRM report request:
- a complete list of all 9 digit Business Numbers related to the request
- a complete list of all RM extension numbers related to the requested Business Numbers
- a date range for information being requested i.e. Jan 01, 2009 – Dec 31, 2011
- an address where the report is to be mailed
- a contact telephone # for Xpresspost™
- requestor’s business # for billing purposes
- Requests are usually processed between 7 – 10 working days depending on current volumes. The information is recorded on a CD ROM and mailed via Xpresspost™ along with a CBSA invoice (Form K23A).
- In accordance with D1-3-1 Fees for Information and Records, CBSA charges a fee for information requests. The current charge is a flat rate of $53.00 + GST for each report generated i.e. per Business #/RM extension #. In exceptional circumstances, where a single RM extension has to be split into multiple Excel files, a fee of $25.00 +GST will be charged for each split. In addition, the charge for requests that generate a ‘nil’ result is $25.00 +GST for each RM extension# requested.
Effective as of April 1st, 2016, CBSA is implementing a postage service charge for delivery for each requested FIRM report as follows:
- Delivery within Canada will be $15 plus GST
- Delivery outside of Canada will be $25 plus GST
These postage service charges will be reflected on the same invoice as the FIRM report charges.
- It is the requestor’s responsibility to identify each RM account separately. Requests indicating “all RM accounts†will not be processed. To obtain a listing of accounts, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525 or access their website’s ‘My Business Account’ service at www.cra.gc.ca/mybusinessaccount.
- Upon receipt of invoice, payment is required and can be made either by cheque payable to the Receiver General for Canada to the address below or in person at any CBSA payment office in Canada or you can call 1-800-461-9999 to find the nearest payment office to you. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a CBSA receipt (Form K21), which should be retained in your records as proof of your payment.
- All requests, correspondence, and enquiries related to FIRM reports must be either:
- submitted electronically to CBSA at CBSA-ASFC_FIRM-SREG@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- faxed to the attention of the FIRM Report Requests at 403-292-4200 or,
- mailed to:
Canada Border Services Agency
#171- 220 4th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 4X3
FIRM Report Request