It's my understanding that the resources have already been put behind this help desk. As you know, when any new system launches, there are always kinks to be worked out. We heard that 99% of the time it's fine. The 1% is the focus, and CBSA is putting resources behind that to help resolve it. It's good to hear about the help desk and how we can further streamline some of the issues you might foresee. That's not to say they won't be there.
I was also talking to some stakeholders in regard to registration for importers during the blackout period. For those watching at home, the blackout period starts this Friday and goes until October 21.
I was told that during the blackout period, you cannot register an import number. If you're a new business and want to import into Canada, you cannot register an import number during that period of time. However, there is customs notice 24-29.
It says:
New commercial importers, including non-resident importers, requiring a business number (BN) and importer program account (RM) in order to obtain release for their importation of commercial goods can continue to work with the CRA to obtain a BN, and the CBSA to obtain the RM account [number] for their importing activities via the interim process established in May 2024.
Can you tell me about this interim process that was established in May?
Maybe that's for Ms. Miller.