Commercial importers have less than a week to register for a new program to avoid paying taxes and duties before their goods clear customs,  but they will now be allowed to use a credit card. (The Logic)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) launched a new digital system for collecting Canadian customs duties and taxes last fall that lets importers pay electronically instead of having to visit an office before receiving their goods. The catch is that they have to both sign up and post their financial security into the account. The deadline, which the border agency already extended by one month, is May 20 at 3 a.m. EDT. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business had urged the CBSA to let smaller importers use a credit card, instead of cash deposit or bond. The CBSA updated its guidance Wednesday to say that it is possible to put up to $5,000 on a credit card, as well as use a debit card or cheque. The U.S. trade representative included the new system in its annual report on trade irritants. The CBSA told The Logic last month the “aging technology” previously used to collect import duties and taxes was putting Canada’s second-largest source of revenue at risk. It also said customs brokers will still be able to use their business number for customers without an account until October.