CARI promotes, fosters, develops and represents the interests of corporations and individual importers of commodities on the import control list or otherwise regulated. The members are pledged to ensure the adoption of policies, programs, laws, regulations and good business practice and fairness. CARI effectively communicates to all relevant supply management organizations (provincial and federal), other affected associations or industries, and to all relevant levels of government, the view of importers, distributors and wholesalers on issues affecting the importation of commodities on the import control list of the EXPORT AND IMPORT PERMITS ACTS and other relevant federal acts.

The Association also promotes public understanding of the role and contribution of the importers, distributors and wholesalers as part of the national supply management program. It provides timely and pertinent information to members and a means for discussion and resolution of issues and concerns affecting importers, distributors and wholesalers. CARI cooperates with other trade associations with common interests and promotes a cooperative working relationship with supply management agencies, boards or commissions or relevant Canadian industries.

CARI ensures that the provisions of the COMPETITION ACT are strictly observed. CARI effectively represents importers of regulated commodities before other industry sectors, the news media and the public and acts as a catalyst to bring various industry participants together to achieve the common objectives of a stronger, more competitive industry.