
Do you plan to offer your products and services globally or need international partners to help you enter new markets? Before doing business abroad, it is important to understand the basics of the import and export process.
Our advisors can help you prepare effectively by informing you about the steps and the laws and regulations in effect before starting your import and export activities.
» Contact us today to quickly get answers to your questions and receive a free assessment in order to establish a solid foundation for all your international projects.
By phone
Online: Fill out the form
Free online resources
QUICKLY FIND THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO START IMPORTING AND EXPORTING
Consult our guides and these free, practical resources to help you understand import and export mechanisms and find the financing programs available to you.
IMPORTING – SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
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Advance rulings for tariff classification
Get confirmation on the rate of duty that will apply to goods you plan to import.
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Partners in Protection
Help secure your supply chain and improve the flow of your goods at the border.
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For Industry: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
If you manufacture, import, distribute or sell products, find out what you need to do to ensure that your products are safe.
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Free and Secure Trade
Get pre-approved to move low-risk goods faster through the Canada-U.S. border.
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Duty Deferral Program
Have import duties on goods waived, postponed or refunded under certain circumstances.
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CANPASS
If you are a frequent and low-risk traveller, you can apply for access to speedier and easier entry into Canada.
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Customs Self Assessment Program
Importers, carriers and registered drivers may be able to reduce the time and cost of doing business with the Canada Border Services Agency.
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International Events and Convention Services Program
You can get help to identify border requirements related to your event in Canada.
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NEXUS
You can use this card to help you cross the Canada-U.S. border faster when you travel for business.
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Export Distribution Centre Program
If your non-manufacturing business adds limited value to goods destined for export, you could be exempt from paying GST/HST on certain imports.
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Exporters of Processing Services Program
Your Canadian manufacturing service company may qualify to import certain goods without paying GST or HST if those goods are later exported.
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Import and export for SMEs
Find resources to help support your trade activities, especially if you are new to importing or exporting.
-
NEXUS
You can use this card to help you cross the Canada-U.S. border faster when you travel for business.
-
Partners in Protection
Help secure your supply chain and improve the flow of your goods at the border.
-
Free and Secure Trade
Get pre-approved to move low-risk goods faster through the Canada-U.S. border.
-
For Industry: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
If you manufacture, import, distribute or sell products, find out what you need to do to ensure that your products are safe.
-
International Events and Convention Services Program
You can get help to identify border requirements related to your event in Canada.
-
Import and export for SMEs
Find resources to help support your trade activities, especially if you are new to importing or exporting.
-
Customs Self Assessment Program
Importers, carriers and registered drivers may be able to reduce the time and cost of doing business with the Canada Border Services Agency.
-
CANPASS
If you are a frequent and low-risk traveller, you can apply for access to speedier and easier entry into Canada.
-
Export Distribution Centre Program
If your non-manufacturing business adds limited value to goods destined for export, you could be exempt from paying GST/HST on certain imports.
-
Exporters of Processing Services Program
Your Canadian manufacturing service company may qualify to import certain goods without paying GST or HST if those goods are later exported.
-
Advance rulings for tariff classification
Get confirmation on the rate of duty that will apply to goods you plan to import.
-
Duty Deferral Program
Have import duties on goods waived, postponed or refunded under certain circumstances.
EXPORTING – SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
613 773-5131
Services offered:
Domestic and import related permissions
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Entreprises Québec
418 644-0075|1 800 644-0075
Services offered:
Information on Government Programs and Services - Laws and obligations - Financial Assistance - Starting a Business - Human Resources - Foreign Trade - Innovation
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Canada Border Services Agency - CBSA
1 800 461-9999
Services offered:
Import - Export
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Global Affairs Canada
1 800 267-8376
Services offered:
Permits and licences - Trade mission - Consulting services
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Canadian business resilience network
Services offered:
Coaching - Growth - Financing- Managing - Cross-referral - Business plan - Consulting services
IMPORTING – OTHER RESOURCES
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List of references - import/export
Find contact information for organizations that can help you achieve your import or export project.
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List of references - import/export
Find contact information for organizations that can help you achieve your import or export project.
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International trade workshops
Learn about international trade topics such as transportation, letters of credit and cargo insurance. These workshops are available online.
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Manage foreign suppliers
Learn about the key steps you may need to take to find and pick a foreign supplier, including the methods of payment to consider and drawing up a contract.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Commercial Goods into Canada
Learn the basics of the commercial importing process.
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COVID-19 – Articles and advice to manage the crisis and resume your activities
Consult our selection of resources made available to you by the various actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to help you get through the crisis and resume your activities.
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Canadian Importers Database
Find out which companies are importing goods into Canada by product, by city and by country of origin.
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Trade agreements — Government procurement
Learn about Canada's main trade agreements and how their procurement provisions may affect your procurement contract.
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COVID-19 – Articles and advice to manage the crisis and resume your activities
Consult our selection of resources made available to you by the various actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to help you get through the crisis and resume your activities.
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eManifest Portal
Electronically transmit to the Canada Border Services Agency pre-arrival data for low-risk commercial shipments.
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Calgary Region Inland Port — Foreign Trade Zone (Calgary)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Foreign Trade Zone program (Manitoba)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Niagara — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
-
Windsor-Essex — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Vancouver Island — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Country information — Export Development Canada
Find profiles of foreign countries, as well as information on EDC resources available for each country.
-
Country Insights
Get cultural, demographic, and political information on countries with whom you would like to conduct business.
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Finance your exports
See what are the main financing programs available to support your export projects.
EXPORTING – SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
You could benefit from non-financial resources to succeed in your business venture.
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Canadian Commercial Corporation
If you are pursuing contracts with foreign governments, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) can help.
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Accelerated Growth Service
Does your company have annual sales of at least $5 million and show promising growth? You may be eligible for the CED support program.
-
Business opportunities in development and humanitarian aid markets
Learn about export opportunities in international development and humanitarian aid markets.
-
Become an exporter
Get help accessing contracts for infrastructure or defence materials and services from foreign governments.
-
BDC International growth advisory services
Boost your chances of success in foreign markets by analyzing your potential for international growth.
-
Agri-Food trade services for exporters
Find support for the marketing and export of your agri-food products.
-
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card
You can use this card to help you cross the border faster when you travel for business to participating countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
Partners in Protection
Help secure your supply chain and improve the flow of your goods at the border.
-
Global patent protection: Patent Prosecution Highway
Fast-track your patent application in a participating country once another participating country's IP office has approved your claim.
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Programme COREX
Find out how to develop international markets and export your products to the American Northeast through the FCCQ's export corridors.
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Performance Security Insurance
Insure yourself in case of a wrongful call with Performance Security Insurance
-
Regional export promotion organizations (ORPEX)
You could benefit from coaching and consulting services to help you deliver your export, diversification or consolidation projects.
-
Free and Secure Trade
Get pre-approved to move low-risk goods faster through the Canada-U.S. border.
-
EDC Select Credit Insurance (Trade Protect)
Insure your export sales and protect your business from the risk of non-payment.
-
Duty Deferral Program
Have import duties on goods waived, postponed or refunded under certain circumstances.
-
Canada Tariff Finder
Are you a Canadian exporter? Find tariff information quickly.
-
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Get market and sector-specific information, access to Canadian trade commissioners' contact information and a list of events through the TCS website.
-
CANPASS
If you are a frequent and low-risk traveller, you can apply for access to speedier and easier entry into Canada.
-
Canadian Technology Accelerators
You could gain access to unique resources that can help your technology start-up grow internationally.
-
Insurance solutions for exporters
Find export-related insurance that can lessen the risks of doing business overseas and help you increase your working capital.
-
NEXUS
You can use this card to help you cross the Canada-U.S. border faster when you travel for business.
-
Export Distribution Centre Program
If your non-manufacturing business adds limited value to goods destined for export, you could be exempt from paying GST/HST on certain imports.
-
Exporters of Processing Services Program
Your Canadian manufacturing service company may qualify to import certain goods without paying GST or HST if those goods are later exported.
-
EDC Portfolio Credit Insurance
Insure your accounts receivable against commercial risks.
-
Import and export for SMEs
Find resources to help support your trade activities, especially if you are new to importing or exporting.
-
NEXUS
You can use this card to help you cross the Canada-U.S. border faster when you travel for business.
-
Performance Security Insurance
Insure yourself in case of a wrongful call with Performance Security Insurance
-
Programme COREX
Find out how to develop international markets and export your products to the American Northeast through the FCCQ's export corridors.
-
Partners in Protection
Help secure your supply chain and improve the flow of your goods at the border.
-
Global patent protection: Patent Prosecution Highway
Fast-track your patent application in a participating country once another participating country's IP office has approved your claim.
-
Free and Secure Trade
Get pre-approved to move low-risk goods faster through the Canada-U.S. border.
-
Insurance solutions for exporters
Find export-related insurance that can lessen the risks of doing business overseas and help you increase your working capital.
-
Regional export promotion organizations (ORPEX)
You could benefit from coaching and consulting services to help you deliver your export, diversification or consolidation projects.
-
Import and export for SMEs
Find resources to help support your trade activities, especially if you are new to importing or exporting.
-
Accelerated Growth Service
Does your company have annual sales of at least $5 million and show promising growth? You may be eligible for the CED support program.
-
Canadian Commercial Corporation
If you are pursuing contracts with foreign governments, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) can help.
-
Canadian Technology Accelerators
You could gain access to unique resources that can help your technology start-up grow internationally.
-
Canada Tariff Finder
Are you a Canadian exporter? Find tariff information quickly.
-
CANPASS
If you are a frequent and low-risk traveller, you can apply for access to speedier and easier entry into Canada.
-
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Get market and sector-specific information, access to Canadian trade commissioners' contact information and a list of events through the TCS website.
-
Export Distribution Centre Program
If your non-manufacturing business adds limited value to goods destined for export, you could be exempt from paying GST/HST on certain imports.
-
EDC Portfolio Credit Insurance
Insure your accounts receivable against commercial risks.
-
Exporters of Processing Services Program
Your Canadian manufacturing service company may qualify to import certain goods without paying GST or HST if those goods are later exported.
-
Business opportunities in development and humanitarian aid markets
Learn about export opportunities in international development and humanitarian aid markets.
-
Become an exporter
Get help accessing contracts for infrastructure or defence materials and services from foreign governments.
-
BDC International growth advisory services
Boost your chances of success in foreign markets by analyzing your potential for international growth.
-
EDC Select Credit Insurance (Trade Protect)
Insure your export sales and protect your business from the risk of non-payment.
-
Agri-Food trade services for exporters
Find support for the marketing and export of your agri-food products.
-
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card
You can use this card to help you cross the border faster when you travel for business to participating countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
Duty Deferral Program
Have import duties on goods waived, postponed or refunded under certain circumstances.
-
List of references - import/export
Find contact information for organizations that can help you achieve your import or export project.
-
Points to consider before exporting
Before you make the decision to export, think about the resources and knowledge necessary for your project.
-
COVID-19: programs, measures, general information and resources
Consult our factsheet where we gather information on the programs and resources available to entrepreneurs from the various levels of government, economic development organizations and certain private sector players; it will be updated on a regular basis as the offer evolves.
-
Tariff information by country
Find out about the tariffs that apply to each country's imports to determine how much duty your foreign customers need to pay.
-
COVID-19: programs, measures, general information and resources
Consult our factsheet where we gather information on the programs and resources available to entrepreneurs from the various levels of government, economic development organizations and certain private sector players; it will be updated on a regular basis as the offer evolves.
-
List of references - import/export
Find contact information for organizations that can help you achieve your import or export project.
-
Points to consider before exporting
Before you make the decision to export, think about the resources and knowledge necessary for your project.
-
International trade workshops
Learn about international trade topics such as transportation, letters of credit and cargo insurance. These workshops are available online.
-
Exemple d'entente avec un distributeur à l'exportation (in French only)
Use this model to prepare an agreement with a distributor for exports.
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Doing business with NASA
Learn how to find opportunities and understand the procurement process of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
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Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting
Find out what you need to know about exporting, including international market research, export planning, marketing, finances, logistics and legal aspects.
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Exemple d'entente avec un distributeur à l'exportation (in French only)
Use this model to prepare an agreement with a distributor for exports.
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ATA Carnet — A Passport for goods
Simplify customs procedures for the temporary and duty-free admission of your commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for use at events.
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COVID-19 – Tools, services and other resources
Consult our directory of tools, services and other resources offered by the entrepreneurial ecosystem to help you get through the pandemic.
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beta.SAM.gov
Find opportunities to sell your goods or services to the United States government.
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SIMAP — European public procurement
Find information on European public procurement and opportunities to do business with the European Union and its member states.
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Trade agreements — Government procurement
Learn about Canada's main trade agreements and how their procurement provisions may affect your procurement contract.
-
AusTender
Find Australian Government procurement opportunities.
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COVID-19 – Tools, services and other resources
Consult our directory of tools, services and other resources offered by the entrepreneurial ecosystem to help you get through the pandemic.
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Business Women in International Trade
Find key contacts, trade events, market opportunities and export advice from experienced businesswomen.
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Government procurement: international trade agreements
Get details on all the free trade agreements covering government procurement that Canada has signed, as well as agreements under negotiation.
-
Calgary Region Inland Port — Foreign Trade Zone (Calgary)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
-
Foreign Trade Zone program (Manitoba)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
-
Niagara — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
-
Windsor-Essex — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
-
U.S. government procurement
Learn about the U.S. government procurement process, market evaluations and contracting opportunities at all levels of government.
-
U.S. General Services Administration
Do business with the acquisition and procurement arm of the US federal government.
-
Vancouver Island — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
-
Country information — Export Development Canada
Find profiles of foreign countries, as well as information on EDC resources available for each country.
-
Country Insights
Get cultural, demographic, and political information on countries with whom you would like to conduct business.