Export Regulations and Contacts

Exporting is one of the most controlled activities throughout the world. Export shipments must be accompanied by certain documents to leave Canada and to enter the country the goods are destined to. A variety of free publications are available from the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre to guide you through the export process. The Canada Border Services Agency helps other federal government departments by administering and enforcing regulations on their behalf. If you are exporting goods that are controlled or regulated, you have to submit the appropriate permit, certificate or license before you export them, regardless of the destination or value of the goods. The following list provides a general overview as to which items have controls placed on them and which department exporters should contact in order to meet the necessary requirements when goods are leaving the country. Exporters should also investigate trade regulations in foreign countries  (i.e. required licenses, permits and/or certificates) prior to shipping any goods.

Canada Border Services Agency

Internet: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Visit the Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Information Centre for information on the documentation needed to accompany your export shipment from Canada.

Exporters should read Exporting Goods from Canada - A Handy Customs Guide for Exporters. General information for exporters is also available along with online forms.

Automated Customs Information Service: 1-800-461-9999

Canadian Firearms Centre

Authorization is required to export firearms. For more information, consult the Export and Import Controls Bureau .

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), in conjunction with other federal departments, administers regulations pertaining to the import, export and/or labelling requirements for the following agricultural products:

For one stop assistance, exporters can contact the Market and Industry Services Branch (MISB) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. MISB works with exporters by identifying business opportunities, helping them through regulatory and other requirements, and providing information on various markets.

Canadian Heritage

Export restrictions have been placed on certain cultural property which is deemed to have historical, scientific or cultural significance. The Canadian Cultural Property Export Control List describes the categories of cultural property that require export permits in order to leave the country.

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The Commission, which replaced the Atomic Energy Control Board on May 31, 2000, controls the import and export of nuclear materials and other prescribed substances, equipment and technology. For more information, follow this link.

Environment Canada

Controls the import, export or transit through Canada of hazardous wastes, whether destined for disposal or recycling.

The department also administers the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which controls the import, export and interprovincial transport and sale of certain wild species of animals and plants, as well as their parts and derivatives.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Goods falling under the Export Control List will require a permit. This goes for products destined for the countries on the Area Control List. Export controls exist on the following products:

• Agricultural products: refined sugar, sugar-containing products and peanut butter
• Textiles and clothing
• Military, strategic dual-use goods
• Nuclear energy materials and technology
• Missile, chemical or biological goods of non-proliferation concern
• Softwood lumber, unprocessed logs and certain other forest products
• Miscellaneous goods including goods of U.S.-origin, roe herring and certain items with medical value
• All goods destined for countries on the Area Control List and/or subject to Canadian Economic Sanctions .

Health Canada

Health Canada is responsible for regulating the export of narcotics and controlled drugs.

Labelling

There are no Canadian labelling requirements for non-food products being exported. However, the country your goods are destined to will have packaging and labelling requirements. For more information, contact our Centre or follow the World Customs Organization links to obtain regulatory and other information on countries around the world.