|
|
|
|||||||
| Français |  |
Contact Us | |
Help | |
Search | |
Canada Site |
| Home | |
About Us | |
FAQ | |
Site Map | |
Ontario Site |
Exporting - Preparing for World Markets Info-GuideLast Verified:
2006-06-06
The following document was prepared by the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), a single point of access to information on federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations. The COBSC is a delivery partner of Team Canada Inc, a partnership of federal, provincial and territorial governments helping Canadian companies succeed in world markets. This Info-Guide is designed to introduce federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations that may apply to businesses thinking of exporting their products or services. Although many of your questions will be answered in this document, the list of resources given here is not exhaustive. Need more information? Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre Some of the organizations listed below are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages. TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Thinking About Exporting?Exporting presents opportunities and challenges. The global marketplace is increasingly seen as having greater opportunities for Canadian entrepreneurs wishing to look beyond domestic sales and begin to promote and sell their products and services in other countries. The challenges involved can be overcome with proper preparation and planning. Although this is not an exhaustive list, businesses preparing to export often take the following considerations into account:
2. Helping Exporters Get StartedTeam Canada Inc 1-888 Export Information ServiceThe Team Canada Inc 1-888 Export Information Service connects businesses to the full range of government export programs, services and expertise. This service is delivered by CBSCs across Canada on behalf of Team Canada Inc. Calls are automatically routed to the client's local CBSC and answered by trained Team Canada Information Officers. While general export information is provided directly, clients who require more expert advice or export counselling are referred to appropriate domestic export development services. For further information: COBSC Regional Access SitesCOBSC Regional Access Sites can assist in finding comprehensive export information, as well as provide access to computers connected to the Internet to help conduct additional research. For further information: International Trade Canada's Enquiries ServicesThrough the International Trade Canada (ITCan)'s Enquiries Services, callers can request general information and publications on trade, foreign policy and consular services. For further information: 3. Export Guides and ToolsStep-by-Step Guide to ExportingThe Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting is designed to give you an understanding of the exporting process and to provide you with solid and practical information on how to assess your export capabilities. It also steers you through the process of planning and executing your first exporting venture and is available in print format by calling Team Canada Inc at For further information: Roadmap to ExportingThe Roadmap to Exporting is a tool designed by Team Canada Inc to help exporters, in all stages of development, locate the best sources of export services and is available online or in print format by calling Team Canada Inc at 1-888-811-1119. For further information: Getting Ready To ExportGetting Ready To Export has been designed to introduce Ontario firms to the fundamentals of export success and the resources available to those firms entering foreign markets. It is available online or in print format by calling Team Canada Inc at 1-888-811-1119. For further information: CanadExportCanadExport is International Trade Canada (ITCan)'s bilingual trade newsletter and is published twice monthly in print format. It is also available electronically as a regularly updated on-line publication and as an e-mail edition to those who subscribe. Features include reports on exporting conditions in specific countries and regions and how to do business in various markets, business opportunities for Canadian companies and upcoming international trade fairs and missions. It also highlights export successes and winning strategies of Canadian companies. Subscriptions are free. For further information: Support to the Export IndustryCMHC International assists exporters in expanding their business internationally by helping them to identify new housing export opportunities in select high potential markets. CMHC provides promotional support, organizes trade missions, provides matchmaking services, and promotes Canadian know-how abroad. In turn, facilitating export contracts that create jobs contributes to the well being of the Canadian economy. For further information: Diagnostic ToolsThe first step in the decision to export your product or service is to assess your ability to export. There are several online diagnostic tools available to "new to exporting" businesses that help determine export readiness: The Export DiagnosticThe Export Diagnostic will give you an opportunity to test your export readiness and identify priorities as you prepare for a foreign market. For further information: Export Your Services...Take a World View!Export Your Services...Take a World View! is an export preparation and information tool designed to assist service exporters become export-ready. For further information: EXPORT Able?This tool, developed by Export Development Canada (EDC), helps gauge a level of export readiness and addresses many questions or concerns regarding a potential decision to export. For further information: 4. Market Research - Picking Your Target MarketEffective market research is an essential aspect of the process of export business planning. It is vitally important that businesses obtain accurate, specific and thorough information about the markets and customers they wish to target in order to develop an effective marketing plan and lay the groundwork necessary for financial success. Exporters should assess their target market by seeking information on that country's business practices and customs, and by collecting statistical data on trade activities involving their product/service in the selected country. Information on the chosen market's infrastructure, economic situation, political environment and credit standing are important. Exporters want to ensure that their goods successfully get to the market and that the risks associated with payment are identified and minimized. Demographic data such as size of country, size and distribution of population, average income, attitude of consumers towards foreign products or services are as important in international research as they are in domestic market research. What is the sales potential of an exporter's product or service? Who are the domestic competitors? The foreign? What trends are emerging vis a vis a particular product or service's sales volume, acceptance, value? Once these issues have been addressed, it is also important to focus on the information accumulated, which will aid in making informed decisions regarding pricing and the promotion and/or selling of the product or service in question. For further information: Following your decision to proceed exporting your products or services, you need to identify potential export markets. Research on the most promising countries includes, but is not limited to:
ExportSource at http://exportsource.ca Canada's most comprehensive online source of export information is a "must" for exporters. It offers information on everything from foreign markets, trade statistics and export financing to the logistics of delivery, trade shows, export missions and sources of assistance. Strategis is the largest business information Web site in Canada. Within Strategis, Canadian businesses have access to a vast array of management resources, perspectives and data that can help them further develop and expand their markets, create alliances and find new clients. For further information: Foreign Affairs CanadaWeb site offers valuable information on countries and regions to exporters. For further information: The Business Women in Trade Web site is a gateway to a wealth of information on preparing for and succeeding in the export marketplace. For further information: Country Insights provides free access to invaluable information on the countries and cultures of the world. For further information: For further information: EDC's EXPORT MarketInsight monitors political and economic developments in key export markets around the world to assess risks and opportunities for your business. MarketInsight provides access to:
Visit EDC at http://www.edc.ca/online to access their online products and services. Canadian Company Capabilities is an online database which profiles thousands of Canadian companies. It offers free registration and company information is available globally. This database contains vital company information that can be searched to locate Canadian suppliers and distribution channels, to determine competition, to form partnerships and to uncover export opportunities. For further information: Exporters of food products may wish to visit the Agri-Food Trade Service (ATS) online at http://ats-sea.agr.ca. This service provides access to international trade and market information for Canadian agri-food exporters. Information includes:
For further information: Trade Team Canada Sectors at http://ttcs.ic.gc.ca highlights Canada's national priority sectors for trade development. This area gives an overview of Canada's position in various sectors in terms of the international environment, business opportunities, market outlook, and priority markets. Statistics Canada collects and distributes a wide range of statistical information on exporting based on Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) data. Statistics Canada maintains detailed trade data for anyone whose business depends on importing or exporting (costs are applicable). For further information: Trade Data Online provides detailed information on Canadian and U.S. imports, exports and trade balances in terms of dollars or percentages. It targets over 200 countries. The data is obtained from Statistics Canada and the U.S. Department of Commerce. For further information: Worldwide Governments on the WWWThis site leads to the official government Web sites for most countries in the world including ministries, offices, law courts, embassies, parliaments, city councils, public broadcasting corporations, central banks, and multi-governmental institutions around the world. This site contains more than 15,000 entries from more than 220 countries and territories. The information listed may be limited for countries which have a lower level of Internet presence. Some content may be presented in the language of the originating country, and in some cases, may contain a political slant. For further information: CIA World Factbook Web site, prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), provides basic intelligence on countries and issues. Countryprofiles highlight the country's background, geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military and transnational issues. For further information: GlobeEDGE is an excellent web-portal which offers a wealth of country information. For further information: 5. Export TrainingThe Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) provides interested exporters with the training and skills necessary to compete in international markets:
For further information: ExportUSA is a group of programs that can assist exporters in developing or expanding their access to the U.S. market by giving them first-hand exposure to target markets.
For further information: Seminars and Workshops are regional events that feature a half day program of workshops, roundtable discussions and networking sessions focused on export topics of interest to local small and medium-sized companies. General export seminar topics covered are: Export Financing, E-Commerce, E-Business, Internet Exposure Benefits, and Managing Export Growth. For additional information: Note: Many community colleges and some boards of education offer courses in international marketing and import/export methods. Several universities operate Centres for International Business Studies or international business oriented MBA programs. Industry and trade associations also offer various seminars on trade. Visit the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), at http://www.aucc.ca/can_uni/index_e.html, to search through a comprehensive list of international programs offered by some Canadian universities and colleges. 6. RegulationsThere are various regulations that apply to exporting Canadian goods to other regions of the world. The Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) publication Exporting Goods from Canada provides an overview of the rules involved in exporting a product. This publication is available on the Internet at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4116. Business Number - Importer/Exporter Account NumberAll Canadian individuals or businesses exporting on a commercial basis must obtain a Business Number in order to account for their goods. For further information: BorderInformation Service is a computerized, 24-hour telephone service that provides information on various customs topics such as personal and commercial importations and exportations, travellers' exemptions, currency exchange rates, commercial as well as personal postal information, and trade agreements. BorderInformation Service is available free of charge throughout Canada by calling 1-800-461-9999 . For further information: The Customs Client Services provide a wide variety of trade and customs related information that businesses and the traveling public may find useful. If you require personal assistance, contact the Customs Client Services Office closest to you. A listing of these offices is available from your local CBSC (see the document Customs Offices - Supplement). Reporting ExportsExporters must report to CBSA, commercial shipments valued at more than $2,000 (CDN) exported to a country other than the United States, as well as any goods being shipped through the United States to another country. Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) is a Windows-based software application that has been jointly developed by CRA and Statistics Canada. The CAED is available free of charge and has been designed to offer flexibility and convenience, to streamline the export reporting process by automating the preparation of CBSA's B13A Export Declaration. It provides exporters or their agents the ability to transmit completed Export Declarations directly to the Federal Government of Canada via the Internet. For more information on the CAED, please visit the Statistics Canada Web site at http://www.statcan.ca/english/exports/index.htm. Exporters who do not use the CAED must report their exports by completing form B13A Export Declaration. For further information on reporting exports, see the document Reporting of Exports or contact your nearest CBSA Trade Administration Services Office (listed in the document Customs Offices - Supplement). Exports of Prohibited and Controlled GoodsSome government departments prohibit certain goods from entering or leaving Canada. Certain other goods are controlled, meaning that permits, certificates, labelling or authorizations from a federal department are needed before CBSA will release the goods. Exporters must submit a permit or certificate when shipping controlled, regulated or prohibited goods. For further information: Export PermitsExport Permits are required when the export destination is a country on theArea Control List or when the goods are on theExport Control List. The Export and Import Controls Bureau of International Trade Canada (ITCan) provides assistance to exporters in determining if export permits are required and publishes brochures and Notices to Exporters that are available free on request. For further information: The Standards Council of Canada offers businesses and industries a number of specialized standards and standards-related information products online such as:
To subscribe to Export Alert please visit SCC's Web site at Also, exporters need to identify tariff and non-tariff barriers to the introduction of their product or service in a foreign market. Are there restrictions in the form of taxes, import duties or quotas? Are there trade agreements which favour the goods and services of one country over another? The International Trade Canada (ITCan) through its Tariffs and Market Access Information provides information to Canadian exporters such as:
For further information: Exporting Cultural Property For further information: 7. Export FinancingExport Development Canada (EDC)Export Development Canada (EDC) offers a range of risk reduction financial products and services, to small exporters interested in export receivables insurance and export financing support. EDC also provides services to any exporter, of any size, operating in any sector of the economy (including the service sector) and generally looks for at least 50% Canadian content. Exporters interested in EDC programs and services may call toll-free 1-888-332-4593 from Monday to Friday during regular business hours, from wherever the call is being made in Canada. For further information: EXPORT Finance GuideEDC has developed a guide to help exporters understand and access export-related financing services online. This tool will help you determine what kind of financing you need, and where to find it. For further information: For further information: The Export Financing Guide For further information: 8. Sources of Export AssistanceThe Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF) is your first stop en route to the information, counselling, market intelligence, financial assistance and on the ground support you need to make your export venture a successful one. For further information: Ontario Exports Inc., the lead trade agency of the Ontario Government, can assist Ontario firms become new exporters or expand into new markets. For further information: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)The Export Marketing Unit of the OMAFRA offers a number of services to new and experienced exporters of food, beverage and agricultural products. These services include counselling, seminars, outgoing and incoming missions, international trade shows, sourcing and market intelligence. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Web site contains a lot of information on food safety, including information on the Food Safety and Quality Act. For further information: The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) administer the PROFIT Food Export Seminar, a two-day seminar that addresses the basics of exporting to the U.S. market. For further information: Export Controls On-Line (EXCOL) is a user friendly web-based application where exporters are able to submit applications for export permits and certificates, as well as request amendments. EXCOL also offers the functionality to submit online, quarterly utilization reports for military goods, as well as the ability to print selected permits in your office. For further information: EDC's Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee (FXG) helps free up working capital for Canadian companies that purchase forward contracts from their financial institutions, enabling them to lock in the exchange rates as protection against foreign currency fluctuations. For further information: Canadian companies may need to enhance their security programs in order to meet the requirements of the Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT). EDC's Security Compliance Loan helps Canadian companies to finance the upgrades required to meet security standards, and helps them qualify to become C-TPAT-compliant. Security enhancements to property, personnel and procedures may be required. For further information: Non-governmental Trade OrganizationsThere are many trade organizations that have a strong export focus. Many of these organizations offer seminars and export information on foreign markets:
The main branches of Canadian Chartered Banks have Trade Finance Sections that will provide you with information and advice on their export services. Your local library can also be a valuable resource when doing your market research.
DISCLAIMER
Links Policy
|
| Français | Contact Us | Help | Search | Canada Site |
| Last Modified: 2006-09-15 | Important Notices |