Exporting - Entering World Markets Info-Guide

This guide will help navigate through the federal and provincial government resources that would be of interest to businesses involved in exporting. 

The Canada Ontario Business Service Centre is a delivery partner of Team Canada Inc, a partnership of federal, provincial and territorial governments helping Canadian companies succeed in export markets. 

Need more information?

Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Call: 1-800-567-2345
Visit: The Regional Access Program Location Index for a listing of offices in Ontario.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Making the Export Decision
2. Helping Exporters Get into Foreign Markets
3. Market Research - Picking Your Target Market
4. Export Business Planning
5. Export Training
6. Export Financing
7. Canadian Export Regulations
8. Foreign Regulations
9. Free Trade Agreements
10. Getting Your Product to its Destination
11. Export Information and Counselling Services
12. Other Sources of Assistance

1. Making the Export Decision

Deciding to export is a serious step towards the growth of your business. It requires careful market research and planning to assess the risks and benefits of taking your product or service to new markets. Getting your product to other countries, currency exchanges, domestic and other foreign competitors in that market, standards and making arrangements for payment are all important considerations once your potential markets have been identified. Finding support in Canada for exporting may also play a crucial role.

There are a number of reasons to consider exporting:

Although this is not an exhaustive list of considerations, businesses preparing to export should take the following considerations into account:

• Is my firm prepared to devote the time and resources necessary to break into foreign markets?
• Does my business have the production capacity for new markets?
• Do I have sufficient cash flow to support export market demands?
• Is my product or service ready for international markets or are modifications required to meet the needs of interested foreign customers?
• Where is the best place in the world to sell my product or service and why?
• Should my business look at hiring export professionals (e.g., export consultant, freight forwarder, customs broker)?
• Is exporting consistent with my company's other objectives?
• Can my goods and/or services be easily distributed abroad?
• Is my product and/or service cost competitive?
• Is my company capable of conducting business in the appropriate language/time zone?

2. Helping Exporters Get into Foreign Markets

The 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 Canada Business Service Centres (CBSCs) across Canada on behalf of Team Canada Inc. Calls are automatically routed to the client's local CBSC, and answered by trained Information Officers. Officers provide general export information and refer clients who require more expert advice or export counselling to the appropriate domestic export development services.

For further information:
please call 1-888-811-1119
visit the Web site:
Exportsource.ca
http://exportsource.gc.ca
see the document Team Canada Inc 1-888 Export Information Service

Support to the Export Industry

CMHC 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:
visit the Web site:
CMHC International - Support to the Export Industry
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/hoficlincl/cmhcin/suexin/index.cfm

COBSC Regional Access Sites

COBSC 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:
see the document Regional Access Program Location Index

3. Market Research - Picking Your Target Market

To assist with your research, please see: Exporting - Preparing for World Markets Info-Guide

Your next step is to take a closer look at a particular country or region, assess your competition and evaluate your customer base. Much of this information can be found by accessing market studies.

International Trade Canada (ITCan)'s Market Research Centre produces a full range of sectorial market studies to help Canadian exporters identify foreign market opportunities. Each report contains a market overview, a section on customers and distribution channels, an analysis of principal market-access issues and a listing of key promotional venues. Reports also include the names of local importers and information on their size, product range and territory.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Market Research and Services
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/MarketReportsAndServices.jsp
see the document International Market Research

InfoExport is the Web site of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS). This site is designed to help Canadian companies that have researched and selected their target markets.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

Trade Map Canada provides online access to the world's largest trade database and presents indicators on export performance, international demand, alternative markets and the role of competitors from both the product and country perspective. Team Canada Inc is pleased to provide this service for free to Canadians through registration on Exportsource.ca.

For further information:
see the document TradeMap Canada

To access TradeMap Canada, you will need a user name and password, which can be obtained by filling in the form on the Team Canada Inc Web site at: http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02325.html

A TradeMap registration also provides free access to Product Map, another tool for analyzing international trade data.

Canadian Industry Statistics presents statistical analyses of manufacturing industry trends for establishments, employment, wages, production, costs, investment, international trade and industry performance in Canada for the ten most recent years. Industries are defined according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

For further information:
visit the Web site :
Canadian Industry Statistics
http://strategis.gc.ca/cis
see the document Canadian Industry Statistics

4. Export Business Planning

Businesses that have identified a specific product or service to export and targeted a particular geographic market should ensure that they have a well developed export business plan. There are several online planning tools available to help businesses create an export plan.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Developing Your Export Plan
http://www.exportsource.gc.ca/iep

The Export Diagnostic at http://www.exportdiagnostic.ca will provide an opportunity to test your export readiness and identify priorities as you prepare for a foreign market.

5. Export Training

Businesses committed to exporting may be interested in training programs to assist them in the practical aspects of exporting their product or services.

The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) provides interested exporters with the training and skills necessary to compete in international markets:

• FITTskills is a comprehensive package of courses consisting of eight individual modules focusing on the day-to-day mechanics of international business, including entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, logistics, market entry and distribution, research, legal aspects and trade management. This program is available online or in classrooms at institutions across Canada.
  
• Going Global Workshop Series is designed to help companies, individuals and export service providers make the decision to "go global", by providing them with an understanding of the benefits and challenges of exporting. Developed and delivered in partnership with Team Canada Inc, the three-hour workshops in the series include: Introduction to International Trade, Introduction to Market Research, Introduction to International Marketing, Introduction to International Finance, Introduction to International Trade Logistics & Distribution.
  
• Enterprise FITT is international trade training, individually tailored to meet the unique requirements of a business or organization. Learning objectives are defined with the client, based upon a careful needs analysis. Training can be delivered on or off-site through practical exercises and scenarios, presentations, workshops or any mixture of approaches that best suit the learning style of the organization.
  
• Certified International Trade Professional (C.I.T.P.): FITT is the only organization in Canada to award the C.I.T.P. designation - the Canadian credential of excellence in international trade.  As a C.I.T.P. you have met rigorous requirements in education, training and experience. You have made a commitment to adhere to the Standards of Ethical Conduct, and today, across Canada C.I.T.P.s are bringing a new level of accountability and increased recognition to the profession of international business and trade.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Forum for International Trade Training
http://www.fitt.ca
see the document Forum for International Trade Training - FITT Inc. .

ExportUSA is a group of programs that can assist exporters in developing or expanding their access to the U.S. market by providing first-hand exposure to target markets.

• New Exporters to Border States Program (NEBS), focuses on export education. It introduces companies to the essentials of exporting and provides practical export information and first-hand exposure to markets in the United States.
  
• Exporters to the United States program (EXTUS) is a program similar to NEBS that serves Canadian companies already exporting to the U.S. border states. EXTUS focuses on expanding the markets of successful Canadian exporters to other regions of the United States.
  
• Reverse NEBS program serves Canadian companies not yet exporting to the United States by providing informative seminars in Canada on the essentials of exporting.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
ExportUSA: Programs for Canadian-Based Exporters to the U.S.
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/docs/view-e.asp?did=5272&gid=538
Export USA Calendar
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/export/menu.asp
see the document ExportUSA

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:
visit the Web site:
Export Services
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/staff/export.htm
see the document PROFIT Food Export Seminar

Seminars and Workshops are regional events that feature a half day program of workshops, round table 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 further information:
please call 1-877-468-7233
see the document Seminars and Workshops

An export specialist from the Consulting Group of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) can help your business become export-savvy, assess global opportunities, increase your production capacity, establish international trade contacts and distribution and conform to international regulations.

For further information:
see the document Consulting Group

6. Export Financing

Export Development Canada (EDC) offers export finance and a broad range of risk management services to exporters operating in any sector of the economy and generally looks for at least 50% Canadian content.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Export Development Canada
http://www.edc.ca
see the document
Financing Services for Smaller Capital Goods Exporters

EDC's Accounts Receivables Insurance covers your company against 90 percent of losses if your foreign buyer does not pay. Export contracts can be insured against a wide range of commercial and political risks.

For further information:
see the document Export Receivables Insurance.

NORTHSTAR complements EDC's export financing services by financing export sales of between $100 000 and $5 million, with repayment terms of one to five years.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
NORTHSTAR Trade Financing
http://www.northstar.ca
see the document NORTHSTAR Trade Finance Inc.

EXPORT Finance Guide

EDC 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:
visit the Web site:
www.edc.ca/efg 
see the document  EXPORT Finance Guide

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) is an export sales agency of the Government of Canada which is involved in facilitating and structuring export sales on behalf of Canadian companies.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian Commercial Corporation
http://www.ccc.ca

CCC offers a specialized export sales and contracting service for exporters selling in international markets and, primarily, to foreign governments. When exporters sell through CCC, foreign buyers can have the full assurance that the Government of Canada is standing behind their deal. To obtain additional information on the CCC's export contracting services, see the document International Prime Contractor Service.

IFInet - IFI Procurement and Capital Projects Opportunities
Canadian companies investing in developing countries can access equity and loan financing and political risk insurance from Multilateral Development Banks and most Development Finance Institutions.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
IFInet
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet
see the document IFInet - IFI Procurement and Capital Projects Opportunities

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) administers most of Canada's international development assistance programs in developing countries and offers several export-related programs.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian International Development Agency
http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

7. Canadian Export Regulations

There are various regulations which apply when exporting Canadian goods to other regions of the world. Some of these programs are related to refunds or relief of duty paid on imported goods for re-exporting; others relate to reporting of exports as well as restrictions on exported products and their destination. Businesses that plan to make exporting an integral part of their operation should be familiar with applicable regulations and export procedures.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian Customs Regulations for Exporters
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es01974.html

Business Number - Importer/Exporter Account Number

All Canadian individuals or businesses exporting on a commercial basis must obtain a Business Number in order to account for their goods.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Registering Your Business
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/registerintro-e.html
see the document Importer/Exporter Account Number

Border Information 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. Border Information Service is available free of charge throughout Canada by calling 1-800-461-9999.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Border Information Service
http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/eservices/bis/bis-e.html
see the document Border Information Service - BIS

Reporting of Exports

Exporters 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.

The Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) is a Windows-based software application. 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 Government of Canada via the Internet. For more information on the CAED, please visit the Statistics Canada Web site at the following address: 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:
see these documents:
Reporting of Exports
Customs Offices - Supplement

Exports of Prohibited and Controlled Goods

Some 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:
please call 1-800-461-9999
visit the Web site:
Customs D Memoranda
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu/D-e.html
see the document Requirements for Imports and Exports of Prohibited and Controlled Goods - Other Federal Government Departments

Export Permits are required when the export destination is a country on the Area Control List or when the goods are on the Export 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:
please call (613) 996-2387
visit the Web site:
Export and Import Controls
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb/menu-en.asp 
see the document Export Permits

Exporting Cultural Property
The Cultural Property Export and Import Act ensures the preservation of important objects related to Canadian heritage by establishing export restrictions for certain categories of objects of historical, scientific and cultural significance.  The Canadian Cultural Property Export Control List identifies the categories of cultural property for which a permit is required before the object can be exported.  The Cultural Property Export Regulations states that anyone exporting cultural property falling within one of the identified categories of the list will require an export permit.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian Heritage
http://www.pch.gc.ca/index_e.cfm

Customs Duty Programs

Duty Drawback is a refund of the duties paid on imported goods. In this case, the drawback applies to duties paid on imported goods that are eventually exported.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Duty Drawback Program
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/d7-4-2/README.html
see the document Duty Deferral Program - Duty Drawback -- Exported Goods

Duties Relief relieves the payment of duties on imported goods that will eventually be re-exported either in the same condition or after being used, consumed or expended in the processing of other goods. Relief of the GST is also available, under certain circumstances.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
DUTY DEFERRAL PROGRAM
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/d7-4-1/d7-4-1-e.html
see the document Duty Deferral Program - Duties Relief

Customs Bonded Warehouses are Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) licensed and regulated facilities operated by the private sector where goods can be stored duty free and tax free (generally for up to four years) until they are exported or are consumed domestically.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Customs Bonded Warehouses
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/d7-4-4/README.html
see the document Customs Bonded Warehouse Program

Temporary Importation/Exportation Programs

All goods entering Canada, even those being imported temporarily or those goods which were exported temporarily, are subject to duty and tax on their full value, unless there is a provision in legislation or regulations to relieve the duties and taxes owing.

For further information
visit the Web site:
Temporary exportation programs
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/b3elements-e.html#P496_52904
see the document Temporary Importation/Exportation Programs

8. Foreign Regulations

Foreign governments may put in place a range of laws and regulations to protect consumers, industries and maintain standards or control the inflow of foreign products. Controls can be in the form of tariffs (duties imposed on imported goods) or non-tariff barriers (e.g. quotas, import permits and special restrictions). There may also be safety, quality or technical standards, health or environment regulations, labelling, packaging, measurement or other requirements to meet.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
ExportSource
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/
Worldwide Governments on the WWW
http://www.gksoft.com/govt/en/world.html
Foreign Representatives in Canada
see the document: Tariffs and Market Access Information for Canadian Exporters

The Standards Council of Canada offers businesses and industries a number of specialized standards and standards-related information products online such as:

• Export Alert!, the only automated electronic mail (E-mail) notification service which provides advance warning when foreign regulators change the requirements that apply to your product;
• RegWatch, a database of standards referenced in federal legislation;
• Standards Alert! an E-mail notification service on new and revised Canadian and international standards.

To subscribe to Export Alert please visit SCC's Web site at:
http://www.scc.ca/en/news_events/subscriptions/export_alert.shtml

For more information on RegWatch please visit SCC's Web site at: http://www.scc.ca/en/news_events/subscriptions/regwatch.shtml

To subscribe to Standards Alert!, please visit the Standards Council's Web site at: http://www.scc.ca/en/news_events/subscriptions/standards_alert.shtml

Exporters need to identify tariff and non-tariff barriers before 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?

International Trade Canada (ITCan), through its Tariffs and Market Access Information, provides information to Canadian exporters such as:

• Tariffs, taxes, rules of origin and some entry procedures for Canadian goods being exported to foreign countries; and
• Labelling information on U.S. Food Product such as counselling on FDA/USDA food product labelling for the United States (FDA = Food Drug Administration; USDA = U.S. Department of Agriculture).

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Trade Negotiations and Agreements
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/
see the document Tariffs and Market Access Information for Canadian Exporters

9. Free Trade Agreements

Canada has entered into free trade agreements to reduce or eliminate tariffs on products. New exporters should be aware of any arrangements Canada has with other countries in order to assess the impact such agreements may have on products being exported.

For information on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), see the document North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The U.S. Customs Service Web site can be accessed at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov.

For information on the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, see the document Tariff Treatment - Country of Origin - Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement and the document Canada - Chile Free Trade Agreement - Agriculture .

For information on the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, see the document Tariff Treatment - Country of Origin - Canada - Israel Free Trade Agreement and the document Canada - Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) - Agriculture .

For information on the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement, see the document Tariff Treatment - Country of Origin - Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement.

To access Internet versions of any of the above free trade agreements, visit ITCan's Web site at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/reg-en.asp.

10. Getting Your Product to its Destination

The Incoterms^TM of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are internationally accepted commercial trade terms which determine the passing of risk and costs under an international contract of sale. Incoterms^TM make trade with foreign nations easier and help traders in different countries understand one another. The terms tell each party to the contract what their obligations are for the carriage of goods from the seller to the buyer, for insurance and for export and import clearances.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
Canada-Alberta Business Service Centre
http://www.cbsc.org/alberta/main.cfm
Glossary of International Trade Terms
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02164.html

When shipping your product to foreign customers, you may wish to use the services of shipping industry professionals such as freight forwarders and customs brokers. The services of freight forwarders include planning the most economic route for shipment of goods, preparing documents relating to shipment of and payment for goods and providing insurance and customs formalities.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
http://www.ciffa.com

The services provided by customs brokers include the processing of customs' import and export documentation and the release of commercial goods through local customs authority. The Canadian Society of Customs Brokers Internet site can provide you with a list of customs brokers and equivalent organizations who are familiar with customs procedures in the country of destination.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
http://www.cscb.ca

11. Export Information and Counselling Services

Team Canada Inc is a partnership of federal departments and agencies working with the provincial and territorial governments and with other partners to help Canadian companies export their goods and services to foreign markets.

For further information:
see the document Team Canada Inc

The Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF) is part of the Team Canada Inc Regional Trade network and, the first stop en route to the information, counselling, market intelligence, financial assistance and on the ground support which Ontario businesses need to make their export venture a successful one.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canada-Ontario Export Forum
http://www.ic.gc.ca/coef
see the document Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF)

Through International Trade Canada (ITCan)'s Enquiries Services, callers can request general information and publications on trade, foreign policy and consular services.

For further information:
please call (613) 944-4000 (Ottawa) or 1-800-267-8376 (toll free)
visit the Web site:
International Trade Canada
http://www.itcan-cican.gc.ca/menu-en.asp
see the document Enquiries Service

International Trade Canada (ITCan)

ITCan can help direct you to the existing products and services that relate to your particular exporting needs. The Regional Offices of ITCan provide services to Canadian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have demonstrated a strong commitment to opening a new export market or further developing an existing one. Companies looking for general information on export programs and services should first contact the Team Canada inc Export Information Service at 1-888-811-1119.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
International Trade Canada
http://www.itcan-cican.gc.ca/menu-en.asp
see the document:
International Trade Canada (Regional Offices)

The Canadian Consular Services of Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) publishes a series of safe travel publications and reports giving practical advice and valuable information on foreign travel as well as a list of Canadian missions world-wide.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Travel Assistance
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/travel/menu-en.asp
see the document Canadian Consular Services

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service works for Canadian businesses at Canada's embassies, consulates and high commissions. The Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian companies that have researched and selected their target markets and can demonstrate their commitment to succeed in the global marketplace. To obtain their services, companies must register with the Virtual Trade Commissioner.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/

The Virtual Trade Commissioner (VTC) is your personal gateway to the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. The VTC provides access to market information, international business opportunities and much more. To be eligible for registration in the VTC database, your company has to have exported or researched and selected target markets abroad. Registration to the VTC is free.
To register, please visit the Web site at http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/registration/RegistrationMain.jsp?lang=en.

Ontario Exports Inc (OEI) is the lead trade agency of the Government of Ontario. OEI has a team of knowledgeable export professionals who can provide commercial intelligence on foreign markets and guide Ontario suppliers of goods and services in developing their marketing strategies for major markets abroad.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Ontario Exports Inc.
http://www.ontarioexportsinc.com
see the document Ontario Exports Inc.

The Agri-Food Trade Service (ATS) of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) provides simplified access to international market information/intelligence, trade and investment counselling and advice, and export support programs.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Agri-Food Trade Service (ATS)
http://ats.agr.ca
see the document Agri-Food Trade Service (ATS)

The Export Marketing Unit of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (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.

For further information:
please call 1-888-466-2372
visit the Web site:
Marketing, Trade, Foodland Ontario
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/export/index.html 
see the document Ontario Food Exports

The International Business Opportunities Centre (IBOC) matches business leads identified by Canadian Trade Commissioners abroad with the interests of capable Canadian firms, particularly small and medium enterprises. Companies who register in the Virtual Trade Commissioner (see the Web site http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/) and the Canadian Company Capabilities (see the document Canadian Company Capabilities) databases position themselves to benefit from international business opportunities.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
International Business Opportunities Centre
http://www.iboc.gc.ca/menu-e.asp
see the document International Business Opportunities Centre - IBOC

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:
visit the Web site:
Export Controls On-Line (EXCOL)
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/trade/eicb/EXCOL/excol-en.asp 
see the document  Export Controls Online (EXCOL)

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:
see the document  Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee

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:
see the document  Security Compliance Loan

12. Other Sources of Assistance

There are many trade organizations that have a strong export focus. Many of these organizations offer seminars and export information on foreign markets.

• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)
  http://www.cme-mec.ca;
• the Canadian Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce
  http://www.chamber.ca/;
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce
  http://www.occ.on.ca/;
• the Chambre économique de l'Ontario
  http://www.ceo-on.com (services are offered to both French and English exporters, but site is in French only);
• Municipal Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce;
• most local Economic Development Offices;
• numerous industry associations;
• international business councils (e.g. Canada-Japan Trade Council, Canada-India Business Council).

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 conducting international market research.

• Important Notices
• Business Guides Available at the COBSC

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.