Reporting of Exports

It is extremely important for exporters to report all export transactions and for the information they provide to be complete and accurate. Failure to ensure that these requirements are met may result in the application of AMPS penalties.

Another reason to ensure accuracy is that trade data is vital to the health of business and our country's economic development. As exports account for approximately 40% of this country's wealth, the livelihood of millions of Canadians is directly dependent on trade and accurate trade data collection.

The government uses export data to: 

• negotiate tariff reductions with other countries;
• determine economic performance;
• formulate fiscal policy;
• negotiate trade agreements with our trading partners.
  

Exporters use it to track emerging markets and determine the best means of shipping.

The data also helps exporters, manufacturers, shipping companies and the government to make informed decisions by monitoring the volume of exports, changes in demand and changes in market shares.

Exporters must report to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on goods they export out of Canada. Any Canadian shipment exported directly to a non-U.S. destination, as well as those that are shipped in transit through the U.S. destined for a third country, must be reported. Exporters do not have to declare the following:

• a shipment of goods valued at less than CAN $2 000;
• a shipment of goods destined for domestic consumption in the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands;
• a foreign shipment passing through Canada destined for a third country.
  

All controlled, prohibited and regulated goods require permits, certificates or licenses that must be presented to Canadian customs before exportation of these goods. Such goods, when destined for consumption in a country other than the United States, must also be accompanied by a copy of the export declaration, regardless of the value of the goods. It is the exporter's responsibility to find out if the goods he wishes to export are controlled, prohibited or regulated.

METHODS OF REPORTING

At present, Canadian exporters can complete their declarations using various methods such as the Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED), G7 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Export Reporting, Form B13A, Export Declaration, and Summary Reporting.

Canadian Automated Export Declaration

CAED, a Windows-based software application, was designed to offer flexibility and convenience, to streamline the export reporting process and to reduce the export reporting problems of undercoverage, duplication and paper burden.

• This user-friendly software package, automates the preparation of CBSA's B13A - Export Declaration. It provides exporters or their agents the ability to quickly prepare your export declarations and transmit the information directly to the Government of Canada via the Internet. To view the software demo, click on the Statistics Canada Web link and scroll down to "Software Demo".
• Electronic method of reporting exports, which allows you or your agent to quickly prepare your export declarations and transmit the information directly to the Government of Canada before exportation.
  

More information can be obtained by clicking on the CAED link above, or by contacting Statistics Canada at 1-800-257-2434.

G7 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Export Reporting

With the G7 EDI Export Reporting, Canadian exporters will be able to file export declarations electronically for each shipment, using EDI. Although the process is a G7 initiative, it is not restricted to shipments being exported to G7 countries.

Canadian exporters who participate in the process can benefit in the following ways:

• They will no longer have to complete and file a paper copy of Form B13A, Export Declaration.
• They will be able to provide an electronic copy of the G7 export declaration to the importer or agent in the importing country that has implemented the G7 data set and electronic messages. The importer or agent will be able to re-use the G7 export information required by the importing country.
  

B13A – Export Declaration

Paper-based method of reporting your exports, which must be submitted prior to exporting your shipment to the customs office nearest the place of exportation.

For step-by-step instructions to completing your B13A Export Declaration, consult Exporting Goods From Canada: A Handy Customs Guide for exporters (RC4116).

Summary reporting

Method reserved for exporters of low-risk goods who export on a regular basis and have met specific customs requirements. It enables you or your agent to summarize required export data, which can be submitted on a monthly basis in writing, after the goods have left Canada.

To apply for this program, you must contact Program Services at your Regional customs office. Goods that are controlled, prohibited, or regulated do not qualify for this program.

If you require personal assistance contact the Customs Client Services Office closest to you (see Related Reading: Customs Offices - Supplement or from Canada Border Service Agency's Web site for a list of addresses).