Exporting Info-Guide (Alberta)

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you begin to export. Are you planning a market driven approach into this new country, or a product/service driven approach? A market driven approach would look at what the foreign market wants, and how to get the right product or service to fill the need. A product / service driven approach would be to find a foreign country in which to sell the product or service you already provide domestically. On average, it takes about a three year commitment to establish an export presence. Do you have the time and financial resources to commit to developing export opportunities? Exporting can be a very rewarding and profitable venture, if you do the necessary homework and understand the export market.

Doing a business plan for a domestic business takes a lot of personal commitment. Market research information is typically readily accessible. An international business plan takes a greater amount of time and money, as information is likely to be more difficult to obtain. In some cases, the information is not available or inaccurate thus increasing the risk of the venture.

An international business plan will help you evaluate whether this venture, with all its risks, is worth the return, and whether it satisfies your objectives for exploring foreign markets. The most important issues that you should consider in the evaluation process are the target market, population and demographics, the market demand and needs, the country, the legal aspects, currency and commercial risks, the logistics of delivering the product or service, and of course, the financial implications behind the entire transaction.

 International Business Plan Considerations

 Here are some tips to consider before starting an international business plan:

To choose a country, you will have to consider such things as:

What is the business environment like in that country? How stable is the government? Are their any economic or currency fluctuations, disputes with other countries, embargoes? How good is the infrastructure such as ports, airports, railways or roads, and warehousing?

How acceptable are foreign goods or services? Are business opportunities directly available to non-residents, or will they only deal through arrangements such as joint ventures, foreign investments, agents or distributors.

Many countries have import controls or require special permits, inspections, health certificates, and use high tariff rates to regulate trade. As well, Canada may require you to obtain an export permit.

Do you have a good understanding of the language and culture of doing business in that country? When dealing with  international business, you may not be doing business the "Canadian way", and it may take many years to develop a rapport that will grow into business opportunities.

To know the market, you have to:

Look at the demographics of your market: family structure, age variances, education level, employment levels, income levels, spending priorities, decision making and authority, and any other information you can obtain to get a better profile of your potential clients. If your clients are other businesses, what characteristic do they have: sector, size, years in business, level of purchasing decision, branches, franchises, chains etc.

How does the population feel about foreign goods and services from abroad? Certain countries openly welcome foreign products, while others shun or create non-tariff barriers to keep foreign products and services out.

Who is your target client? Are they the end user or a retailer, distributor, wholesaler, manufacturer, etc.

To know your product / service offering (marketing mix), you have to:

Research what features and benefits your product or service offers that make a given marketplace a target. What modifications to the product/services may be needed to make them more saleable? Does your product require any re-packaging and/or re-labeling, translations, etc. Is after-sales service/maintenance required and how will it be done?

Consider how to penetrate this market. Whether you use an agent, distributor, or establish a joint venture agreement, you must establish a clear marketing strategy to penetrate the market. Will that strategy be based on pricing, features and benefits, and/or promotional activities? What media is available and are traditional promotional methods acceptable in the new market? Who are the competitors and what are their marketing strengths and strategies?

To keep within the laws, you have to:

Consider what is vital in an international agreement. What language will govern the contract; what legal jurisdiction and where will the contract will be performed (just because you are Canadian, the contract may not be drawn on Canadian law and the transaction may not be on Canadian territory); where is it enforceable, and is arbitration a consideration? Will the courts be neutral to foreigners or do the laws favour locals?

Consider safeguards (Force Majeure clause) to protect you against problems that are out of everyone's control and cannot be avoided, such as Acts of  God (like typhoons, tropical storms), political issues, riots, strikes, wars which impose unexpected trade barriers and delays in shipment. When are the services of an international trade attorney required and how do I find a good one?

To get the product or service over there, you have to:

Consider everything from order taking to delivery to the final destination. Factors to examine are foreign order taking processes, billing processes, production schedules, delivery schedules, warehousing, inventory, packaging and labeling, shipping procedures, routes for shipping, modes of shipping, arranging for customs inspections, duties and taxes, arranging for insurance, arranging for transfer of title of goods, and of course, accurate documentation to facilitate collection of payment.

Consider the benefits of using a customs broker to do your paperwork and to ensure Customs clearance in a foreign country. Canadian customs brokers are licensed under the authority of the Customs Act . 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.

For a listing of customs brokers that have access to the on-line permit application system – Export Import Controls System (EICS) – of International Trade Canada, visit the website http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb/general/brokers-en.asp

For a listing of customs brokers by city, look at the Members Directory at the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers website http://www.cscb.ca

Consider the benefits of a Freight Forwarder, who will plan your routes, quote you a price for transportation and services, notify the ports of your arrival date, arrange for insurance, loading, unloading, containerizing, strapping, packing, etc.

To find a freight forwarder, you can search the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association members directory using a geographical search (city and province). For more information visit their website at http://www.ciffa.com/members_search.asp

To get it all done and paid, you have to:

Consider what financial resources you have available to ensure that current business activities can be comfortably supported before branching off into a possibly costly export venture? New financial risks involve exchange rate fluctuations and issues such as currency repatriation, convertibility, etc. Currency of transaction is a major factor to consider. Many countries do not deal in Canadian dollars or many have difficulty raising American dollars. You must know ahead of time whether you can repatriate (remove) the dollars and what kinds of exchange rates you can get from the bank. What is the credit rating of the country and of the specific buyer?

Can you negotiate a "cash in advance" agreement with a buyer? This eliminates almost all payment risks for you as the exporter! Documents on Acceptance and on Documents on Collection (DOA or DOC), letters of credit (L/C), and other vehicles of documentary collection are all handled by international banking institutions. Your bank's international division, and your credit insurance agent can inform you of acceptable terms so that all of the paperwork and terms are complete and flow smoothly, to facilitate payment.

Consider credit insurance safeguards in the event of a non-performance from pre-defined circumstances. Contact Export Development Canada (EDC) for insurance against events outside of the buyer's and sellers' control.http://www.edc.ca (see the document Working Capital Solutions ).

In business, risk management is the key to continued success. International business simply has more risks to be managed. The key ones are country risks, currency risks, market risks, legal, logistics and commercial risks. Some of the elements with in each of these have been described above. You will require the experiences of many people involved with trade to help you along the way. Some of those contacts are provided below.

Information Sourcing

Getting the right information to complete your international business plan can be difficult, but not impossible.

Find the HS Code applying to your products
The Harmonized System (HS) helps international trade by simplifying the requirements of customs administrations, trade statisticians, carriers and producers. The HS harmonizes trade documentation data and provides a common method of designating and coding commodities. It is meant to be incorporated as much as possible into commercial commodity description and coding systems. The basic system uses a 6-digit number to identify basic commodities. Each country is allowed to add additional digits for statistical purposes. You need to know your product’s HS code in order to fill out your export declaration and to find out the duty rate that applies to your product in its country of destination.

Statistics Canada allows you to search by commodity code on their web site at http://www.statcan.ca/trade/scripts/trade_search.cgi. Another useful site to search for HS Codes is the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation tariff database at http://www.apectariff.org/. The World Customs Organization also provides links to tariff information for countries around the world at http://www.wcoomd.org/ie/index.html. If additional information is required, contact the Canada Border Services Agency’s Border Information Service (BIS) at 1-800-461-9999.

Trade Team Alberta
Trade Team Alberta is one of 10 Regional Trade Networks across Canada.Trade Team Alberta is a partnership of key Alberta public and private sector organizations offering trade-related services to active and potential exporters. Trade Team Alberta assists in coordinating trade development activities, thereby streamlining services to exporters. Based on your level of export knowledge and expertise, a variety of services can be provided through the Trade Team Alberta network. These include: export readiness assessment, new exporter training, export counselling, export opportunity identification, international marketing assistance, export financing and insurance, technology transfer and investment attraction.  

For more information visit the Web site at http://www.alberta-canada.com/tta/index.cfm or see the document  Trade Team Alberta

Enquiries Service - International Trade Canada
The Enquiries Service of International Trade Canada - ITCan provides general information and publications on trade, foreign policy and consular services.

For more information, please call ITCan's Enquiries Service at 1-800-267-8376, see the document Enquiries Service of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada or visit the Web site at http://www.itcan-cican.gc.ca/menu-en.asp ; e-mail: enqserv@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Agri-Food Trade Service (ATS) - Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
The Agri-Food Trade Service provides a prominent focal point for Canadian agri-food exporters, simplified access to international market information / intelligence, trade and investment counselling and advice, and export support programs.

For more information, please call 780-495-4141 or visit the Web site at http://ats.agr.ca

Alberta Directory of Services for Exporters
A number of government departments, business organizations and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce identified a tremendous need to compile a directory of firms involved in the "Export Service Providers" industry. As export plays a leading role in Alberta's economy, it is imperative that businesses entering into the export arena have access to information and contacts that facilitate these ventures. This Directory is a comprehensive representation of Alberta organizations involved in export facilitation. As well as being an export guide, the printed version contains informative editorial and government resource and program information. Listings in both the printed and web versions include contact information on each company, a synopsis of their services, and detailed information on areas of expertise in terms of industries served, as well as geographic market specialization. For a copy of the guide, please call 1-800-272-9675.

Translation Services http://www.atia.ab.ca/
The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) provides a free phone referral service to assist clients in contacting translators and interpreters and gaining a better understanding of all that is involved in translation and interpretation. You will be answered by a professional translator, with the willingness and the know-how needed to help.
Telephone Contact: Edmonton 780-455-8712, Calgary 403-243-3477.

Trade Commissioner Service - ITCan
ITCan has an extensive network of trade commissioners and officers in Canada and abroad to assist Canadian export ready companies and promote Canadian trade, investment and tourism.

• Services abroad - Trade Commissioners abroad help Canadian exporters deal with the challenge of complex foreign business environments. They understand local conditions, business cultures and business practices and can open doors to foreign markets. Canadian businesses are advised to develop a systematic marketing plan and contact only those trade commissioners in their target market area.
• Services in Canada - ITCan and Industry Canada have established International Trade Centres (ITC) in cities across Canada to provide local trade-related services to Canadian firms that are export ready or currently involved in international business.

For information on a full range of trade development services, visit http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/Directory.jsp. To obtain the name and number of the appropriate geographic trade commissioner for your interested territory call the  Export Link .

For more information or to obtain a copy of the Trade Commissioner directory, please call the Enquiries Services Centre at 1-800-267-8376, 613-944-9136 (TTY), see the document Trade Commissioner Service or visit ITCan's export and trade Web site http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

ATA Carnet  -  Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The ATA Carnet is an international, unified customs document, which under a series of customs conventions, simplifies customs procedures for the temporary duty free admission of three main categories of goods traded internationally:

• commercial samples;
• goods for presentation or use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions or similar events;
• professional equipment.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the official issuing agent of ATA Carnets in Canada.

For more information visit the website http://www.chamber.ca/article.asp?id=261

Export Training

Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)
FITT is a national, non profit and professional organization, founded in 1992 by industry and government to develop and deliver international trade training programs and services, establish country-wide standards and certification, and generally ensure continuing professional development in the practice of international trade. FITT provides interested exporters with the training and skills necessary to compete in the international market. FITT programs and workshops are delivered through a national network of training providers, comprised of community colleges, universities, private organizations and government partners. FITT programs and services include:

• The FITTskills Program is a proven curriculum of valuable, step-by-step procedures on how to conduct trade in the international marketplace. Compiled, developed and taught by international trade practitioners, who are experts in their field, the eight courses in the program can be taken individually or as a comprehensive program. Each course addresses essential topics within the context of global trade and is followed by a national examination or project. Successful completion of FITTskills leads to a Diploma of International Trade from FITT and fulfils the basic educational requirement for the C.I.T.P. designation. The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process (PLAR) adopted by FITT allows candidates with appropriate learning experiences related to the FITTskills Program courses to demonstrate that they meet the C.I.T.P. competencies and attain the designation more quickly and efficiently. Courses are readily available across Canada through training providers and on-line through the FITT Web site at http://www.fitt.ca/index.asp
• The 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 An Introduction to International Trade, An Introduction to Market Research and An Introduction to International Marketing.
• EnterpriseFITT is international trade training individually tailored to meet the unique requirements of companies that are exporting or export-ready, trade and industry associations, government departments and agencies concerned with export and international trade and/or seeking to sell their expertise internationally.
• AgFITT is an integrated series of workshops, focusing on the practical aspects of agri-food exporting. AgFITT is designed for small and medium-sized agri-food companies that have the potential to export, but lack sufficient knowledge or experience.
• FITTservices is a series of six professional development workshops, designed to address the export training needs of small and medium-sized service firms.

For more information, please call 1-800-561-FITT (3488), fax your request to 613-230-6808, e-mail your request to corp@fitt.ca, see the document  FITT (Forum for International Trade Training) or visit the Website http://www.fitt.ca/index.asp

BDC Consulting - Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
An export specialist from BDC's Consulting Group 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 more information visit the BDC Websitehttp://www.bdc.ca/en/business_solutions/consulting_group/default.htm or call toll free 1-877-BDC BANX (1-877-232-2269).

Export USA - International Trade Canada
Export USA consists of three programs:

• NEBS, or the New Exporters to Border States Program, is a key export education tool offered by trade offices in the U.S. that targets Canadian companies not yet exporting to the United States. NEBS provides companies with vital practical orientation by introducing them to the essentials of exporting as well as by giving them first-hand exposure to markets located in U.S. border states.
• EXTUS, or Exporters to the United States program, is a program similar to NEBS that serves Canadian companies already exporting to the U.S. border states. Formerly known as NEBS Plus, EXTUS focuses on expanding the markets of successful Canadian exporters to other regions of the United States.
• The Reverse NEBS program serves Canadian companies not yet exporting to the United States by providing informative seminars in Canada on the essentials of exporting.

Canadian companies who wish to participate in any ExportUSA mission or seminar must agree to be entered into the Virtual Trade Commissioner database at http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/login.jsp

For more information on  NEBS/EXTUS/Reverse mission programs, visit the Web site at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/export  or see the document ExportUSA or call Edmonton at 780-495-2944 or Calgary at 403-292-4575

Canada Border Services Agency has programs that deal with trade. Contact Canada Border Services Agency for more information about their one day Customs Trade Seminars and other trade related programs they offer. Call 1-800-461-9999

You may also wish to check with your local community colleges, universities, business clubs and Chambers of Commerce. They will often offer good courses and seminars that will shed light on the international business scene.

Export Research Sources

ExportSource.ca
Export Source is an on-line resource for Canadian businesses seeking export information. This unique tool provides a one-stop shop for new and experienced exporters, with access to multiple sources of export-related information. Trade information from over 800 government and private links is brought directly to your work space to find the information you need, on everything from foreign markets, trade statistics and export financing to the logistics of delivery, trade shows, export missions and sources of assistance.

For more information, please call 1-888-576-4444, or visit the ExportSource Web site at http://www.exportsource.ca

InfoExport - ITCan
InfoExport is the International Trade web site of ITCan. The InfoExport web site is designed to help Canadian companies in their efforts to export. Through this site, you will find information and services to help you measure your export potential, prepare for a new foreign market, and develop and implement a market entry strategy. Step by step, InfoExport will direct you to service points and additional sources of information on topics such as training programs, financial assistance, business opportunities, and trade related activities. You will also find a series of sector-specific market reports which are extremely useful in preparing your export plan.

For further information, please call  1-888-576-4444, or visit the Web site at http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

Strategis - Industry Canada
Strategis is Industry Canada's Web site of business information. It provides you with the latest information on Canada's industries, export opportunities, international intelligence and business contacts, new technologies and processes, and much more to further develop and expand markets, create alliances and find new clients. The International Business Opportunities, Trade and Investment category of Strategis has valuable information to assist you in your export research and planning.

The Strategis Hotline can respond to general inquiries about Strategis; provide technical support to access Strategis; provide navigation aid and provide assistance to register and update  Canadian Company Capabilities records.

For further information, please call 1-800-328-6189, see the document Strategis or visit the Web site athttp://strategis.gc.ca, e-mail the Help Desk at hotline.service@ic.gc.ca

International Business Opportunities Centre
A partnership between ITCan and Industry Canada, 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-sized enterprises.

BOC effectively links international opportunities with domestic capabilities using electronic databases to search out and engage Canadian companies in international markets. Canadian companies can register in the Virtual Trade Commissioner and the Canadian Company Capabilities databases to position themselves to benefit from international business opportunities.

For more information, see the document International Business Opportunities Centre (IBOC) or visit IBOC's Web site at http://www.iboc.gc.ca

Export Your Services...Take a World View - Industry Canada
Export Your Services...Take a World View, the MILLENNIUM EDITION is the information source on exporting which is designed primarily for service exporters. It features updated, streamlined and improved information to assist small and medium size service firms which are interested in exporting, to do so successfully.

For more information, see the document  Export Your Services...Take a World View! or visit the Web site at http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/interface.nsf/engdocbasic/8.html

Export Diagnostic
The Export Diagnostic is an online tool to help businesses assess their export readiness and identify priorities as they prepare to enter foreign markets. For businesses that are currently exporting, the tool may assist in fine-tuning export strategies.

For more information visit the website athttp://exportdiagnostic.ca

Roadmap to Exporting
The Roadmap to Exporting is a tool designed to help exporters, in all stages of development, locate the best sources of export services.

For more information, please call toll-free at 1-888-576-4444, or visit the Website http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/interface.nsf/engdocBasic/9.2.html

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting
The Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting is designed to give you an understanding of the realities of exporting and to provide you with solid, straightforward information on how to assess your export capabilities. It also steers you through the process of planning and executing your first exporting venture.

For more information, please call toll-free at 1-888-576-4444, or visit the Website http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/interface.nsf/engdocBasic/1.2.html

Businesswomen in Trade   - International Trade Canada
"Businesswomen in Trade" Web site provides a unique focal point on the Internet for Canadian businesswomen. The site was created to support businesswomen with information relevant to exporting and export activities. It provides an Internet entry point to a wealth of information on how to prepare for and to succeed in the export marketplace, including direct links to other useful Internet resources and sources of information of interest to Canadian businesswomen.

For further information visit the Website at http://www.dfait.gc.ca/businesswomen

Trade Information Products - Statistical Products

Trade Data - Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada maintains records related to sales, inventories and operating data for retail and wholesale businesses and the number and value of new motor vehicles sold in Canada. Statistics Canada also maintains detailed trade data by commodity or industry and records related to exports and imports on a customs basis.

The on-line catalogue of products and services is available at http://www.statcan.ca/english/search/ips.htm

For further information, call 1-800-263-1136 see the document Trade Data and Statistics or visit Statistics Canada's Web site at http://www.statcan.ca 

Trade Data On-line - Industry Canada
Trade Data Online provides detailed information on Canadian and U.S. imports, exports and trade balances - in terms of dollars or percentages - with 200 countries for over 5,000 commodities (by HS codes) for the latest ten complete years and the current year to date. Monthly details are also available for the last two years. In a separate module, information is available on the imports, exports, trade balances, manufacturing shipments, apparent domestic markets and export intensities of Canadian industries (by NAICS and SIC codes).

For further information, please call Strategis Hotline at 1-800-328-6189, see the document Trade Data Online or visit the Web site at http://strategis.gc.ca/tdo

Regulations

Business Number - Importer/Exporter Account Number - Canada Revenue Agency
All Canadian individuals or businesses exporting on a commercial basis must obtain a business number in order to account for their goods. The Canada Revenue Agency uses this number to identify a business and to process Customs accounting documents. Application forms are available from all Canada Revenue Agency offices that clear commercial shipments, and from Business Window sites, where you may also submit completed forms.  

For further information, please call your nearest Canada Revenue Agency Business Window Office, see the document Importer/Exporter Account Number or visit the Web site at http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/business/topics/bn/menu-e.html

Border Information Service (BIS)  - Canada Border Services Agency
BIS is an automated telephone service providing information on customs-related topics such as:
-        personal importing;
-        travellers' exemptions;
-        commercial importing and exporting;
-        currency exchange rates;
-        postal importing and refunds;
-        CANPASS;
-        Free Trade Agreements (North American, Israel, and Chile);
-        customs news and current events specific to each calling area.

For further information, please call 1-800-461-9999, see the document Border Information Service - BIS or visit the Web site at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/eservices/bis/bis-e.html

Reporting of Exports - Canada Border Services Agency
Exporters must report to the Canada Border Services Agency 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. Unless the goods are controlled, prohibited or regulated, 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 before exportation of these goods. Such goods, when destined for consumption in a country other than the United States, must also be accompanied by Form B13A, 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.

The Canada Revenue Agency and Statistics Canada jointly developed the Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED), a Windows-based software application designed to offer flexibility and convenience, to streamline the export reporting process and to reduce the export reporting problems of under coverage, duplication and paper burden. It provides exporters or their agents the ability to transmit completed Export Declarations directly to the Federal Government of Canada via the Internet. Exporters who do not use the CAED must report their exports by completing form B13A Export Declaration,which is available in PDF format at the Web site http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pbg/cf/b13a

For more information on CAED, please call 1-800-263-1136 or visit the Web site at http://www.statcan.ca/english/exports/index.htm

For more information on the reporting of exports, please call 1-800-461-9999, communicate with the nearest Customs Offices - Supplement, see the document Reporting of Exports or visit the Web site http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/export/reporting-e.html 

You may also consult the guide entitled Exporting Goods From Canada - A Handy Customs Guide for Exporters at the Web site http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/export/documentation-e.html 

Exports of Prohibited and Controlled Goods - Canada Border Services Agency
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 the goods can be released by the Canada Border Services Agency, which holds them until the importer or exporter meets all the requirements.

For further information, please call 1-800-461-9999. For a list of federal departments which control certain goods, please see the document Requirements for Imports and Exports of Prohibited and Controlled Goods - Other Federal Government Departments or visit CBSA's Web site at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/export/reporting-e.html

Export and Import Permits Act - Export Permits - International Trade Canada
Export Permits are required when the destination is a country on the Area Control List or when the goods are on the Export Control List. The Export Controls Division of ITCan provides assistance to exporters in determining if export permits are required and publishes brochures and Notices to Exporters that are freely available on request.

For further information, please call the Export Controls Division at 613-996-2387, fax your request to 613-996-9933, see the document Export Permits or visit the Web site at http://www.dfait.gc.ca/trade/eicb/EICS/EICS-en.asp

Export Leads

Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC) - Industry Canada
Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC) is an online database which profiles approximately 50 000 Canadian companies. It offers free registration to Canadian companies and is available globally through Strategis, Industry Canada's Web site. 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 ventures.

Registration to CCC is voluntary and free of charge. For those companies that do not have access to the Internet, Industry Canada invites them to register and update their information through the  Community Access Program sites or a  Canada Business centre. Companies are invited to update their information at least once a year to keep it timely. Companies are encouraged to register electronically through the Internet at http://strategis.gc.ca/cdncc

For more information, please call 1-800-328-6189, see the document Canadian Company Capabilities or visit the Web site at http://strategis.gc.ca/cdncc

Virtual Trade Commissioner (VTC) - International Trade Canada
The Virtual Trade Commissioner (VTC) is your personal gateway to the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. Over 30 000 qualified Canadian exporters of goods and services take advantage of this internal government database (formerly known as WIN Exports). The VTC provides your company with access to market information, international business opportunities, and much more. Registration to the VTC is free. 

For further information or to register in the Virtual Trade Commissioner, visit the Web site at http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/login.jsp

Export Financing

Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) has assembled a team of specialists to work with smaller exporters. EDC offers a range of products and service to exporters, including:

• risk management;
• working capital;
• accounts receivable insurance;
• buyer financing;
• bonding and guarantees; and
• online services.

For more information, please contact a front-line decision maker at EDC's Emerging Exporters Team by dialling toll free 1-800-850-9626, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (or 9 to 5 your time) right across Canada. You may also see the documents  Export Development Canada Online Services, Accounts Receivable Insurance,  Security Compliance Loan and Working Capital Solutions or visit the Web site http://www.edc.ca   

Export Contracting Services to Canadian Suppliers and Foreign Buyers - Canadian Commercial Corporation
CCC's role in a transaction is as a prime contractor, which provides a foreign buyer with the assurance, backed by the Government of Canada, that a contract signed through CCC will be performed according to its terms. This, in turn, means that an exporter contracting through CCC with a foreign buyer, can usually do so on more advantageous terms than would otherwise be the case. These terms can reduce the risks of a transaction for the exporter, and can range from better payment terms, to a reduction in requirements for bid and performance bonds. CCC's participation can also often facilitate an exporter's access to financing. Any Canadian company that produces a good or service and wants to export can approach CCC for its contracting assistance. CCC helps firms of all sizes from a wide variety of industry sectors. 

For further information, please call 1-800-748-8191, see the document International Prime Contractor Service or visit the Web site at http://www.ccc.ca 

Financing for Exporting - Business Development Bank of Canada
Boost your sales, increase your profits, and explore your exporting potential with BDC's financial solutions for current or potential exporters. 

For more information, please contact the BDC at 1 877 BDC BANX (232-2269) or visit the Web site http://www.bdc.ca/en/my_project/Projects/financing/fs_exporting.htm

Your First - Stop Contact
For a comprehensive listing of export programs and services visit the Export Link  http://www.exportlink.ca

• Export Link
• FAST Program for Canada -- U.S. Border
• Importer/Exporter Account Number
• Exporters' and Producers' Records
• Reporting of Exports
• Working Capital Solutions
• Security Compliance Loan
• Export Financing Loan Program
• Accounts Receivable Insurance
• Customs Offices - Supplement
• Harmonized Commodity Coding System (HS)
• Export Documentation and Procedures - 7 Easy Steps to Exporting
• Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
• Trade Shows
• EXPORT Finance Guide
• Exporting Goods from Canada
• Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting
• Business Link Seminars
• Business Link Brown Bag Presentations

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.