SME Centre - Border Services

The Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Centre is tailored to meet the border and trade information needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The resources help SMEs comply with the requirements of the Canada Border Services Agency.

Summary

The SME Centre includes tools and information on a Web site; an enhanced automated telephone services; and access to small business representatives during regular office hours.

The SME client group tend to be infrequent importers and exporters, and therefore have specific information needs. SMEs now have access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to information and tools needed to comply with customs legislation and requirements.

This SME Centre includes:

1.  A Web site that provides:

• a step-by-step guide to importing and one on exporting;
• frequently asked questions and answers for importers and exporters;
• the SME Newsflash (register for e-mail update notifications);
• online registration for import and export seminars;
• saveable B2 and B3 customs forms;
• a list of common acronyms and a glossary of terms; and
• frequently requested forms and publications.

2.  1-800-461-9999: Border Information Service - BIS
BIS is a computerized, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week telephone service that answers incoming calls and provides general pre-recorded customs information. This system is updated to respond to common questions and issues raised by SMEs.

3.  Customs Client Services Representatives
In all CBSA regional customs client services offices, officers are available during regular business hours to provide general and customized information to Canadian SMEs, and to respond to their questions on customs processes.

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Border Information Service - BIS
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064
Toll-free (information): 1-800-461-9999
Web site: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html