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Export FAQs

Answers to specific questions

Negotiating the maze of paperwork and statistics for export can be a daunting but rewarding task. Sometimes it’s difficult to find fast answers to very specific questions. Here are some of the questions and answers to your most common questions:

  1. How do I find out which country would be a good prospect for export?
  2. Are there any standards that my product has to pass in country X?
  3. How do I get my product shipped to country X?
  4. Where can I find out more on trade agreement X?
  5. I’ve got a company in country X that wants to order product from me. How can I find out if they are legitimate customers, or that they can afford the order?
  6. What are the labelling requirements for my product?
  7. I want to speak with a Trade Commissioner at the Embassy in country X. What do I do?
  8. How would I go about taking samples to a foreign trade show?

1. How do I find out which country would be a good prospect for export?
It is hard to be sure which country would be a good one to export to. This can only be properly analyzed after the fact. However, we do have some suggestions to help you find suitable places and minimize your risk. For example:

2. Are there any standards that my product has to pass in country X?
The customs agency in that country will be the final decision-maker on product standards. You can also contact the Consulate Office in Canada, or the Trade Commissioner Office.

3. How do I get my product shipped to country X?
Contact a freight-forwarder, which can be found in the Super Pages. Customs brokers will help you fill out the paperwork. Customs officers will likely recommend that if it is your first time exporting, you should use a customs broker.

4. Where can I find out more on trade agreement X?
The following two websites list the trade agreements that Canada is involved in. These listings include descriptions of the agreements including information on tariff agreements and exemptions as well as trade facilitation.

Trade Negotiations and Agreements
Trade Commissioner Service

5. I’ve got a company in country X that wants to order product from me. How can I find out if they are legitimate customers, or that they can afford the order?
EDC (Export Development Canada) has the capability to assess the credit worthiness of foreign companies, as well as offer insurance on your receivables.

Click here to learn more: http://www.edc.ca

6. What are the labelling requirements for my product?
Labelling information can be found through the customs office of the country you are exporting to. It will be helpful to talk with the customs agency of the country. You may also want to talk with a customs broker, who can help get the product into the country and assist in labelling, as well as many other areas.

7. I want to speak with a Trade Commissioner at the Embassy in country X. What do I do?
First you must qualify as export ready. Please contact us for more information on the qualifications. If you have not done any market research, you will likely be referred back to Small Business BC to help you become export ready.

As well, ITC has locally-based Trade Commissioners that are specialized in different regions and industries. If you are planning to visit the country, we can give you the embassy contact information before you go. We suggest you check out the InfoExport website before contacting an embassy by clicking here: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

8. How would I go about taking samples to a foreign trade show?
To take samples to a foreign trade show, you need a carnet, which is an official international custom document, often known as a merchandise passport, that allows people to carry samples and/or equipment temporarily abroad.

Carnets are available from the Vancouver Board of Trade. They can be contacted at:

Tel: (604) 681-2111
Fax: (604) 681-0437
E-mail: contactus@vancouver.boardoftrade.com
http://vancouver.boardoftrade.com/

It’s also a good idea to contact the customs agency for your destination country.