Info-Guide – Export

Exporting occurs when goods leave Canada enroute to another country or when you provide a service in another country. If you plan to sell a product in Italy or offer consulting services in China, you are in the right place.

The process of exporting is complex and it may take some time to learn and become familiar with it. You can avoid pitfalls by planning and researching as much as you can, and by using the services of export advisors and professionals.

This Info-Guide is a condensed version of the Step by step guide to exporting, a publication of Team Canada Inc., plus information excerpted from other Canada Business service centre documents and specialised Web sites. It will lead you, step by step, through the process of learning to be a successful exporter.

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Acknowledgements
This Info-Guide was developed by Info entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Canada Business service centres and Équipe Canada inc. which kindly authorised the reproduction and integration of excerpts from their documentation.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Before exporting
2. Learning to export
3. Evaluating the product
4. Selecting a market
5. Developing your export plan
6. Entering the market
7. Laws and regulations
8. Documentation and logistics
9. Financing
10. General resources

1. Before exporting

If you are about to launch a business, the Info-Guide – Business Start-Up  will show you the major steps needed for starting a business and provide you with information about certain regulations. If you are already in business and wish to begin exporting, follow these steps and be sure to have all the legal documents described in sections 7 and 8.

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.

Exporting: What's in it for you
Like any business venture, of course, entering the arena of global trade presents both opportunities and challenges. At first, you may not even be sure how exporting can help your company, or what the drawbacks of such a project may be. A business can gain a lot from a successful exporting venture, including:

• Increased sales
• Higher profits
• Economies of scale (when you have a larger market base, you can produce on a scale that lets you make the most of your resources)
• Reduced vulnerability (if you diversify into international markets, you avoid depending on a single marketplace. A domestic downturn, for example, will be less damaging if you have other markets where demand remains high.)
• New knowledge and experience
• Global competitiveness
• Domestic competitiveness

Of course, there are also challenges that accompany these benefits. They include:

• Increased costs
• Level of commitment (time, willingness, effort and resources to establish and maintain yourself in foreign markets)
• Staying in for the long haul
• Cultural differences
• Paperwork
• Accessibility – you have to be easily available to your foreign clients
• Competition – you must be sure you're thoroughly familiar with the competition in your target market.

Are you ready?
Going global is a big step for many companies who are only familiar with their domestic market. It is important for the health of your business to really know why you want to export.

Expectations – You must have:

• clear and achievable export objectives;
• a realistic idea of what exporting entails;
• an openness to new ways of doing business; and
• an understanding of what is required to succeed in the international marketplace.

Human resources – You must have:

• the capacity to handle the extra demand associated with exporting;
• a senior management committed to exporting;
• efficient ways of responding quickly to customer inquiries;
• personnel with culturally-sensitive marketing skills; and
• ways of dealing with language barriers.

Financial and legal resources – Toy must be able to:

• obtain enough capital or lines of credit to produce the product or service;
• find ways to reduce the financial risks of international trade;
• find people to advise you on the legal and tax implications of exporting;
• deal effectively with different monetary systems; and  
• ensure protection of your intellectual property.

Competitiveness – You must have:

• the resources to do market research on the exportability of your product or service;
• proven, sophisticated market-entry methods; and
• a product or service that is potentially viable in your target market.

Evaluating your export potential
Can your product or service find a worthwhile market outside Canada ? Getting this right is crucial – if there's no demand for what you're offering, you'd obviously be unwise to proceed. Here are some factors to consider:

• Customer profile: Who already uses your product or service? Is it in broad general use or limited to a particular group? What demographic, climatic or geographic factors affect the use of your product or service?
  
• Product modification: Are modifications required to make it appeal to foreign customers? What is its shelf life? Does it need to meet any technical or regulatory requirements?
  
• Transportation: How easily can it be transported? Would transportation costs make competitive pricing a problem?
  
• Local Representation: Does it require professional assembly or technical skills? Do you have an after-sales service?
  
• Exporting Services: Are your services considered to be world-class? Do you need to modify your services to allow for differences in language, culture and business environment? How do you plan to deliver them?
  
• Capacity: Will you be able to serve both your existing domestic customers and your new foreign clients? 

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Other resources:

The TCI Export quiz: Are your ready?
http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02153.html#index4

Export Diagnostic
http://www.exportdiagnostic.ca/index.cfm?lang=e&

Diagnostic international (In French only) 
http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?id=2813  

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting – Canada Business
This guide 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, consult our document  Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting, call 1-888-576-4444, or visit http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es01868.html

Roadmap to Exporting – Canada Business
The Roadmap to Exporting is a tool to help exporters locate the best sources of export services. It provides resources and contact information to help businesses with export counselling, marketing strategy information, market entry support; export financing; and in-market assistance. For more information, consult our document  Roadmap to Exporting, call 1-888-576-4444, or visit http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02090.html

Export Your Services...Take a World View – Canada Business
Information source on exporting which is designed primarily for service exporters. It features updated and streamlined information to assist small and medium-sized service firms which are interested in exporting to do so successfully. For more information, consult our document  Export Your Services...Take a World View!  or visit http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02487.html

International Project Development Roadmap (IPDR) – Industry Canada
This guide provides a step-by-step approach or roadmap to ensure the rational and well-orchestrated development of international infrastructure and other capital projects. For more information, visit http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/si-is.nsf/en/h_ai02069e.html

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2. learning to export

To increase your chances of success in foreign markets, improve your business practices, enhance your competitive stance, and advance your knowledge of international trade, it is important to have the right resources and to fully understand the steps to exporting. There are many training programs that can help you better understand the practical aspects of exporting.

Forum for International Trade Training FITT Inc.
FITT is an international trade training and professional certification body who sets the standards and design the training programs for the professional designation, Certified International Trade Professional (CITP). Centered on international trade best practices and delivered by a broad network of educational partners, FITT's training programs impart knowledge and practical skills that trade practitioners can apply immediately.The available programs are:

- FITTskills: Consists of courses that focus on the practical aspects of international business, including logistics, trade finance, marketing, market entry strategies and sound international management techniques;

- Going Global Workshops: These 3-hour workshops are designed to help you make the decision to "go global" by providing them with an understanding of the benefits and challenges of exporting: http://www.fitt.ca/english/view.asp?x=1830

For more information, consult our document  FITT (Forum for International Trade Training), call 1-800-561-3488, or visit http://www.fitt.ca/english/view.asp?x=1

ExportUSA
ExportUSA, offered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC), consists of three programs:

- New Exporters to Border States Program (NEBS): This program 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.

- Exporters to the United States Program (EXTUS): This program 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: This program serves Canadian companies not yet exporting to the United States.

For more information, consult our document  ExportUSA, call 514 283-6328, or visit http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/regions/what-en.html

Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE)
The MDEIE offers courses and practical seminars in exporting for small and medium-sized businesses in Québec. For more information, call 514 499-2550, 418 691-5950 or 1-866-463-6642, or visit http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?id=2809 (In French only)

Association des maisons de commerce extérieur du Québec (AMCEQ)
AMCEQ's mission is to strengthen ties between Quebec companies and export trading houses with a view to forming long-term partnerships. The association offers exporting services to inexperienced firms or exporters seeking new markets. The AMCEQ offers basic training to anyone aiming to become a professional international trader. For more information, consult our document  Quebec Association of Export Trading Houses, call 514 866-7774 or 1-800-363-0226, or visit http://www.amceq.org

World Trade Centre (WTC) Montreal
WTC Montreal has forged exclusive partnerships with certain organisations, such as sectoral associations, conducting market studies on their behalf and organising trade missions to the most promising markets. The WTC offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous trade missions to help you conquer new markets abroad. The WTC Montréal offers an annual calendar of more than 30 training workshops in international trade divided into 5 theme-based modules. For more information, call 514 871-4002 or visit http://www.ccmm.qc.ca/en/index.aspx?p=705

Some Québec CEGEPs provide basic training in international trade, leading to a Diploma in Collegial Studies. You will find the list of Québec CEGEPs and their coordinates on the Web site of the Fédération des cégeps at http://www.fedecegeps.qc.ca/index.php?section=14#

3. Evaluating the product

Setting prices
Strategic pricing is one of the most important factors in achieving financial success in your export business. Part of setting a realistic export price, and therefore an appropriate profit margin, is to examine production, delivery costs, competition and market demand. You should also understand the variables of your target market and other export-related expenses such as currency exchange rates, insurance, translation, product modification, intermediaries, etc.

Market demand
As in domestic markets, demand in foreign markets can affect your price. In other words, what will the market bear? For most consumer goods, per-capita income is a fairly good way to gauge a market’s ability to pay. It’s true that some products or services may create such a strong demand that even low per-capita income will not affect their selling price. Generally, though, simplifying products or services to reduce the selling price may be the best option in less affluent markets. You must take into account the value of currencies, which affects the price, fluctuations in the exchange rate and the comparative value of the Canadian dollar.

Competition
Few companies can set prices without considering their competitors’ pricingIf you have many competitors in a foreign market, you may have to match or undercut the going price to win a share of the market. If your product or service is new to a market, though, you may be able to set a higher price.

Pricing strategies
How will each market affect your pricing? To begin with, you have to include things like product modifications, shipping and insurance in your calculations. Refer to your market objectives when setting your price. For example, are you trying to penetrate a new market? Looking for long-term market growth? Or pursuing an outlet for surplus production?

The pricing strategies for developing nations, where per-capita income may be low, will differ from your objectives for high per-capita markets.

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Other resources:

ExportSource.ca – Canada Business
Online service that delivers information and tools designed to assist Canadian businesses in exporting abroad or expanding into new markets. For more information, consult our document  ExportSource.ca, call 1-888-576-4444, or visit http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf

Market Analysis
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081945275659&
pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=GuideFactSheet

Profit Pricing for a Manufacturer
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081945276899&
pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=GuideFactSheet

Setting the Right Price
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081945276115&
pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=GuideFactSheet

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4. Selecting a Market

After deciding on the product or service you want to export, you have to think about potential export markets and identify them. Research on the most promising countries should include the following: statistical data on trade, trade practices and customs, transportation and communication systems, the economic situation, the political environment and solvency. A detailed market profile is the exporter's most valuable tool. It indicates who your potential customers are, what products or services they need or use and the influence of local conditions on their purchasing decisions.

Understanding international market research
The market research can be the most important tool to international success: you need information that will provide a clear picture of the political, economic and cultural factors affecting your operations in a given market.

The market research can confirm that an opportunity actually exists in a particular market and can help you understand the market's characteristics. It can give you insight into how a new market can be developed.

To screen potential markets, collect statistics related to your sector that show product or service exports to various countries. Select some large and fast-growing markets for your product or service and some smaller emerging markets that may hold ground-floor opportunities for you. If the market is just beginning to open up, you may not have as many competitors as you would in an established market. After analysing the data, you may decide that you should restrict your marketing efforts to a few countries.

To assess target markets, examine trends that could influence demand, study the competition, both domestic and non-domestic, look at each competitor's Canadian market share, identify any foreign barriers (tariff or non-tariff) for the product or service being imported into the country, as well as any Canadian barriers (such as export controls) affecting exports to the country, search for Canadian or foreign government incentives to promote the export of the product or service.

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Other resources:

The Virtual Trade Commissioner (VTC) – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
The Virtual Trade Commissioner (VTC) is a personal gateway to the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. More than 30,000 qualified Canadian goods and services exporters already take advantage of this intergovernmental database that give companies access to market studies and notices about business opportunities. For more information, consult our document  Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), call 1-800-551-4946, or visit http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/login.jsp

International Market Research – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
The Centre produces a full range of sectoral market studies to help Canadian exporters identify foreign market opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/MarketReportsAndServices.jsp

Industry Canada
Business information Web site that helps Canadian businesses find partners, make critical decisions about new markets, form alliances, find and develop new technologies or processes, private or public sources of financing, etc. For more information, call 1-800-328-6189 or visit http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ic1.nsf/en/home

Markets and Trade – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
http://www.agr.gc.ca/index_e.php?s1=info&s2=t&page=mar

Trade Data and Statistics – 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 monthly trade data by commodity or industry and records related to exports and imports on a customs basis. For more information, consult our document  Trade Data and Statistics, call 1-800-263-1136, or visit http://commerce.statcan.ca/english/commerce/

TradeMap Canada – Canada Business
TradeMap Canada is an innovative tool created by the International Trade Centre (UNCTAD/WTO) in Geneva. It 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. For more information, consult our document  TradeMap Canada or visit http://exportsource.ca/trademap

Trade Shows and Events – ExportSource
http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es01887.html

The Cross-Cultural Marketing Edge – Industry Canada
This is a guide designed to help you develop a better understanding of how cross cultural differences can impact the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and your relationships with your clients.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insi-is.nsf/en/ai01685e.html

ExportSource.ca – Identifying Your Target Market
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02155.html  

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
The Trade Commissioner Service helps companies that have researched and selected their target markets and can demonstrate their commitment to succeed in the global marketplace. They provide a full range of country-specific reports to help Canadian exporters identify foreign business opportunities and learn more about target markets. For more information, consult the following documents:

• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
• Trade Fairs and Missions
• Team Canada Trade Missions
• Multilateral Market Access (TMA)

You can also call 1-800-551-4946 or visit http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/MarketReportsAndServices.jsp

CanadExport – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
A bi-monthly newsletter that keeps exporters informed on business and investment opportunities, programs and services available to Canadian exporters, trade shows and missions, business publications, success stories and winning strategies. For more information, consult our document  CanadExport, call 613 992-7114, or visit http://www.canadexport.gc.ca

Exporting to the United States – A Guide for Canadian Businesses
No matter whether you're an aspiring, new or established exporter to the United States, this guide will provide you with practical information that will make your export business to the U.S. easier to start, maintain and expand. For more information, consult our document Exporting to the United States or visit http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02631.html

Temporary Entry into the United States and Mexico: A Guide for Canadian Business Persons –Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
General information on the criteria and procedures that apply to Canadian citizens travelling to the U.S. on business. For more information, visit http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/nafta-alena/cross-en.asp  

Critères pour cibler un marché – MDEIE (In French only)
http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?id=2819

Guide to Market Research and Analysis
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081945275683&pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=GuideFactSheet

Foreign Market Studies
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081944218775&pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=InfoResources

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5. Developing Your Export Plan

Why plan?
A business that doesn’t plan will almost certainly fail. Financial institutions and other lending agencies know this and will not provide funds to a business that lacks a well-developed export plan. At other stages of the export process, potential partners and investors may commit themselves only if your plan clearly sets out your objectives along with the processes and resources you’ll use to achieve them. The plan shows us where we’re going.

Your business plan
Before you can develop your export plan, however, you need a current and comprehensive business plan that reflects your domestic operation. If you have one but it’s out of date, now is the time to review and renew it. If you don’t have one, this is definitely the time to create one. For more information on the business plan, consult section 5 of our document  Info-Guide – Business Start-Up  or use the Interactive Business Planner.

Your export plan
Once you’ve polished up your business plan, you can move naturally to creating your export plan. You will find a guide that will assist will assist you through the process of writing an export plan at http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es01875.html  

Marketing plan
You’ll need an export marketing plan. While you’re developing it, remember not to confuse marketing with advertising, sales or promotion. Marketing is strategy. The other three are the tools your strategy will use to reach your target audience. Because marketing is an ongoing activity, your marketing plan is a work in progress that you’ll modify continuously. For more information, consult our document  Marketing Plan Outline.

Promotion
The outcome of your promotional strategies can make or break your export venture. In this context, promotion refers to all the communications tools you use to convince people to buy your product or service: advertising, promotional materials, direct mail, medias, trade shows and Internet.

Marketing tools
Getting your marketing tools right is crucially important: business cards, brochures, customer testimonials, news articles, your Web site, etc.

Pricing
You must track your costs and develop your pricing strategy taking into account marketing and promotion, production, preparation of the product, required documentation, transportation, customs and costs of financing.

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Other resources:

6. entering the market

Understanding entry strategies
A market entry strategy is nothing more than finding the best methods of delivering your goods to your market and of distributing them there. Or, if you’re exporting services, it means setting up ways to obtain and manage contracts in the foreign country.

Working out your entry strategy
Based on your market research, you’ve by now chosen the most promising markets for your product or service. Using what you know about these markets, you next decide which entry method best suits your needs. Some factors to consider are:

• How is business conducted in your target market and industry sector?
• What are your company’s export strengths and weaknesses?
• What is your company’s financial capacity?
• What product or service are you planning to export?
• How much service and after-sales support will your customers require?
• What trade agreements or barriers apply to your target market?

Methods of market entry
The traditional means of market entry fall into three broad categories: direct exports, indirect exports and partnerships/alliances. These vary depending on whether you’re selling products or services.

Direct exports
For products, you market and sell directly to the client. For services, you negotiate, contract and work directly with the client.

Indirect exports
For products, you market and sell to an intermediary such as a foreign distributor. For services, you contract with an intermediary who then negotiates and contracts on your behalf.

Partnerships/alliances
This method is a partnership at home or abroad. Strategic alliances can also be very profitable. One of the easiest ways to export is to form an alliance with a company that has a product or service that complements your own. Then you can save money by using the other company’s distribution and marketing expertise.

To develop a partnership strategy, decide whether or not a partnership can work for you. If your needs can be satisfied in-house, a partner may not be necessary. If you need financing, you may be better off looking for investors. But if you require special expertise or a local market presence, then a partnership might work very well.

Intermediaries
While you may be sure that the direct-exporting route is best for your company, think first about using a intermediary, because the right one can save you an enormous amount of time and money. They come in several types: agents, representatives, trading houses and distributors.

Agents and representatives
These two aren’t exactly the same. An agent secures orders from foreign customers in exchange for a commission and a representative is a specialised agent who operates within a specific geographic area and who sells related lines of goods or services. Both may be authorised to enter into contractual sales agreements with foreign customers on your behalf. Normally you pay them a commission only when they sell your product or service.

An agreement with a foreign agent or representative immediately gives you a presence in your target market. This is usually less costly than setting up your own direct sales operation. Your representative can also make more frequent sales calls than you probably could. Finally, such an arrangement gives you control over the product or service and its price.

Good foreign agents or representatives can help you in many ways. They can research markets, advise on financing and transportation options, clear customs, provide access to potential customers, make collections, and supply information on local business practices, laws and cultural traditions.

Trading houses
Trading houses are domestic intermediaries that market your goods or services abroad. A full-service trading house handles a great many aspects of exporting, such as market research, transportation, appointing distributors or agents, exhibiting at trade fairs and preparing advertising and documentation.

Some act as “principals” or “export merchants,” buying products outright from Canadian suppliers, while others act as “agents,” selling on commission. Some specialise in specific industry sectors, while others focus on particular foreign markets.

If you prefer not to sell directly to foreign customers or worry about finding a foreign intermediary, you might consider using a trading house.

Foreign distributors
Unlike agents, distributors actually purchase your product or service and resell it to local customers. Often, they set the selling price, provide buyer financing and look after warranty and service needs.

A bonus is that the distributor can usually provide after-sales service in the foreign market. On the other hand, using a foreign distributor may reduce your profit margins and result in a loss of control over your product and/or price.

Choosing an intermediary
Canadian trade commissioners abroad, trade associations, business councils and banks are useful sources of information. Talking with other Canadian exporters or potential foreign customers can help you identify prospective agents or distributors.

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Other resources :

Trade Commissioner – FAITC
International Trade Canada has trade commissioners working in every province that can help you design your market entry strategy. The trade commissioners in over 140 cities around the world can help you deal with the challenges of market entry. http://infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/About.jsp

Trade Routes
Trade Routes supports initiatives from organisations in the arts and cultural sector that are linked to the development and implementation of long-term strategies through export preparedness and international business development. Visit http://www.patrimoinecanadien.gc.ca/routes/index_e.cfm      

Working abroad
Exporters of services should be aware of the personal and business issues involved if they are actually working outside Canada. Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a guide called Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze to tell service exporters about potential problems and how to deal with them. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/

Réseau des commissaires à l'exportation (RECOMEX)
RECOMEX assists exporting or potentially exporting SMEs on their territory in capturing new markets. For more information, consult our document  Network of Export Commissioners (RECOMEX), call 418 842-8101, or visit http://www.recomex.ca (In French only)

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7. Laws and regulations

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.

Get an Importer / Exporter Account – 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. For more information, consult our document  Importer/Exporter Account Number, call 1-800-959-7775, or visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/topics/bn/needone/importexport-e.html

Export permits
You need an export permit if the destination country is on the Area Control List (a list of countries to which any export, except humanitarian items, requires an export permit) or when the goods are on the Export Control List (a list of goods and technologies that require export permits to be exported from Canada, pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act).

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.

Determine the country of origin of the goods
You will find extensive information on origin in Memorandum D11. The origin of goods to be exported can affect permit requirements.

• A General Export Permit (GEP) is required to export U.S.-origin goods with a value of $2000 or more to all other destinations.
• An individual export permit (IEP) is required for U.S.-origin goods exported to Iran, North Korea, Libya and Cuba.
• No permit is required to export U.S.-origin goods back into the U.S.A.

For more information, contact the Export and Import Controls Bureau at 1-877-808-8838 or visit http://www.international.gc.ca/eicb/menu-en.asp

Meeting international standards
There are standards for almost everything, from the ingredients in food to the certification of electrical equipment. If you’re an exporter, you need to ensure that the standards you use in your export product or service are in compliance with those of your intended target market.

Controlled, Regulated or Prohibited Goods
Regardless of their value, all goods that are controlled, regulated, or prohibited by any act of Parliament must be reported to customs. All permits, licences, or certificates required by the government departments or agencies that regulate the export of these goods must accompany the goods. For more information, consult our document  Requirements for Imports and Exports of Prohibited and Controlled Goods or visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/courier/postal/ind_prohibited-e.html

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) – Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
The AMPS is a civil penalty regime that secures compliance with Customs legislation through the application of monetary penalties. AMPS applies to contraventions of the Customs Act and the Customs Tariff and the regulations thereunder, as well as contraventions of the terms and conditions of licensing agreements and undertakings. For more information, consult our document  Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) or visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/menu-eng.html

Acceptance or refusal of goods
If you meet all the conditions of the contract, your buyer must accept the goods. Refusal to accept them without justification gives you the right to sue for damages. But if you breach a condition of the sale, the buyer can legally reject the goods. Upon request, you must allow your buyer to examine the goods; he can then accept or reject them. However, once acceptance has taken place, the buyer can no longer refuse the goods, even if you have breached a condition of the contract.

Unpaid seller’s rights
Your best protection as seller is payment in advance or upon delivery. Next is payment by confirmed letter of credit (preferably irrevocable). If neither is possible, then you should take out security for the unpaid purchase price. This can take several forms, such as a written guarantee or a mortgage against real estate. The most common method is to reserve title or to take a secured interest in the goods.

Protecting intellectual property rights
Intellectual property (IP) is a collective term used to refer to laws that protect new inventions, designs, writings, films and so on, which are protected by copyrights, patents, industrial designs, trade-marks or integrated circuit topographies.

Always protect your creations. Even if you already have secured protection for your intellectual property in Canada, you should consider seeking similar protection in your target market or where you will find manufacturing competition. Intellectual property laws, however, can be complex, so you should obtain the advice of professional legal counsels and/or IP agents. Here’s how you can protect key elements of your intellectual property:

Patents
Copyrights
Trade-marks
Industrial Designs
Integrated Circuit Topographies

For more information on Intellectual Property, consult our document Intellectual Property - IP Toolkit, call 514 496-1797 or 1-866-977-1936, or visit http://www.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/welcome/welcom-e.html

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Other resources:

Export and Import Controls – EICB
The Export and Import Controls Bureau (EICB) authorises, under the discretion of the Minister of International Trade, the import and export of goods restricted by quotas and/or tariffs. http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb/menu-en.asp

Product Licensing
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081945275811&pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=GuideFactSheet

Export Alert! – Standards Council of Canada
Automated e-mail notification service that helps exporters keep abreast of regulatory changes in global markets. This pilot service, the only alert service of its kind in Canada, is provided free of charge. For more information, consult our document  Export Alert! - RegWatch - Standards Alert!, call 613 238-3222, or visit http://www.scc.ca/en/news_events/subscriptions/export_alert.shtml

"Guide for Canadian Small Businesses" – Canada Revenue Agency
This guide explains the most common tax situations and is primarily aimed at small businesses. For more information, consult our document  Guide for Canadian Small Businesses  or visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4070/

Border Information Service (BIS) – Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
The Service is a computerised, 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers all incoming calls and provides general customs information. For more information, consult our document  Border Information Service - BIS, call 1-800-959-2036, or visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/bis-sif-eng.html

Exporting Goods From Canada : A Handy Customs Guide for Exporters – Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
This publication outlines the requirements that you as an exporter or agent must fulfil to meet your obligations to report exports under the Customs Act. For more information, consult our document Exporting Goods from Canada or visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/rc4116-eng.html 

Canadian Commercial Arbitration Centre (CCAC)
This non-profit organisation works to promote arbitration and mediation as methods for resolving business disputes. For more information, call 514 448-5941 or 1-877-909-3794, or visit http://www.cacniq.org

Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
The Council  provides tools to small and medium-sized enterprises to help them find out about standards they need to follow in countries around the world. For more information, consult our document  Standards - What every business should know, call 1-800-386-5114, or visit http://www.scc.ca/en/index.shtml

Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Program – Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Canada and the United States have agreed to align, to the maximum extent possible, their customs commercial programs along their shared border. This agreement marks the creation of FAST, which is the result of a shared objective to enhance the security and safety of Canadians and Americans, while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries. FAST participants must meet the requirements of Canada's PIP program or the United States Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. For more information, consult our document  Free and Secure Trade (FAST) for Canada - U.S. Border , call 1-800-959-2036, or visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/menu-eng.html

Export Controls Online (EXCOL) – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
Export Controls Online (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 utilisation reports for military goods, as well as the ability to print selected permits in your office. For more information, consult our document Export Controls Online (EXCOL), call 1-877-808-8838, or visit http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/trade/eicb/EXCOL/excol-en.asp

Tariffs and Market Access Information for Canadian Exporters – FAITC 
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081944213277&pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=Services

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8. Documentation and logistics

Contract

Understanding international contracts
Once you and your client have agreed to the deal, you’ll need to draw up a contract to cover the transaction. In essence, this means that one party makes an offer and the other accepts it. The arrangements governing this exchange constitute the contract and can be legally enforced. For further protection, it would be a very good idea to find a legal professional who specialises in international trade. This will help you sidestep pitfalls of regulation and law and, if necessary, resolve disputes.

Understanding the “proper law”
Certain basic issues are common to all international contracts, but the most fundamental principle is that of the “proper” law of the contract. Problems in international business contracts occur because of differences in the laws of the countries involved. When different laws are applied, results may be inconsistent and substantive rights may depend on whose law applies. For example, one law may require that a contract be written, whereas another may not. Or, under one law, persons who are not a party to the contract may have certain rights, whereas under another law they may have no rights. You absolutely must, therefore, establish from the outset which law is the “proper law.”

Delivering the goods
Your contract should specify where the delivery will take place. In international matters, this is usually defined by using such International Commerce (INCO) terms as Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) or Free on Board (FOB).

Terms of payment

There are several common ways for customers to pay an invoice in international trade: cash in advance, letter of credit, documentary credit, documentary collection and open account. We’ll examine them in order of increasing risk to your company.

Cash in advance
Cash in advance is your most secure option, since it eliminates all risk of non-payment and adds to working capital. Unfortunately, few foreign buyers are willing to pay cash in advance, although some will pay a portion when goods or services are specially ordered. For services, a retainer might be paid upon signing a contract, after which progress payments are matched to deliverables.

Letter of credit
Letters of credit (LCs) provide some security to both the importer and exporter because they rely on banks to receive and check shipping documents, and to guarantee payment. An LC can allow the costs of financing a transaction to be borne by either the exporter or importer. Both sight and term payment provisions can be arranged.

Documentary credit
Exporters can also use sight and term documentary credits. A documentary credit calling for a sight draft means that the exporter is entitled to receive payment on sight, i.e. upon presentation of the draft to the bank.A term documentary credit, in contrast, may allow for payments to be made over terms of 30, 60, or 90 days, or at some specified future date.

Documentary collection
In a collection, you ship goods to an importer (your customer) and forward the shipping documents to a collecting bank. Next, the customer pays the collecting bank in exchange for the documents. You then obtain the money from the bank. With a collection, you’re exposed to the credit risks associated with the importer until you actually get the money. In other words, no bank has guaranteed that you’ll get paid and you’re required to finance the shipment until your customer receives the goods and pays through a sight or term draft.

Open account
Open accounts require you to ship goods and pass title to the customer before payment is made. In these cases, you’re fully exposed to any credit risk associated with the customer until payment is received. In addition, because open account terms usually allow 30, 60, 90 days (or even longer) before payment is due, you effectively finance the transaction.

Shipping

HS Code for your product
The Harmonized System (HS) helps international trade by simplifying the requirements of customs administrations, trade statisticians, carriers and producers. The HS harmonises trade documentation data and provides a common method of designating and coding commodities. You need to know your product's HS code in order to fill out your export declaration and to find out the duties rate that apply to your product in its country of destination. For more information, call 1-800-263-1136 or visit http://www.statcan.ca/english/tradedata/cec/index.htm  

Export declaration
You must submit an export declaration, and when applicable, any required permits, certificates, or licenses for controlled, prohibited, or regulated goods. You can file your export declaration by using:

• The Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) program
• The Form B13A  Export Declaration
• The Summary reporting (reserved for exporters of low-risk goods who export on a regular basis and who have met specific customs requirements)

For more information, consult our document  Exporting Goods from Canada or consult Exporting Goods from Canada - A Handy Guide for Exporters

Shipping documents
Shipping documents are prepared by you or your freight forwarder. They allow the shipment to pass through customs, to be loaded onto a carrier and be transported to the destination. Key shipping documents include:

• a commercial invoice;
• a special packing or marking list;
• a certificate of origin;
• a certificate of insurance; and
• a bill of lading

Collection documents
Probably the most important collection document is the commercial invoice, which describes the goods in detail and lists the amount owing by the foreign buyer. This form is also used for customs records. Other collection documents include:

• certificates of origin;
• certificates of inspection, used to ensure that goods are free from defect, and
• import and export licences as required (for example, a NAFTA certificate of origin).

Certificate of origin
According to the Customs Act, every exporter of goods for which preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement is to be claimed, must certify in writing that the goods exported or to a NAFTA (Mexico, United States), CIFTA (Israel), CCRFTA (Costa Rica) or CCFTA (Chile) country meet rules of origin as set out in the related free trade agreement. For more information, call 1-800-959-2036 or visit http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/import/accountingintro-e.html#P305_26310

Export documentation
Export documentation identifies the goods and the terms of sale, provides title to the goods and evidence of insurance coverage, and certifies that the goods are of a certain quality or standard. Several documents are required for overseas shipping.

Delivering products
There are four ways (truck, rail, air, ocean) of getting your product to your customer’s doorstep. Choosing the right shipping method, or combination of methods, is vital to export success.

Using Incoterms
To provide a common terminology for international shipping and minimise misunderstandings, the International Chamber of Commerce developed a set of terms known as Incoterms.

Freight forwarders and brokers
You’ll need to deal with a lot of documents when delivering products to foreign countries. However, you don’t normally do it all yourself – you use freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Freight forwarders – a freight forwarder will help you improve your delivery times and customer service. Many specialise in arranging shipments to certain countries, while others concentrate on particular types of products. And if you’re arranging financing through letters of credit, a good freight forwarder can help you clarify the conditions of the transaction.

These agencies will negotiate rates for you with shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, customs brokers and insurance firms. If you want them to handle all your logistical requirements, they will. Or you can just have them negotiate a shipping rate.

Customs brokers – brokers clear goods through customs, prepare customs documentation and remit duties owing on exported goods. They are also good sources of information on recent tariff changes and other customs-related developments.

Licensed customs brokers – Canada Border Services Agency
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/cb-cd/menu-eng.html

Packing your goods
Since you want your products to arrive at your customer’s door on time, in one piece and free of legal tangles, you have to take special care in packing, marking and labelling them.

Two useful guides, Safe Stowage: A Guide for Exporters and Export Packaging: A Guide for Exporters, are available at www.infoexport.gc.ca/shipping/menu-e.htm

Marks and labels
Be sure your goods are properly labelled. Markings on containers must identify the buyer, the port of entry, gross and net weights, the country of origin, and any cautions. You must also include a packing list identifying the contents of each container and all markings must agree with those on the bill of lading or other shipping documents. If labelling, packaging or advertising restrictions apply to your goods, take them seriously. Your product may not clear customs if labels don’t conform to local requirements for things like product weight or electrical standards.

Transportation insurance
Cargo insurance is more important in international transportation than in domestic transportation. International carriers assume only limited liability for goods when shipping by air or sea. Terms of sale often make the seller responsible for the goods up to the point of delivery to the foreign buyer. For this reason, you absolutely must have transportation insurance.

Document retention
You must keep all records about your exports, including information about the quantity exported, price paid, country of origin, original vendor, product and all other related information. You must keep all records, whether in electronic or paper format, for six years after the end of the calendar year in which you export the goods.

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Other resources:

Labelling Fact Sheet
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081945275759&pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=GuideFactSheet

Exporting – A Step-by-Step Guide
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sme-pme/e-guide-eng.html

Export Permits
http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081944151998&pagename=CBSC_QC/display&lang=en&c=Regs   

Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) – Statistics Canada
This system allows exporters and agents to report goods electronically to the federal government of Canada. Exporters must declare merchandise shipped directly to a country other than the U.S. For more information, call 1-800-263-1136 or visit http://www.statcan.ca/english/exports/index.htm

International forwarding agents – Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
Services available include planning the most economic route for shipment of goods, preparing documents relating to shipment of and payment for goods, insurance and customs formalities. For more information, call 1-866-282-4332 or visit http://www.ciffa.com

Foreign chambers of commerce
Foreign chambers of commerce established in Québec promote trade relations between Canada and their respective countries. Their members are commercial or industrial firms, associations and individuals interested in trade and investment. The type and scope of services vary depending on their resources.

Trade in Services
This site is designed to provide Canadians with information concerning international negotiations in the area of trade services and to facilitate consultation and feedback with respect to Canadian objectives for these negotiations. It contains information on the GATS – the global agreement to open services markets; information about other negotiations and discussions concerning trade in services, a guide to existing international agreements which involve services, an assortment of tools to assist services exporters as well as means to contact us with your views. For more information, visit http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-acc
ords-commerciaux/services/index.aspx?lang=en

Regroupement des professionnels de l'exportation (REPEX)
The Regroupement des professionnels à l'exportation brings together international business development experts to promote networking between them. It also seeks to increase the visibility and enhance the skills of its members. For more information, call 514 387-9009 or visit http://www.repex.qc.ca (In French only)

ATA Carnet – Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The International Affairs Division offers different services and activities to help Canadian firms expand their markets everywhere in the world. ATA Carnets are also issued by the Chamber. In order to facilitate world trade, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) adopted the "Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods". ATA is an acronym of the French and English words "Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission". The Convention oversees three main categories of goods traded internationally: commercial samples, goods for presentation or use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions or similar events and professional equipment. For more information, consult our document ATA Carnet, call 514 866-4334, or visit http://www.chamber.ca/carnet

Trade Team Canada Sectors – Industry Canada
Trade Team Canada Sectors bring government and industry together to coordinate national trade development planning and activities in key industries. For more information, visit http://escc.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/intfas.nsf/en/Home

International Prime Contractor Service – Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) provides Canadian exporters with a range of contracting services which enhance their access to market opportunities and significantly increase their ability to land export sales on the best possible terms and conditions. For more information, consult our document International Prime Contractor Service, call 514 283-8791 or 1-800-748-8191, or visit http://www.ccc.ca/eng/bus_forExporters_sovereignContract.cfm

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9. Financing

Planning Your Export Finances
There are a lot of stories about small firms finding overnight success in the export market. Most profitable export ventures, however, are built with sustained effort over relatively long periods of time. Even though Canada is one of the least expensive countries in the world in which to do business, the costs of exporting can add up. Because of this, your export drive will need the financial stability and strength that comes from a reliable cash flow.

To find available export financing programs, consult our document  Financing a Business.

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Other resources:

EXPORT FinanceGuide
The EXPORT Finance Guide helps Canadian small businesses understand and access information tools relating to exporting at each stage of the export transaction cycle, from getting export ready, identifying opportunities, preparing your business for the tender/proposal and contract award stage, to the production and payment stages. This tool will help you determine what kind of financing you need and where to find it. http://www.edc.ca/exportfinanceguide/eff_e.asp

Exporting for Small Business in Canada – Royal Bank
This guide offers tips on how to get started and secure financing. http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/definitiveguide/exporting.html

Introduction to Export Finance: Guide for Canadian Exporters
All you need to know about export financing in an interactive question-answer format: general information, export financing and financing for specific markets. For more information, visit http://www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es01896.html

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10. General resources

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
The information centre is focused on the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, but may also be useful to any importer or exporter. The CBSA is committed to proactively facilitating import and export activities in Canada through education, services, and partnerships offering small and medium-sized businesses the tools and resources they need to comply with laws and requirements. For more information, call 1-800-959-2036 or visit http://www.asfc.gc.ca/sme/menu-eng.html

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
The BDC provides small and medium-sized businesses with flexible financing, affordable consulting services and venture capital. For more information, call 1-877-232-2269 or visit http://www.bdc.ca/en/my_project/Projects/exporting.htm?cookie%5Ftest=1

Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)
The CCC gives Canadian businesses access to international opportunities and facilitate trade with buyers in other countries – primarily in public-sector markets. For more information, call 1-800-748-8191 or visit http://www.ccc.ca

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC)
FAITC provides a one-stop trade service to Canadian firms that are export ready or currently involved in international business. ITC staff can provide you with export planning advice, market studies, export counselling, information about export development programs, trade fairs and missions. For more information, call 1-800-267-8376 or visit http://www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx

Export Development Canada (EDC)
Operating in international markets provides great opportunity, but it also carries significant credit risks. That's why EDC has assembled a team of specialists to work with small exporters interested in export receivables insurance and export financing support. EDC provides services to any exporter, of any size, operating in any sector of the economy (including services). EDC generally looks for at least 50% Canadian content. For more information, consult our document  Export Development Canada, call 1-866-283-2957, or visit http://www.edc.ca

International Business Opportunities Centre (IBOC)
The IBOC provides a matching service, connecting foreign buyers with Canadian companies. The Centre recently launched an electronic leads system, e-Leads®, through which international business leads can be delivered from foreign buyers to the desktops of Canadian companies. For more information, consult our document  International Business Opportunities Centre (IBOC), call 613 996-2635, or visit http://www.coai.gc.ca

Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC) – Industry Canada
An online database that profiles over 50,000 Canadian companies providing comprehensive information on contacts, products, services, trade experiences and technology, CCC includes hundreds of specialised manufacturing, service and product-specific business directories. For more information, consult our document Canadian Company Capabilities, call 1-800-328-6189, or visit http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ccc-rec.nsf/en/home

Guide to International Development Project Bidding
This guide seeks to present a comprehensive, practical roadmap to pursuing international development business opportunities in projects funded by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), United Nations agencies, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), foreign bilateral development agencies and other international development funding sources. http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es03000.html

Trade Team Quebec – Trade Team Quebec
Québec Region works in partnership with organisations from the private and public sectors (Regional Commercial Network in Quebec) to offer harmonised or integrated services to businesses, in order to address their needs as a part of their growth in the international marketplace. To provide companies with quality services in order to help them succeed in the international marketplace. For more information, consult our document Trade Team Quebec or visit http://www.eciq.net/nouveau_public/site/fr/index.htm

Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation (MDEIE)
The regional directorates are the department’s gateway for entrepreneurs interested in exporting. The regional advisors of the MDEIE are present in every region of Quebec. The Web site of the MDEIE offers market studies, analysis and directories of resources and programs related to international trade as well as links to the programs and services of the department and other support organisations. For more information, call 514 499-2550, 418 691-5950 or 1-866-463-6642, or visit http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?id=8 (In French only)

Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ)
The CRIQ offers you a wide range of services to help you face the technical constraints required when marketing your products: technological innovation (R&D), industrial information, standards assessment (information on standards and regulations applicable to a product in a given market), research on suppliers and equipments, qualification/certification testing, consultation services and product evaluation, testing facilities unique in Québec and recognised internationally. For more information, call 418 652-2250 or 1-800-667-2386 extension 2250, or visit http://www.criq.qc.ca/fr/0100_enaff/p0110_criq_exportation.html  (In French only)

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
An independent, non-profit organisation, the Foundation is Canada's think-tank on Asia. Its mandate is to develop awareness and understanding among the peoples of Canada and Asia Pacific, provide information and analysis, build networks and promote trade and investment. For more information, consult our document Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, call 604 684-5986, or visit http://www.asiapacific.ca/index.cfm

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, known as the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Canada, was formed through the merger of the Canadian Manufacturers Association (CMA) and the Canadian Exporters Association (CEA). Their mission is to continuously improve the competitiveness of Canadian industry and to expand export business. For more information, call 514 866-7774 or 1-800-363-0226, or visit http://www.cme-mec.ca

Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ)
This centre is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. It develops standards, offers product and service certification programs and system registration services. For more information, call 418 652-2238 or 1-800-386-5114, or visit http://www.bnq.qc.ca/en/index.html

Consular Affairs – Informatin and assistance for canadians abroad
This guide provides information and assistance services to Canadians living and travelling abroad. For more information, call 1-800-267-6788 or visit http://www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-en.asp

Tools

Directory of Canada's Trade Offices Abroad – International Trade Canada (ITCan)http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/Directory.jsp

Currency converter – Bank of Canada
Performs interactive foreign exchange rate calculations using live, up-to-the-minute currency rates. http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html  

In conclusion

We hope the information provided in this Info-Guide has been helpful to you. Many other interesting documents, tools and links may be found on our Web site.

If you need more information about business-related subjects, our agents are available to provide you with free information about federal, provincial, and municipal government programs, services, and regulations as well as some programs and services offered by the private sector.

We offer you a free library research service as well as access to data bases and Web sites of interest to business people. Our information specialists are at your disposal to answer your requests for strategic information.

Don’t hesitate to contact Info entrepreneurs at 514 496-4636 or Ressources Entreprises at 418 649-4636. In the regions, call 1-888-576-4444.

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• Info-Guide – Multimedia, Culture and Communications
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• Financing a Business
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• Info-Guide – Business Start-Up
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• Info-Guide - Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
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• Info-Guide – Young Entrepreneurs
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Capitale-Nationale (Region 03)

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