Exporting Fact Sheet - Regulations and Contacts

Exporting is one of the most controlled activities throughout the world. Export shipments must be accompanied by certain documents to leave Canada and to enter the country the goods are destined to. A variety of free publications are available from the  Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre to guide you through the export process. Canada Border Services Agency helps other federal government departments by administering and enforcing regulations on their behalf. If you are exporting goods that are controlled or regulated, you have to submit the appropriate permit, certificate or license before you export them, regardless of the destination or value of the goods. The following list provides a general overview as to which items have controls placed on them and which department exporters should contact in order to meet the necessary requirements when goods are leaving the country. Exporters should also investigate trade regulations in foreign countries (i.e. required licenses, permits and/or certificates) prior to shipping any goods.

Summary

Canada Border Services Agency

Visit the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Centre  for information on the documentation needed to accompany your export shipment from Canada.

Exporters should also read: 

• Exporting Goods From Canada - Documentation Requirements for Exporters
• Exporting Goods from Canada : A Handy Guide for Exporters

General information for exporters is also available along with online forms at  Exporters

Automated Customs Information Service: 1-800-461-9999

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in conjunction with other federal departments, administers regulations pertaining to the import, export and/or labelling requirements for the following agricultural products:

Animal - Export Contacts  

Dairy Products

Eggs and Egg Products

Fish, Seafood and Production

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (including nuts and edible fungi)

Processed Products Program (includes processed fruits and vegetables and their products - canned & frozen - as well as maple products)

Grains and Field Crops

Honey

Retail Food

Fair Labelling Practices Program

Plant Exports

Plant and Plant Product Imports

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)  (CITES)

Canadian Heritage

Export restrictions have been placed on certain cultural property which is deemed to have historical, scientific or cultural significance. The Canadian Cultural Property Export Control List describes the categories of cultural property that require export permits in order to leave the country.   Exporting Cultural Property from Canada

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The Commission, which replaced the Atomic Energy Control Board on May 31, 2000, controls the import and export of nuclear materials and other prescribed substances, equipment and technology. For more information, follow this link.

Environment Canada

Controls the import, export or transit through Canada of hazardous wastes, whether destined for disposal or recycling.

The department also admisters the   Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)  (CITES) which controls the import, export and interprovincial transport and sale of certain wild species of animals and plants, as well as their parts and derivatives. 

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada - Import and Export Controls

Goods falling under the  Military and Technology Exports  will require a permit.  

This goes for products destined for the countries on the Area Control List

Export controls exist on the following products:

• Agricultural products: refined sugar, sugar-containing products and peanut butter
• Textiles and clothing
• Military, strategic dual-use goods
• Nuclear energy materials and technology
• Missile, chemical or biological goods of non-proliferation concern
• Softwood lumber, unprocessed logs and certain other forest products
• Miscellaneous goods including goods of U.S.-origin, roe herring and certain items with medical value
• All goods destined for countries on the Area Control List: (Burma / Myanmar).

Health Canada

Health Canada is responsible for regulating the export of narcotics and controlled drugs.  Visit the  Office of Controlled Substances .

Labelling

There are no Canadian labelling requirements for non-food products being exported. However, the country your goods are destined to will have packaging and labelling requirements. For more information, contact our Centre or follow the country information links shown below to obtain regulatory and other information on countries around the world.

Other Information Sources

The Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre
Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre resource library offers an extensive collection of trade related materials, from export rules/regulations to demographics on countries around the world. The search engine can be viewed at the following address:  Saskatoon Reference Library .  Once you have located a particular resource you think might be useful, please contact us at the CSBSC office and we will discuss the material with you.

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)
STEP is a unique industry-government partnership led by industry and established as a non-profit corporation. STEP works in partnership with Saskatchewan businesses to maximize commercial success in global ventures. STEP delivers export services using its team of specialists, innovative approaches and worldwide networks.

STEP specialists provide these unique custom solutions based on the three core services identified as critical to success by STEP members. 

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian companies that have researched and selected their target markets and can demonstrate their commitment to succeed in the global marketplace. Canadian Trade Commissioners are located in almost every country in the world.

Country Information
Central Intelligence Agency -  World Factbook

Create Your Own Customized Market Report -  International Business Information

International Business Resources on the WWW - GlobalEDGE

International Market Research Reports

Trade Data Online   provides the best answers regarding the volume of Canadian trade, both imports and exports.

World  Market Reports  prepared by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service - Hundreds of reports on foreign markets organized by industry sector.

Learn more about Exporting
ExportSource.ca  - information and practical tools for new or experienced exporters.

Export Your Services ....Take a World View! -   Enhance your company's competencies; fine-tune your people skills; develop your market strategies; and update your technology tools.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting - covers the entire process of exporting, from the time you start thinking about it until the time you're paid for delivery of your goods and services.

For further information regarding exporting, see the document  Exporting Info-Guide, visit the Trade and Export section on our Web site  Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre  or contact the

Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre
#2 - 345 3^rd Avenue South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1M6
Phone:(306) 956-2323
Toll-Free: 1-800-667-4374
E-mail: saskatchewan@canadabusiness.ca
Web site:  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/sask/

Prepared by: Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre