
Do you plan to offer your products and services globally or need international partners to help you enter new markets? Before doing business abroad, it is important to understand the basics of the import and export process.
Our advisors can help you prepare effectively by informing you about the steps and the laws and regulations in effect before starting your import and export activities.
» Contact us today to quickly get answers to your questions and receive a free assessment in order to establish a solid foundation for all your international projects.
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QUICKLY FIND THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO START IMPORTING AND EXPORTING
Consult our guides and these free, practical resources to help you understand import and export mechanisms and find the financing programs available to you.
IMPORTING – SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
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Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
Government of Canada
If you manufacture, import, distribute or sell products, find out what you need to do to ensure that your products are safe.
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Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1
Investissement Québec
Get a loan or loan guarantee between $150,000 and $5 million to cover up to 60% of project costs to boost the region's potential to attract tourists from other parts of Canada and abroad.
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Customs Self Assessment Program
Canada Border Services Agency
Importers, carriers and registered drivers may be able to reduce the time and cost of doing business with the Canada Border Services Agency.
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Business immigration programs
Immigration and citizenship
Interested in moving to Canada to start a business? Find out if you can immigrate as a self-employed individual or receive a start-up visa.
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Exporters of Processing Services Program
Department of Finance Canada
Your Canadian manufacturing service company may qualify to import certain goods without paying GST or HST if those goods are later exported.
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Advance rulings for tariff classification
Canada Border Services Agency
Get confirmation on the rate of duty that will apply to goods you plan to import.
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Free and Secure Trade
Canada Border Services Agency
Get pre-approved to move low-risk goods faster through the Canada-U.S. border.
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Trade Accelerator Program
World Trade Centre Toronto
Access to Canada’s top exporting advisors, resources and contacts, as well as the opportunity to work with industry leaders to build and implement a comprehensive export plan.
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COVID-19: Waiving tariffs on certain medical goods
Canada Border Services Agency
If your business imported certain medical items into Canada on or after May 5, 2020, including PPE (masks, gloves, garments, sterilization products), you will not have to pay tariffs on those items.
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NEXUS
Canada Border Services Agency
You can use this card to help you cross the Canada-U.S. border faster when you travel for business.
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CANPASS
Canada Border Services Agency
If you are a frequent and low-risk traveller, you can apply for access to speedier and easier entry into Canada.
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International trade and investment
Business and industry Canada
Find resources to help support your trade activities, especially if you are new to importing or exporting.
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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card
Canada Border Services Agency
You can use this card to help you cross the border faster when you travel for business to participating countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Quebec International — International recruiting
Québec International
Access a network of experts to help you hire international talent for your business. Attend workshops, networking events and recruiting missions.
EXPORTING – SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
IMPORTING – OTHER RESOURCES
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Niagara — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Windsor-Essex — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Calgary Region Inland Port — Foreign Trade Zone (Calgary)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Foreign Trade Zone program (Manitoba)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
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eManifest Portal
Electronically transmit to the Canada Border Services Agency pre-arrival data for low-risk commercial shipments.
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Vancouver Island — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
EXPORTING – SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
You could benefit from non-financial resources to succeed in your business venture.
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FACTOR funding for the sound recording industry
Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings
Get funding for the production and marketing of English-language Canadian sound recordings, domestic and international touring and showcasing, and more.
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Canadian Signature Experiences
Destination Canada
Your tourism business can apply to have a signature experience package promoted around the world.
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BDC Advisory Services
Business Development Bank of Canada
Connect with highly experienced specialists who can help you better manage your business, increase revenues and optimize operations.
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Canada Book Fund Publishing Support
Canadian Heritage
Contributions for ongoing production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books, in Canada and globally.
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Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
Government of Canada
If you manufacture, import, distribute or sell products, find out what you need to do to ensure that your products are safe.
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Soutien aux exportations bioalimentaires
Agri-Food Export Group Québec-Canada
Get a financial contribution of up to $80,000 covering up to 50% of eligible expenses for specific activities that help strengthen your company's export capacity and diversify your markets outside Quebec.
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Industrial Agreement Programs
Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation
Get a fixed sum of $1,200 or $1,500 for a trip to France and certain other European regions to acquire knowledge or intellectual property or to collaborate on R&D.
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$name (in French only)
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Canada Tariff Finder
Global Affairs Canada, Trade Commissioner Service
Get up-to-date tariff information for specific products and countries where Canada has a Free Trade Agreement. Compare rates for multiple products or countries to improve your cost forecasting and identify your best options.
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Global Bid Opportunity Finder
Canadian Commercial Corporation
Use this web-based application, exclusive to Canadian companies, to search through, evaluate and bid on opportunities from around the world.
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Innovexport Fund
Fonds Innovexport
Get an equity or quasi-equity investment between $50,000 and $1 millon dollars as an initial disbursement for your project, with possible additional investments up to a maximum of $3 million.
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Export Distribution Centre Program
Canada Revenue Agency
If your non-manufacturing business adds limited value to goods destined for export, you could be exempt from paying GST/HST on certain imports.
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Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1
Investissement Québec
Get a loan or loan guarantee between $150,000 and $5 million to cover up to 60% of project costs to boost the region's potential to attract tourists from other parts of Canada and abroad.
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Request for Tenders/Proposals — Nunavut
Department of Community and Government Services
Access open tenders for goods and services to find opportunities that your company is qualified for.
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Business immigration programs
Immigration and citizenship
Interested in moving to Canada to start a business? Find out if you can immigrate as a self-employed individual or receive a start-up visa.
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Exporters of Processing Services Program
Department of Finance Canada
Your Canadian manufacturing service company may qualify to import certain goods without paying GST or HST if those goods are later exported.
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Soft Landing Program
Canadian Digital Media Network
Get up to $4,000 to offset travel and accommodations costs to open new markets, close international sales, and secure investments abroad.
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Free and Secure Trade
Canada Border Services Agency
Get pre-approved to move low-risk goods faster through the Canada-U.S. border.
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Agri-Food Trade Services for Exporters
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
International market intelligence, in-market trade expertise, international trade shows and other assistance to help agri-food exporters.
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ESSOR — Steel and aluminum
Investissement Québec
Get loans and loan guarantees to cover 75% of special tariffs placed on your steel and aluminum export products, at 25% and 10%, respectively, for a maximum duration of 10 years.
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Trade and investment agreements
Global Affairs Canada
Learn about the agreements that can help protect your investments abroad.
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Trade Accelerator Program
World Trade Centre Toronto
Access to Canada’s top exporting advisors, resources and contacts, as well as the opportunity to work with industry leaders to build and implement a comprehensive export plan.
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SaskTenders
Ministry of Central Services
Access open tenders for goods and services to find opportunities that your company is qualified for.
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Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program
Investissement Québec
Non-repayable contributions of $40,000 to $250,000 covering up to 10% of project costs for existing businesses and 15% for start-ups.
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EDC Trade Advisor
Export Development Canada
Looking to grow internationally or diversify into new markets? A trade advisor can help you navigate a variety of options, providing you with market information, connecting you with other experts, and helping you start exporting quickly.
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Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Global Affairs Canada, Trade Commissioner Service
Help to prepare your business for international markets, assess your organization’s potential, find contacts and resolve problems.
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Innovation Canada — Innovation Advisors in Quebec
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
If you're developing a new product, technology or process, an Innovation Advisor can provide you with free, one-on-one assistance to help you find the government supports that are right for your business. Our advisors are former entrepreneurs with established networks in both private and public sectors, and can help put you in touch with specialists in finance, technical advice and foreign market expertise, to help your business grow from here. Innovation Advisors help companies that are incorporated for profit in Canada. Is this you?
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Agreement for construction sector labour mobility Ontario - Québec
Ministère du Travail
Under this agreement, you are ensured equal treatment when bidding or working on construction projects in Ontario and Quebec.
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Canadian Commercial Corporation
Canadian Commercial Corporation
Connect with foreign government buyers and the Canadian government when pursuing government procurement leads in another country.
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Canada Feature Film Fund
Telefilm Canada
Financing for Canadian film producers to develop, produce and market movies in English or French in Canada and internationally.
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Canadian Technology Accelerators
Global Affairs Canada, Trade Commissioner Service
Get mentoring, workspace in foreign markets and introductions to potential partners, investors and customers in the clean-tech, information and communications technology (ICT) and life sciences sectors.
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EDC — Export Help
Export Development Canada
Get export information, referrals to relevant business partners and answers to your questions about going global from a Trade Advisor. Advisors draw on their expertise and market know-how to help you find the resources best suited to your business to help you succeed abroad.
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Doing Business with the Government — British Columbia
Procurement Services
Access open tenders for goods and services to find opportunities that your company is qualified for.
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Magnet — Export Growth Portal
Magnet
Use this free export business portal to match your business with relevant events and opportunities based on your export readiness, sector, location and goals. Get timely email updates about resources and services from export experts, and access a customizable dashboard.
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Yukon bids&tenders
Department of Highways and Public Works
Access open tenders for goods and services to find opportunities that your company is qualified for.
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Project Financing
Investissement Québec
Loans, loan guarantees or capital investments of $50,000 and up for projects involving expansion, exporting, modernization, innovation, buildings and equipment, marketing and more.
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COREX Program
Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
Get an export diagnostic and business plan, as well as help choosing trade corridors, finding suppliers and trading partners, and establishing your business.
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NEXUS
Canada Border Services Agency
You can use this card to help you cross the Canada-U.S. border faster when you travel for business.
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Coaching and strategic advice
Investissement Québec
Take advantage of this free program and receive support on management, marketing, finances, human resources, technology, export, production and more.
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MUSICACTION
Musicaction
Get funding for the production and marketing of French-language Canadian sound recordings, domestic and international touring and showcasing, and more.
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Objective Growth - Sales and Marketing - BDC
Business Development Bank of Canada
Boost your chances of success in national and foreign markets by analyzing your potential for growth.
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Regional export promotion organizations (ORPEX)
Investissement Québec
Regional organizations provide export coaching, training and assistance.<
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CANPASS
Canada Border Services Agency
If you are a frequent and low-risk traveller, you can apply for access to speedier and easier entry into Canada.
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Accelerated Growth Service
Innovation, Science and economic Development Canada
Does your company have annual sales of at least $5 million and show promising growth? You may be eligible for the CED support program.
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International trade and investment
Business and industry Canada
Find resources to help support your trade activities, especially if you are new to importing or exporting.
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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card
Canada Border Services Agency
You can use this card to help you cross the border faster when you travel for business to participating countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Hypercroissance Québec
Startup Montréal
Develop your innovative, fast-growing Quebec company by increasing your exports and accelerating your growth.
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CGLCC- Global
Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce ( CGLCC )
Get connected with LGBT+ chambers of commerce and partnership opportunities around the world and leverage their expertise to help you do business abroad.
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EDC — Select Credit Insurance
Export Development Canada
Get fast short-term solutions to cover up to 90% of your insured losses, if your customer doesn't pay.
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EDC — Export Help Hub
Export Development Canada
Find the trade information you need from export advisors, in order to grow your business in new markets such as the U.S., European Union and Mexico. Get answers to questions about customs, financing, paying taxes and more.
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Quebec International — Selling and Exporting: Set your sights on the world
Québec International
Get personalized coaching and expertise in marketing, e-commerce and exporting in Canada and abroad to increase your sales opportunities and reduce risks.
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Business Opportunities: Development and Humanitarian Aid Markets
Trade Commissioner Service
Learn about export opportunities in international humanitarian and aid markets.
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Niagara — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Business Women in International Trade
Find key contacts, trade events, market opportunities and export advice from experienced businesswomen.
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U.S. government procurement
Learn about the U.S. government procurement process, market evaluations and contracting opportunities at all levels of government.
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U.S. General Services Administration
Do business with the acquisition and procurement arm of the US federal government.
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Government procurement: international trade agreements
Get details on all the free trade agreements covering government procurement that Canada has signed, as well as agreements under negotiation.
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Windsor-Essex — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Calgary Region Inland Port — Foreign Trade Zone (Calgary)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Foreign Trade Zone program (Manitoba)
Do you move or trade goods internationally? FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate the tariffs, taxes or duties.
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Vancouver Island — Foreign Trade Zone
Do you move or trade goods for international trade? This designated FTZ provides access to programs that may reduce or eliminate tariffs, taxes or duties.