Canada is a good place to start exporting goods. Here’s a general guide on the process:
Identify your target market
Market research: It is appropriate to conduct further market research to identify the available market for the marketing of the product.
Understand regulations: It is important that you familiarise yourself with the import practices of your target market for preparation of labels, and customs.
Choose a distribution channel
Direct exporting: In the current strategy, one sees entering directly into the target market by selling directly to importers as well as the ultimate consumers.
Indirect exporting: It is the selling of goods through agents and distributors.
Prepare export documentation
Commercial Invoice: A formal paper that explains the kinds of merchandise to be exported, their price and every other aspect worth explaining.
Packing list: Consignment information, the things which were shipped, quantity and their descriptions.
Bill of lading: A written note on a paper given to a carrier as evidence that the shipper accepted its responsibility for moving the cargo.
Certificate of origin: An original country certificate for the goods.
Customs clearance
Export declaration: You may be required to make an export declaration to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Customs Procedures: Appropriate customs regulations rules and procedures that require inspection of the cargo as well as document clearance are followed.
Export permits: Some products may require a license or permit if they will be exported.
Shipping and logistics
Choose a reliable carrier: Choose a reputable shipping company to make the transportation of your goods.
Packaging and Labeling: Pack and label your products properly to ship internationally to avoid breaking international shipping standards and customs rules.
Insurance: When in transit, it may be worth it to buy insurance to protect your goods.
Payment and financial considerations
Payment terms: Set best payment terms (i.e. letter of credit, wire transfer, etc to minimize risks.
Currency exchange: If such, arrange to have paid in your currency of choice.
Banking and Financial Services: Build relations with banks and banks of all sorts to facilitate international transactions.
Compliance and regulations
Export Controls: Export control regulations of Canada and international trade agreements are followed.
Intellectual property rights: Register trademarks and patents to protect your intellectual property right
Environmental regulations: To comply with packaging, labelling, and transport of goods environmental regulations.
Additional tips
Seek professional advice: If you don’t know the complex rules of exporting, consider consulting with an export consultant or an international trade advisor.
Utilize government resources: Use government funds and resources as well as Export Development Canada (EDC) for market information, financial options and export assistance.
Join Trade Associations: Relevance to trade associations can be communicated through membership in appropriate organizations and can offer invaluable information, networking resources and backup.
Canadian customs procedures
For customs clearance to run smoothly, it is important to know what goes on in the Canadian customs procedure. Here’s a breakdown:
Export declaration
Complete and submit an Export Declaration to CBSA. Give actual information about the goods which are being exported, their value and where they are going.
Customs broker
You may want to hire a customs broker to deal with the myriad paperwork and procedures.
Using a customs broker can speed up the process and make sure they meet the regulations.
Export permits and licenses
Also, certain goods may need to be backed by either specific export permits or licenses depending upon their nature and the country to which they are being exported. Your goods may require any permits; determine this by checking with the CBSA or appropriate government agencies.
Customs clearance process
You’re depending on your shipment to go through customs clearance, which can mean inspections, verification of documents, etc. Make sure all of the needed documents are accurate and full so there are no delays.
Tips for smooth customs clearance
Accurate documentation: Export documents should be accurate and complete.
Proper packaging: Secure your goods so that they are not damaged in transit.
Clear labelling: Put labels on your shipments with correct product descriptions, quantities and the destination.
Harmonized System (HS) Codes: The HS codes are correct to classify your goods for customs.
Free trade agreements: You must provide the necessary documentation if your goods qualify for preferential treatment under a free trade agreement, to claim duty benefits.
With the above guidelines in place, and with some help from professional advice, you should be able to get your goods out of Canada and to international markets.
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