Export Information Sources Business Guide

Last Verified: April 25, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Business Opportunities
• Online Information Sources
• Online Marketing Tools
• Trade Documentation
• Trade Organizations
• Training

This Guide offers a quick reference to sources of information for those considering an export venture. Many of these are online sources.

The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre (C/MBSC) offers a wealth of trade information such as country profiles, trade statistics, market intelligence, the "how to’s" of doing business in foreign countries, international business directories, political risk yearbooks, economic outlooks, export financing and more. We also offer a number of export training sessions such as the "Basics of Exporting" and sponsor specialized trade workshops throughout the year.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)

Even with technology or product superiority, smaller firms often lack the reputation, experience and financial base to compete effectively in worldwide markets. The CCC helps Canadian companies access the US$5.5 trillion foreign government procurement market and win contracts on the best possible terms and conditions.

Canadian Commercial Corporation
Ottawa, ON
Phone: 613-996-0034 or 1-800-748-8191
Internet: www.ccc.ca

ONLINE INFORMATION SOURCES

Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency offers a number of online resources to help you with your export venture including forms, publications such as the "Exporting Goods from Canada: The Handy Customs Guide for Exporters", regulations, required documentation and more. Visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/export/menu-eng.html.

CanadExport

A free trade newsletter published twice monthly that contains information on tender calls, international market opportunities, government programs and services for exporters, upcoming trade shows, export "success stories" and special reports on trade issues and agreements. View the latest edition at http://www.international.gc.ca/canadexport/index.aspx?menu_id=itmenu=R.

TradeMap and ITC Market Analysis Tools

TradeMap and ITC Market Analysis Tools are innovation tools created by the International Trade Centre to allow Canadian exporters and trade professionals to access key international trade data.  Trade Map provides on-line 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.

Trade Map operates in a web-based interactive environment and covers the trade flows (values, quantities, trends, market share, and unit values, both in graphic and tabular format) of over 220 countries and territories and 5,300 products defined at the 2, 4 or 6-digit level of the Harmonized System. Trade data is also available at tariff line level for more than 100 countries and on a monthly or quarterly basis for more than 50 countries.

Market Access Map covers customs tariffs (import duties) and other measures applied by 185 importing countries to products from 239 countries and territories. MFN and preferential applied import tariff rates are shown for products at the most detailed national tariff line level. Market Access Map has been designed to support exporters, importers, trade promoters, policy analysts and trade negotiators. Use it to find a tariff. Compare yourself to your competitors. Or use its advanced features to prepare for trade negotiations by simulating the effects of tariff reductions.

Users from developed countries and territories can register to get a trial access of one week to the tools in order to assess the application.

Visit http://www.trademap.org/index.aspx 

ONLINE MARKETING TOOLS

Canadian Company Capabilities

This searchable database allows you to advertise your company, products and services and/or expertise on the web free of charge. Visit strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_coinf/ccc/engdoc/homepage.html.

Manitoba Companies Directory

An online tool that allows you to connect your organization to potential buyers, sellers and partners, both in Canada and around the world, by showcasing your company on this website. Visit http://db.itm.gov.mb.ca/MBIS/MCD.nsf/if?readform&ID=CompaniesHome.

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service

Get on-line access to market research reports, business leads, events, business news, and visit information that match your specific international interests. Through your Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, you can request services from the Canadian Trade Commissioners abroad who are responsible for your industry and target markets, as well as services from our partners: Export Development Canada and Canadian Commercial Corporation. Visit http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/home.jsp.

TRADE DOCUMENTATION

ATA Carnets

The Canadian Chamber provides members and non-members alike with unique and essential trade services:

•The ATA carnet, which simplifies customs procedures and allows users to make customs arrangements in advance while using a single document for many countries. It acts as a passport for goods and assists in the temporary importation of goods, free of duties and taxes;

•The certification of documents offered both manually and electronically mainly for the confirmation of the origin of goods, is a requirement for many countries before goods are allowed into their country.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce (HQ)
Ottawa, ON
Phone: 613-238-4000
General Phone Enquiries: 1-800-661-2930
Fax: 613-238-7643
E-mail Carnet Services: carnet@chamber.ca
E-mail Documentation Certification: certification@chamber.ca
E-mail Carnet Application: carnetottawa@chamber.ca
Internet: http://www.chamber.ca/index.php/en/carnet-certification/

Export Controls On-Line (EXCOL)

A secure web-based application that allows exporters 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 and to register, visit www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/controls-controles/systems-systemes/excol-ceed/index.aspx

Tariff Information for Canadian Exporters

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) through its Tariffs and Markets Access Division offers market access information to Canadian exporters such as: tariffs, taxes, rules of origin and some entry procedures for Canadian goods being exported to foreign countries.

Tariffs Division
Ottawa, ON
Phone: Toll free in Canada 1-800-267-8376
Fax: 613-996-9709
E-mail: enqserv@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/goods-produits/ac_link.aspx?lang=eng

TRADE ORGANIZATIONS

Asia Pacific Foundation

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, created by an Act of Parliament in 1984, is an independent, not-for-profit think-tank on Canada’s relations with Asia. The Foundation functions as a knowledge broker, bringing together people and knowledge to provide current and comprehensive research, analysis and information on Canada’s transpacific relations. It promotes dialogue on economic, security, political and social issues, fostering informed decision-making in the Canadian public, private and non-governmental sectors. The Foundation also provides grants to support policy research and informed discussion on Canada’s relations with Asia.

Asia Pacific Foundation
Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-684-5986
Fax: 604-681-1370
E-mail: info@asiapacific.ca
Internet: http://www.asiapacific.ca/ 

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Growing worldwide demand for energy-efficient, affordable, durable and safe housing make this the right time for the Canadian housing industry to take advantage of export opportunities. CMHC helps exporters identify new housing export opportunities in select high potential markets. CMHC provides promotional support, organizes trade missions and provides matchmaking services while promoting Canadian know-how abroad.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
National Office Ottawa
Phone: 613-748-2000
Fax: 613-748-2098
E-mail General Inquiries: chic@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/hoficlincl/cmhcin/index.cfm

Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters

The Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Inc. is now known as I.E.Canada. The association represents private sector importers and exporters of virtually every commodity and related service. The association has over 800 members across Canada and abroad. Membership is open to any individual or company with a legitimate interest in Canada's international trade.

Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Inc. (I.E. Canada)
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-595-5333
E-mail: info@iecanada.com
Internet: http://www.iecanada.com 

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is Canada's largest industry and trade association, representing businesses in all sectors of manufacturing and exporting activity across Canada. The mandate is to promote the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturers and the success of Canada's goods and services exporters in markets around the world.  Focus is on the issues that are most critical to the members - manufacturing competitiveness, US business opportunities, international markets, people and skills, energy and the environment. National Office is located in Ottawa with CME offices across Canada.
 

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Winnipeg, MB
Phone: 204-949-1454
Fax: 204-943-3476
E-mail: ron.koslowsky@cme-mec.ca
Internet: http://www.cme-mec.ca/ 

Trade Team Manitoba (TTM)

Trade Team Manitoba is a partnership of key provincial and federal governments coordinating trade development activities and streamlining services to exporters. It provides services to businesses to help them achieve success in global markets. Visit the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre website http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca, click on "Exporting".

TRAINING

ExportUSA

ExportUSA has three components: New Exporters to Border States (NEBS), Exporters to the United States (EXTUS) and Reverse NEBS.

NEBS, the New Exporters to Border States program, focuses on export education and targets Canadian companies considering exporting to the United States. NEBS introduces the essentials of exporting, including practical export information and first-hand exposure to markets in the United States.

EXTUS, the Exporters to the United States program, formerly known as NEBS Plus, is a program that serves Canadian companies already exporting to the U.S. By combining sessions with industry experts, entry to a major national/regional trade show and a networking opportunity with distributors, representatives and buyers, EXTUS focuses on expanding the markets of successful exporters to other regions of the United States.

The Reverse NEBS program, serves Canadian companies not yet exporting to the United States by providing seminars in Canada covering the essentials of exporting.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Winnipeg Regional Office
Phone: 204-983-7349 or Toll free 1-800-267-8376
Fax: 204-984-7082
E-mail: wnnpg@international.gc.ca
Website: www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre Trade Seminars

The Centre offers seminars on the “Basics of Exporting”. We also sponsor other specialized seminars that focus on exporting to specific countries and include speakers such as customs agents, trade commissioners, international lawyers, customs brokers and freight forwarders. For a listing of upcoming seminars, visit the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre website at www.canadabusiness.mb.ca and click on “Seminars”. These are often held in Winnipeg; however, we also have the capability to videoconference to other regions of Manitoba. Contact the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre at 1-800-665-2019 to locate a videoconferencing facility near you.

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C OJ7
Telephone: 204-984-2272
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Web site: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.