Exporting guide for Canada – 10 essentials for exporters

What are the requirements to export from Canada?

The Canadian government outlines regulations and recommendations for businesses that export goods. Specific requirements you need to follow will depend on the merchandise that you export.

In general, you should expect to engage with the following regulatory and exporting processes to ensure smooth, profitable export operations.

10 essential requirements of exporting in Canada

1. Get a registered business number

Before you start engaging with exporting activities, exporters must have a business number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This number serves as an identifier for your business and will be essential for customs and tax purposes.

2. Verify all export regulations

Determine if the goods that you’re exporting are restricted or prohibited for export from Canada or import in the destination country. Depending on the goods exported, you may need get a specific export permit or comply with expanded regulations.

3. Determine the need for declaration

Businesses must determine whether they need to submit an export declaration for shipments they move to other countries. The need to declare will depend on multiple variables, such as the type of goods, their destination, and the volume of goods shipped.

4. Select an optimal shipping mode and schedule

Choosing an appropriate shipping mode is an essential part of timely delivery and regulatory compliance. Typically, the lowest cost option will involve large ocean freight containers. However, you might need to leverage road, rail, and air transportation depending on the goods transported and their destination. Selecting the best modes of transportation for your shipment will help to reduce costs, ensure compliance, and satisfy customer expectations.

5. Complete export declaration

Export declarations require a variety of documentation, such as the HS code for export classification. If your goods aren’t subject to an export declaration, you’ll need to submit proper documentation that indicates to the carrier that no declaration is required.

6. Submit export declaration digitally when possible

In many cases, businesses can submit the export declaration electronically over platforms such as the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) or the G7 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). On occasion, companies may need to submit paper documentation.

7. Submit paper proof of export when required

If a proof of export is required and electronic reporting isn’t available for your shipment, you may be required to present a paper copy of the export declaration and any required permits and paperwork at a CBSA office.

8. Maintain records for at least six years

Businesses need to maintain export records for a period of six years following the date of the export shipment. Companies need to hold on to these records to maintain compliance in the event of a customs audit or compliance verification.

9. Understand penalties for non-compliance

The CBSA imposes monetary penalties using the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). Companies that comply with Canadian export regulations avoid these financial penalties and other problems that arise when mistakes or non-compliance happen.

10. Determine the need for a customs broker

The complexity of the Canadian export process and multinational regulatory requirements can be an obstacle for exporters. Businesses partner with customs broker to facilitate more efficient and effective customs clearance and shipping procedures.

Achieve efficient exporting operations

Exporting goods from Canada involves a series of transportation processes and regulatory requirements. Efficient exporting operations maintain compliance in multiple countries while moving goods on time and on budget. Connect with one of our exporting leaders to find out more about efficient exports.

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