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Ontario|Business LawOther Business Issues 236 Importing & Exporting If you plan to import or export goods for commercial purposes, there are several regulations and procedures you must follow. The following is a general overview about the requirements for importing and exporting goods to Canada.
- Importing
All businesses that want to import goods to Canada on a commercial basis must obtain an Importer number or a Canada Revenue Agency Business number.
Importers must know what items they are importing and the country of origin of the items. Importers must provide Canada Revenue Agency with an invoice that shows the value of the goods they are importing, and Canada Revenue Agency will usually classify and value the goods according to an international description and coding system. The Government classifies imports to compile trade statistics and to determine whether any conditions apply to the imports, such as prohibitions, quotas, anti-dumping, countervailing duties, NAFTA provisions, or other preferential tariff treatments. If any of these conditions apply to your imports, it may affect the quantity of goods you are allowed to import. You may also be eligible to participate in a variety of Canada Revenue Agency programs or services for importing businesses. You can obtain more information about government services and classification systems from Canada Revenue Agency.
Depending on the goods you plan to import, you may need an Import Permit. Controlled substances such as textiles, clothing, agricultural products, and footwear will require a permit. The Export and Import Controls Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade can help you determine what permits and documents you will need.
You can obtain more information about commercial importing from the Automated Customs Information System. The phone number is listed in the Blue pages of your telephone book under Canada Revenue Agency. You can also contact a Canada-Ontario Business Call Centre for more information.
Importers may choose to hire a customs broker to represent them in their dealings with Canada Revenue Agency. Only customs brokers who have been licensed by Canada Revenue Agency can account for goods and pay duties and taxes. You can find a customs broker on the Legal Line Guide or website, or in the Yellow pages of your telephone book.
- Exporting
There are a variety of government programs and services that can help you start or expand an export business. The programs and services include training and preparedness programs, trade information, export counselling, trade and statistical information, export financing, regulations information, and info-fax services. You can obtain more information about these services from a Canada-Ontario Business Call Centre or from a Canada Business Service Centre. The telephone number is listed in the Blue pages of your telephone book.
All Canadian businesses that export on a commercial basis must obtain a business number from Canada Revenue Agency. You can obtain an application form from a Canada Revenue Agency office.
If you export a commercial shipment that is valued at $2000 or more to a foreign country other than the United States, you must fill out an Export Declaration. If you ship controlled, regulated, or prohibited goods, you must submit a permit or certificate. You can obtain more information about the goods or countries that require an export permit from the Export Controls Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The phone number is in the Blue pages of the telephone book.
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