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Before importing

If you are thinking about importing for the first time or looking for suppliers, learn about resources and organizations that may help you in taking those first steps.

• International trade training programs
  
  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/guide/2135/
  Explore some learning opportunities to help you understand various aspects of importing and exporting.
• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Centre
  
  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/summary/1423/
  Applies to: All of Canada
  Get assistance in complying with border and customs regulations.
• Border Information Service
  
  http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/bis-sif-eng.html
  Get telephone assistance in complying with border and customs regulations.

Registering for an Import/Export Account

Before you start importing, you must register your business for an import/export account.

• Business Number (BN)
  
  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/summary/1208/
  Applies to: All of Canada
  Your Business Number is your single account number for dealing with the federal government regarding taxes, payroll, import/export and other activities.

Finding Suppliers Abroad

If you can't find suitable domestic vendors for the products you need, you may have to consider importing your products. Finding and selecting foreign suppliers can be time-consuming, particularly if you are new to the import business. These resources could help you avoid certain risks and locate international suppliers.

• Trade Facilitation Office Canada
  
  http://www.tfocanada.ca/docs.php?
  Find foreign suppliers in developing countries.
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
  
  http://www.international.gc.ca/protocol-protocole/reps.aspx
  Find contact information and more on representatives from foreign countries and on international organizations currently accredited to Canada.
• Canadian Importers Database
  
  http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cid-dic.nsf/eng/home
  Find out which companies are importing goods into Canada by product, city and by country of origin.
• Search for a supplier on Canadian Company Capabilities
  
  http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/cccBscSrch.do?lang=eng&prtl=1
  Find contact information and business profiles for Canadian suppliers of goods, services and technology.
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
  
  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/summary/1504/
  Applies to: All of Canada
  Get help selling your products or services to foreign markets.
• ThomasNet
  
  http://www.thomasnet.com/
  Find American manufacturing and service companies. Always research the business before placing an order.
• Manage Foreign Suppliers
  
  http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/en/trouver-nos-guides-de-gestion/-/asset_publisher/wXA6/content/view_maximized/gestion-des-fournisseurs-etrangers?redirect=%2Fen%2Ftrouver-nos-guides-de-gestion
  Learn about the key steps you may need to take to find and pick a foreign supplier, including methods of payment to consider and drawing up a contract.
• US Commercial Service Canada
  
  http://www.buyusa.gov/canada/index.asp
  If you are interested in partnering with or importing goods from American companies, this United States government service could help you.
• NAFTA Cross Border Movement of Business Persons
  
  http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/nafta-alena/cross.aspx?lang=en
  Learn about temporary entry into the United States and Mexico as a business person under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).