Exporting From Canada: First Steps and Free Government Resources
Updated: Oct 22
Selling outside Canada can bring new customers and reduce your reliance on one local market. It also raises new questions: which market to try first, how to price for it and what paperwork applies.
The federal government offers free guides, data tools and advice to help. Here is how to take your first steps.
Check whether your business is ready to export
Exporting works best when your business is already stable at home. Before you look abroad, check:
Steady sales in Canada. A product that already sells well here is easier to adapt than one that is unproven.
Capacity. Could you fill a large order without letting down current customers?
Cash. Samples, travel, product changes and longer payment terms cost money before export revenue arrives.
Commitment. Someone needs to own the export project and give it steady attention.
Product fit. Labels, packaging, standards and language may need to change for a new market.
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) publishes a free Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting that starts with assessing your export potential. Work through it before you spend money.
Research markets with free data tools
Choose one or two target markets based on evidence, not a single promising conversation:
Find your product's HS code. The Harmonized System (HS) classifies goods worldwide. You will need the code for tariffs, trade data and export paperwork; a licensed customs broker can confirm it.
See where Canadian exports go. Trade Data Online, from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, offers detailed import and export statistics by HS code.
Check tariffs. The free Canada Tariff Finder, developed by BDC, EDC and the TCS, shows tariff rates in countries that have a free trade agreement with Canada.
Compare more than demand. Weigh shipping costs, competition, regulations, language and payment practices.
Talk to the Trade Commissioner Service
The TCS, part of Global Affairs Canada, has trade commissioners in more than 160 cities worldwide and regional offices across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Regina and Regional municipalities. Its services are free for businesses that qualify.
Trade commissioners can help you prepare for international markets, assess a market's potential, find qualified contacts such as buyers and distributors, and solve problems abroad. They do not sell or market on your behalf.
To qualify, a business generally needs meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity and commitment to do business internationally, and a realistic plan. Before you reach out, prepare:
A short summary of your business and what makes it competitive
Your HS code or a clear product description
The market you are considering and why
The specific help you want, such as market information or introductions
Understand the paperwork before your first shipment
Rules depend on what you sell and where it goes. For goods, check these points early:
Business number and RM account. Before you can file an export declaration, you need a CRA business number and an import-export (RM) program account, which the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has handled since October 2024.
Export declarations. Under the CBSA's exporter reporting rules, commercial goods going to countries other than the United States generally need a declaration if they are worth CAN $2,000 or more (at the time of writing) or are restricted. Most non-restricted goods exported for use in the United States do not. Declarations can be filed through the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS), with deadlines that depend on how the goods ship.
Responsibility. A customs broker or other service provider can file for you, but you remain responsible for accurate information. Missed or incorrect reports can lead to penalties or detained goods.
Export controls. Some goods and technology, such as military, strategic and dual-use items, need an export permit from Global Affairs Canada. Check the export controls guidance and any sanctions on your destination.
Rules of origin. Lower tariffs under a free trade agreement are not automatic. Goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin, and the claim usually needs proof of origin. For U.S. sales, follow the TCS's current guidance on U.S. tariffs and CUSMA compliance, as those measures have been changing.
Records and tax. Keep export records in Canada for six years after export. Many exports can be zero-rated for GST/HST, but only when specific conditions are met.
Exporting services usually involves no customs reporting, but contracts, tax and payment terms still need care. A licensed customs broker, accountant or lawyer can advise on your situation.
Check funding and provincial supports
EDC. Export Development Canada, Canada's export credit agency, offers insurance and financing products, plus webinars, market insights and a free Export Help Hub.
CanExport SMEs. This TCS program can cover up to 50% of eligible costs such as trade events and market research. At the time of writing, eligible businesses request $10,000 to $50,000 per project. Sole proprietorships are not eligible and funding is competitive. Check the program page for current intake dates.
Alberta. The Alberta Export Expansion Program can help offset travel and registration costs for eligible businesses attending formal outbound trade events. The province is also the anchor sponsor of the Trade Accelerator Program, which helps businesses build an export plan.
Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) supports the province's exporters with market intelligence and connections.
Treat any grant as a bonus, not the foundation of your export plan.
Write a simple export plan and start small
Pull what you learn into a short export plan that answers these questions:
Target market. Who will buy, and why from you?
Entry method. Will you sell directly, online, through an agent or through a distributor?
Landed price. After freight, insurance, duties, broker fees, currency conversion and distributor margins, is your price still competitive?
Terms. How and when will you be paid, and who covers shipping, insurance and duties? Many traders use the Incoterms rules to put this in writing.
Budget and milestones. What will you spend in the first year, and how will you measure progress?
Then start small, with one order, one distributor or one trade event, and learn from it before you add a second market.
How First Global Citizen can help
We help founders and small businesses get ready to sell abroad: researching and comparing target markets, preparing an export plan or feasibility study, building pricing and cash flow projections, organizing registrations and records, and preparing materials for trade commissioner meetings or funding applications such as CanExport. When you need a customs broker, accountant or lawyer, we coordinate with independent licensed professionals.
Every engagement starts with a written proposal that sets out the scope and a fixed fee, with any government or registry fees charged at cost. Explore our business development services, learn how we work or book a free consultation.
This article is general information only. It is not legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Fees and requirements can change, so confirm current details with the relevant government agency or registry. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified professional.
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