EVALUATING YOUR EXPORT READINESS
Export Readiness Assessment Tools
Export Development Canada (EDC)
This site provides information for future exporters. Register to take the EXPORTable? Questionnaire. Related sections include Small Business, Insurance Financing and Bonding Product.
Team Canada Inc. (TCI)
A major gateway to all kinds of support relating to Export. Download the free software package, the Export Readiness Diagnostic, to analyze your state of preparation and identify your priorities as you prepare for a foreign market. ExportSource also provides TCI's A Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting which has a section on readiness. If you have already started exporting, you may learn some tips from the questions that will help improve your profitability.
TCI also offers a telephone Export Information Service at 1– 888-811–1119 offering sources of expertise for your very special situation, product or targeted country. View the interactive tool on this site and complete the ten basic questions which will lead you to a broad range of resources for new exporters.
A free comprehensive guide containing information on researching target markets, selecting a strategy, managing legal and regulatory issues, dealing with export financing, traveling to the U.S. and coping with border security and customs. Includes links to Canadian and U.S. web sites with the most current export information.
http://canadaindiabusiness.ca/gol/cib/cib.nsf/en/index.html
Direct link to information, programs and services dedicated to trade with India.
PREPARING AN EXPORT PLAN
This site provides IBP the first business planning software product designed specifically to operate on the World Wide Web. The IBP assists entrepreneurs to prepare and refine a 3 year business plan for their new or existing business. Click on the Ontario flag at the bottom of the page that will lead you to the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre page. This Centre is a joint federal-provincial information centre for new and established entrepreneurs. It exists to inform you about government programs, services and regulations on starting and operating a business in Ontario.
This new and improved Interactive Export Planner (IEP) that assists entrepreneurs prepare an export plan or an export-focused business plan is scheduled for release in fall 2005.
Agri-Food Trade Services - Market Information
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's electronic service providing international trade and market information for Canadian Agri-food exporters. International market information is searchable by country or product.
Country profiles prepared by CIDA.
CMHC's export centre promotes Canadian exports of housing systems, products and services. Reports for housing markets in the United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Chile, Korea, Poland and China are available from their site.
Links to various sources of information, including Exporting Basics, Export Market Research, Export Counselling, Export Policy and Regulations, Export Financing, Importing
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Market reports provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Accessed according to industry sector or country. Also available, The Virtual Trade Commissioner, your personalized gateway to the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. Make your company information available to the 500 Trade Commissioners in 140 offices abroad Receive a personalized web page; be notified of your information relating to your industry.
Country Insights
This site, prepared by the the Canadian International Development Agency, CIDA, provides free access to invaluable information on countries and cultures of the world. Information is organized by country and topic.
Euromonitor
Based in London, the website provides a directory of market analysis and business reports from around the world.
This is the export portal of the US government, the site delivers trade briefings, web casts, documentation guides and market reports.
Create your own customized market reports. A very comprehensive source of economic and business related information on most countries. Also Trade Data Online, a product to facilitate access to Canadian and US trade statistics by commodity, industry and geographical location.
Industry and Country Information
A service of the Australian government, this web site provides guides on industries and countries around the world.
Industry Research
Based in Portland, Oregon, the web site features overview reports in nine industry areas including construction, healthcare, natural resources and transportation.
A directory of over 6000 market research agencies worldwide in over 100 countries.
JETRO a non-profit organization established by the Japanese government promotes international trade by offering programs to support export and investment from Canada to Japan. Three offices and two trade advisors are located in Canada. TTPP Trade Tie-Up Promotion Program - business matching site:
Market Research.com
A web site offering over 50,000 market research publications from over 350 leading research firms in industries ranging from consumer goods to life sciences to the public sector.
This Michigan State University web site offers a wide range of information on export topics including a global directory of distributors and manufacturers, country specific web sites including Canada and Canadian company capabilities.
STAT-CAN
Statistics Canada's site provides exporters with a wide range of statistical information and quantitative data to help them with their planning and research.
By subscription only. STAT-USA/Internet is a service of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It offers daily export trade leads, and access to country commercial guides, market research reports, best market reports, U.S. import and export statistics, as well as over 75 other various reports and programs.
This guide contains major aspects of trade with the U.S., from initial market research to customs clearance to getting paid.
A global business hub of the United Kingdom Government. The resource features ministerial briefings, international market reports,tutorials and key contacts for over 200 countries.
Trade New Zealand
The web site of the New Zealand government's trade promotion agency, the resource includes export statistics, e-business information and market intelligence.
http://www.tradenz.govt.nz/page_Article/0%2C1300%2C1040%2C00.html
Prepared by the New Zealand government, the site features country briefs, city guides, export checklists, and international business primers.
Industry Canada - Strategis
A good source of customs-based international trade statistics. Business information by industrial category. Events list by sector.
An agency of the US Department of Commerce providing a wide range of statistics relating to the US.
US Business Reporter
A virtual library of business research tools, the site includes company profiles, industry forecasts, retail statistics and other commercial data from around the world.
US Census Bureau
Find statistics on countries around the world using this comprehensive list of statistical agencies on this web site which includes a list of world counterparts to Statistics Canada.
This site will connect you to trade professionals in every province who work with Canadian companies to offer export counselling and market entry support services.
Ontario Exports Inc.
Ontario Exports Inc. is the lead trade agency of the government of Ontario, It helps Ontario firms begin to export or expand markets and can assist foreign buyers to find Ontario suppliers for their purchasing requirements.
This guide contains major aspects of trade with the U.S., from initial market research to customs clearance to getting paid.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service can assist export ready companies with their key contacts search, including, importers agents, distributors, etc.
American Marketing Association (AMA)
American counterpart of CPSA, the Canadian Professional Sales Association, providing information and support on sales and marketing related topics.
The BMC is a sharegroup of Premiere Foodservice Brokers across the United States. This site is of interest to any organization that deals with Foodservice: Manufacturers, Distributors, End-Users, and Suppliers.
Provides advise, support and training on sales related topics. In house resource library available to members as well as group rates for insurance, leasing and hotels.
Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)
ERA,an international trade organization, comprised of over 700 electronics manufacturers' representative firms, acts as a worldwide conduit for manufacturers seeking professional field sales firms. Product marketing groups are: Communications (COM); Components (CM); Computer (CP); Consumer Electronics (CE); Instrumentation & Sensors (IN); Materials, Assembly & Production (MAP); RF/Microwave (RF); Sound, Audio-Visual, Electronic Security (SAVES).
Health Industry Representatives Association (HIRA)
HRA focuses on promoting the manufacturers' rep function within the health care industry. Its members are independent sales agencies located across the USA who offer manufacturers a professional, highly qualified sales force.
Justsell.com
Link to several manufacturers' trade associations.
A directory of manaufacturers' agents throughout North America and Europe.
Manufacturers Representatives of America, Inc.
A national not-for-profit trade organization founded in 1978, MRA is an industry-specific trade association of professional multiple-line sales and marketing companies representing leading manufacturers in the paper/plastic disposables, packaging and/or janitorial supplies industries.
National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA)
US association in the electrical industry promoting the use of independent manufacturers representatives as the most effective way to go to market. NEMRA serves as a resource for electrical manufacturers to access over 6,500 salespeople calling on all facets of the electrical industry.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), established in 1946 as a crown corporation, brings buyers and Canadian exporters together through contracts built on the best possible terms and conditions. They offer a range of pre-contract, contract advisory and post-contract services for both Canadian exporters and buyers outside of Canada. CCC specializes in sales to the United States Department of Defense (U.S. DoD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). They are responsible for maintaining the Canada/U.S. Defense Production Sharing Arrangement (DPSA) and the NASA Letter of Agreement.
Working in partnership with Canada's global trade officers IBOC provides a matching service - connecting foreign buyers with Canadian companies. Through the electronic leads system, named e-Leads® international business leads can be delivered from foreign buyers to the desktops of Canadian companies. Subscribe free on line by completing a profile which captures export activity preferences by products, services and priority markets. e-Leads® provides Canadian companies with up-to-date opportunities by e- mail on a subscription basis.
Canada's e-marketplace and business opportunities network. A harmonized business portal that provides business opportunities and the tools needed to conduct business on the web. The Business Opportunities section, allows you to define exactly what types of bids you would like to have matched to your profile. SourceCAN will also find you the right partner. Partnering lets you work together with other companies to compete and win more contracts, increase profits and expand your business.
Links to on-line sources of information that can tell you about export opportunities and upcoming capital projects abroad.
Virtual Trade Commissioner –Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
This site provides free access to hundreds of sectoral market studies and country-specific reports prepared by the Trade Commissioner Market Research Centre and by Canadian Trade Commissioner offices abroad. Their reports are intended to help Canadian companies, identity foreign business opportunities and learn more about their target market. When you are prepared to do business abroad, you can use their site to get in touch with the employees of our 140 offices around the world and request one of their personalized core services.
Back to Top
OTHERS
Database of searchable global business opportunities that have been identified by Australian government commercial staff in embassies and trade offices around the world.
An online hub for service providers and buyers, the site is divided into 10 categories including web design, software, administration and multimedia.
Part of the ebay auction mega-site, the resource provides online auction services in hundreds of industry categories.
Elance
An online services marketplace. The site facilitates transitions between service sellers and buyers.
Visit this web site for information on doing business with the U.S.
Fedmarket
Touting itself as a gateway for doing business with government, the site provides government bidding opportunities, business development roadmaps, and market intelligence products.
Back to Top
GovCommerce
An online business to government transaction service, the site allows government buyers to browse through vendor databases, and suppliers to access government requests for quotations and proposals.
Liquidation
Using online auctions and other services, the site allows manufacturers, retailers and wholersalers to convert surplus assets into cash.
A service of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This site is a gateway to business procurement with international financial institutions and United Nations agencies.Sales Leads Database
A service of the US International Trade Administration, the site details commercial opportunities, financing options and background reports on the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Rebuilding Iraq
Part of Washington, DC – based Export Gov website, the resource features daily fact sheets, subcontracting opportunities, and market reports on the rebuilding of Iraq.
Independent network for buyers and suppliers in Iraq. Provides links for buyers and suppliers in the re-consturction of Iraq including E-tender tools for buyers to issue RFQ's, RFP's and RFI's.
STAT-USA (United States Statistics)
By subscription only. STAT-USA/Internet is a service of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It offers daily export trade leads, and access to country commercial guides, market research reports, best market reports, U.S. import and export statistics, as well as over 75 other various reports and programs. Also linked to http://www.usatradeonline.gov/ USA Trade Online offers U.S. Foreign Trade Data on line for subscribers on a monthly and annual basis.
This is a searchable online database of trade leads and tender opportunities from companies and government organizations around the world in dozens of industries.
Team Canada
Enter under search for a Guide to export costing that will help you determine your costs and develop your pricing strategy.
Accu-Rate Foreign Exchange Corporation
Accu-Rate is a Canadian private, foreign exchange dealership and the first Canadian company to sell foreign currency on-line. Offers competitive rates on cash for 179 countries and guaranteed superior rates to those available at commercial banks.
OANDA is a leader in currency conversion, localization, decision support, transaction services, and forecasting. As a web-based Business-to-Business Applications Service Provider (ASP), OANDA services over 13,000 clients globally, offerings cover 164 currencies and are available in 7 languages.
Web based easy to use service allowing you to perform interactive foreign exchange rate calculations on the Internet, using live, up-to-the-minute currency rates.
Information on various trade financing products offered by the bank.
Business Development Bank of Canada
Click on this web site page for access to an export specialist who can help your business become export-savvy: assess global opportunities, increase your production capacity, establish international trade contacts and distribution, and conform to international regulations.
Information on various trade financing products offered by the bank.
Export Development CANADA (EDC)
Export trade and project financing; line of credit (supplier credit financing and buyer credit financing); equity investments (investment in a foreign company, project, joint venture and Canadian exporter) insurance and bonding services as well as foreign market expertise.
Online services include EXPORTCheck, EXPORTProtect, EXPORTMarketInsight, EXPORTable – to take advantage of these services visit:
http://www.edc.ca/e-products
HSBC
A very informative and well-organized site with plenty of information on various international trade financing mechanisms.
iTrade Finance Inc.
Trade, a privately owned export finance company, that provides services geared to support medium and smaller sized exporters and importers, specializes in international short term export & import trade finance on a non-recourse basis, eliminating up to 100% of the political and commercial risk. Purchase Order Confirmation (POC) program is a "confirmation" (or Guarantee) of payment under a purchase order to the exporter (seller) on behalf of the importer (buyer) and the subsequent financing of the goods (or services) purchased, thereby ensuring the seller that payment will be made and allowing the buyer to access terms which may not otherwise be available. Costs are generally shared between the importer and exporter.
IFInet provides Canadian exporters with access to information on projects financed by the International Financial Institutions (IFI) in nearly twenty sectors of activities in emerging markets and developing economies.
Offers small business financing of $1million or less and medium to large businesses $1million or more.
Information on various trade financing products offered by the bank.
Northstar Trade Finance
Financing export sales transactions of between $100,000 and $5 million with repayment terms of one to five years. Support is available in two distinctive products: Term Finance and Floor Plan Finance. Any Canadian exporter can use their facilities provided they meet the requirements for export performance coupled with a credit worthy foreign buyer insurable by EDC.
Well organized and informative on various elements of international trade, including export contracts, shipments and payment mechanisms. Also available - section on women entrepreneurs.
Information on various trade financing products offered by the bank.
TD Bank
A very informative and well-organized site with information on various trade financing mechanisms.
Team Canada Export Finance Guide
This Guide has been prepared to help Canadian entrepreneurs and SMEs to understand and access export finance. It is a complement to existing TCI publications and resources. This site focuses primarily on export-related finance. It does however introduce certain general material related to Small Business Financing, but this is limited to a high-level discussion and to identifying selected sources of comprehensive information.
Back to Top
In the business of export factoring since 1978, Accord is a member of Factors Chain International (FCI), the world's largest factoring association allowing Accord to service receivables nearly anywhere you ship. Linked by EDI to over 100 factoring companies around the world, they offer in-depth knowledge of local businesses and business practices.
Convert your foreign accounts receivable into cash with a new program developed jointly by Montcap Financial Corporation and Export Development Corporation EDC). Export Ease Plus enables qualified exporters to discount an eligible foreign receivable, turning it into immediate cash. The program combines EDC's accounts receivable insurance with Montcap's receivables management and discounting, or factoring.
CCC is a crown corporation established in 1946 to assist Canadian business selling to other countries; act as an international trade facilitator; act as prime contractor; offer a wide range of contracting services. CCC can facilitate access to commercial sources of pre-shipment financing for export sales through our Progress Payment Program (PPP) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This program, offered jointly with 19 Canadian financial institutions is designed to overcome a common difficulty for smaller exporters in arranging pre-shipment financing for their export sales.
EDC has created the Pre-Shipment Financing guarantee, in cooperation with Canadian banks, to encourage them to advance pre-shipment loans to smaller exporters. Pre-shipment financing can cover up to 75% of a loan made by the bank to cover pre-shipment costs.
Back to Top
BDC has strategic alliances with major financial organizations to serve the financial need of the small to medium sized companies. They offer working capital for exporters; innovation loans; venture loans; term loans; productivity improvement loans; foreign buyer financing; and term loan to implement e-commerce.
Export Development CANADA (EDC)
EDC offers insurance services (including accounts receivable, contract cancellation, letter of credit); coverage for contract bonds; political risk insurance.
Euler ACI
EULER & HERMES provides credit insurance, offering solutions for the management of trade receivables, from credit insurance and factoring to bonding and guarantees.
Maple trade Finance (formerly Atlantic Trade Finance Inc.) provides Canadian exporters with a means of better managing their cash flow. They purchase eligible foreign receivables and provide immediate cash.
A risk management and insurance brokerage services.
As at August 2004 - <International Trade st1:country-region>Canada cannot accept applications for the PEMD as the Department is undergoing a re-assessment of its budget priorities. Further information will be available on the InfoExport web site when this exercise is completed.>
The PEMD objective is to increase export sales of Canadian goods and services by sharing the costs of activities that companies normally could not or would not undertake alone, thereby reducing risks involved in entering a foreign market. It is comprised of four major elements: Market Development Strategies (MDS), New-to-Exporting Companies, Capital Projects Bidding and Trade Association Activities. PEMD is managed by the Export Programs Division (TCE) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and jointly administered with Industry Canada (IC), through the regional International Trade Centres.
Back to Top
AIMS is an interdepartmental initiative to encourage Canadian Agri-Food industries to increase exports by the development and implementation of market responsive strategies. National and Regional/Provincial Associations can participate.
The Agri-Food Trade Service (ATS) is an international business development service.
It provides a prominent focal point for Canadian agri-food exporters, simplified access to international market information/intelligence, trade and investment counselling and advice, and export support programs. The objective of the AFTP program is to maintain or increase sales of agriculture, food and beverage products in domestic and foreign markets.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
CMHC is a key member of Team Canada Inc. and assists companies grow their housing exports. Their international recognition works for you by being strong advocates for the Canadian housing system abroad. Guided by the industry-based Canadian Housing Export Advisory Council, they focus on assisting the Canadian housing industry to enhance its exports. CMHC organizes matchmaking, trade missions and international trade shows.
They gather foreign market intelligence, train and educate foreign buyers and harmonize building codes and standards and certification of products/systems.
Heritage Canada's Trade Routes Program
Trade Routes assists Canadian arts and cultural organizations and entrepreneurs to strategically increase their export capacity and sell in international markets. Support is available across all cultural sectors: performing arts; visual arts; film/video; broadcasting/television; music and sound recording; publishing; design; crafts; heritage restoration and preservation; and new media.
Businesswomen in Trade
Created by DFAIT to ensure that the trade promotion services offered by the Department adapt to the needs of women entrepreneurs who lead small and medium-sized enterprises.
The site provides information for businesswomen on exporting and export activities.
The Canadian Partnership Branch of CIDA promotes partnerships between organizations in Canada and developing countries to support sustainable development and reduce poverty in the developing world. The Branch provides grants and contributions to support Canadian partner organizations which are responsible for the design, planning and implementation of the development programs and projects.
Formerly called the New Exporters to Border States Program (NEBS) - The ExportUSA group of programs can assist exporters in developing or expanding their access to the U.S. market by giving them first-hand exposure to target American markets and export contacts. The programs offered by ExportUSA offices in the U.S. support the efforts of Team Canada Inc. partners to increase the number of active Canadian exporters to the United States.
ExportUSA consists of three programs:
NEBS the new exporters to border states program targets Canadian companies not yet exporting to the United States. It provides companies with vital practical orientation by introducing them to the essentials of exporting as well as by giving them first-hand exposure to markets located in U.S. border states.
and EXTUS Exporters to the United States program is a program similar to NEBS that serves Canadian companies already exporting to the U.S. border states. Formerly known as NEBS Plus, EXTUS focuses on expanding the markets of successful Canadian exporters to other regions of the United States.
Every year trade officers from Canadian Embassies around the world return to Canada to follow-up with their clients and investigate emerging business opportunities. Through Trade Outreach, they are available to meet with business groups and organizations, as well as individual export-ready firms. Contact your nearest International Trade Centre for further information.
Agriculture and Agri-food related trade events.
COEF is a partnership coordinating export development activities and services to active and potential exporters. It provides services to businesses to help them achieve success in global markets. There are four key areas of focus: export preparation services; market information and intelligence; export counselling; and international financing.
Visit this web site for information about trade missions to the U.S. and seminars on the U. S. market.
Information on various trade events, such as trade missions, conferences, seminars and trade shows.
Trade Shows and Events
Part of the Export Source web site, this resource is a directory of trade shows and international business events.
Another good site for searching North American trade shows. Includes a directory of American trade shows and a directory of American exhibit halls.
TSCentral
TSCentral provides a comprehensive resource for participants in all business and professional events, including trade shows, seminars, conferences and conventions.
TSNN
A directory of trade shows worldwide, the site is searchable by venue, suppliers, exhibitors, attendees and other variables.
US Trade Missions
A service of the US International Trade Administration, this resource is a database of trade shows, international business missions and incoming buyers initiatives in the US.
Back to Top
Industry Canada's online database with over 35,000 Canadian companies and 200,000 products and services. Register online. Extensive event lists available by industry.
Published by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, (formerly known as the Alliance of Manufacturers & Exporters Canada), this index provides detailed information on over 32,000 Canadian companies, including 30,000 manufacturers, 11,500 active exporters, 7,000 distributors of products in Canada, and 3,700 service companies for manufactured products.
this annual publication and web site gives US Exporters and service providers exposure to hundreds of countries around the world.
The Virtual Trade Commissioner
Register free on line with The Virtual Trade Commissioner, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)'s computerized database of Canadian Exporters.. Your company information will be made available to the 500 DFAIT Trade Commissioners in 140 offices abroad. Receive a personalized Web page containing market information and business leads that match your international business interests. For more information contact:
This site is useful for US consumer trends, marketing tools and future market analysis.
A online business directory available in 25 languages (including: English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Slovak, Ukrainian) and also delivered annually to 550,000 senior purchasing managers in Europe's top companies in 35 selected countries. Search by company name, profile, product or service, or browse by industry category.
This directory web site provides details of over 120,000 industrial companies and over 500,000 industrial product listings within Canada and the United States. Search by product listing or by company name. Also identifies companies importing and exporting.
This site offers vital information for Canadians planning to travel in North America and abroad. Resources include travel updates by country, current issues, country profiles, publications, maps, prohibitions, safety and travel tips plus emergency contact numbers for consular assistance.
Provides information on the following programs: NEXUS simplifying travel and CANPASS for
frequent travellers using commercial airlines, corporate aircraft, private aircraft and personal
Canadian government Passport application forms on line.
A for profit service, specializing in NAFTA agreements. Contact:
Wayne McMichael
70 Ashbury Cres., Sarnia ON N7/s 4L6
mcmimmcs@mnsi.net
Tel: 1-519-542-9159 Fax: 1-519-542-9630
A searchable database of US Customs & Border Protection Rulings. Search by keyword, or click on "Downloadable rulings" to view rulings for a particular year. Also provides links to other useful information such as customs bulletins, the Customs Valuation Encyclopedia
and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
The CAED is a Windows-based software application designed to offer flexibility and convenience, to streamline the export reporting process and to reduce the export reporting problems of under coverage, duplication and paper burden. This program gives registered exporters and agents the opportunity to report goods electronically to the Federal Government of Canada instead of the current paper based reporting method.
This site will help you to understand the reporting requirements in order to meet your obligations under the Customs Act. Follow the links for information on the following programs: NEXUS simplifying travel, CANPASS for frequent travellers using commercial airlines, corporate aircraft, private aircraft and personal watercraft and FAST.
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program a joint Canada-U.S. initiative and supports moving pre-approved eligible goods across the border quickly and verifying trade compliance away from the border.
"A Handy Customs Guide for Exporters" is available at:
The ATA Carnet is an international, unified customs document, a merchandise passport, which under a series of Customs Conventions, simplifies customs procedures for the temporary duty free admission of three main categories of goods traded internationally: commercial samples; goods for presentation or use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions or similar events and professional equipment. It can be used for unlimited entries and exits from foreign countries and Canada for up to one year. For more information visit the The Canadian Chamber of Commerce web site indicated above.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
Summary table for permits is available at:
The Harmonized System is a commodity classification system in which articles are grouped largely according to the nature of the materials of which they are made, as has been traditional in customs nomenclatures. The basic system uses a 6-digit number to identify basic commodities. Follow the links for more information.
NAFTA
Provides information on various NAFTA topics, among others Rule of Origin, Advance Rulings, Certificate of Origin. Also offers detailed information relating to the cross border-movement of business persons.
FreightGate
This site connects shippers, third-party logistics providers and carriers from around the world online.
A free service that enables companies to find competitive shipping rates by posting their requirements and interested shipping companies are notified and given the opportunity to bid on the business.
Back to Top
Incoterms 2000
The International Chamber of Commerce developed International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) to standardize the terms for both buyers and vendors. Incoterms serve as the rules defining both the rights and obligations of the parties involved in an international trade transaction. There are 13 basic terms used in international sales contracts.
PBB
Incoterms guide available in PDF format.
Check this Canada Business Service Centre Network member's site for the most commonly used incoterms.
WEB SITES, MAGAZINES AND LINE PUBLICATIONS FOR GLOBAL TRADE
A marketplace for global trade and a provider of on line marketing services for importers and exporter's. It offers four inter-linked websites (one English, two Chinese and one Japanese) allowing users to browse company information and trade leads by 27 industry categories and 1300 product sub-categories, ranging from textiles to electronics.
This site is useful for US consumer trends, marketing tools, future market analysis.
The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada web site for agricultural, fish and seafood export information. Provides some leads and a calendar of events.
Free online magazine for small business in Canada.
List of publications of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
A leading business portal dedicated to countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Offers information on market research, trade leads, country profiles, academic research, statistics, news, weather, cultural backgrounds, travel information, and business tips.
Executive Planet
A site that provides information on business culture and etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business in 43 countries. Guides are co-authored by experts in international business etiquette, who also answer questions via a discussion board.
A magazine by the Export Development Corporation providing interesting articles on international trade and investment financing and insurance.
A comprehensive, searchable database of more than 7000 links to international trade / import-export web sites.
Free business publications and subscriptions to readers in over a dozen industries and sectors.
A portal to thousands of newspapers worldwide. Search by keyword or by category (USA, International, Top 10, Business, etc.). You can also search college newspapers, weather reports and others.
Detailed information on thousands of products and suppliers from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong (and worldwide). Provides insights into suppliers' latest product innovations and production capabilities as well as listings of Asian tradeshows.
The following web page of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council contains information on import requirements for China, the U.S., the EU, Japan, and Australia. The site also links to Customs Department sites for the various countries.
An important publication for doing business in the Middle East. Provides up to date tendor and contract information by country, news and analysis by industry sector, economic data, and a listing of MEED conferences. Available in printed version and on line for a subscription
fee.
PIERS Global Intelligence
PIERS maintains a comprehensive database of import and export information on cargoes moving through all U. S. ports as well as strategic points of entry in Latin America and Asia. Free newsletter and market tips. Subscription required for specific PIERS' products.
Profit Magazine
News about foreign markets, changing regulations and new global opportunities. Learn tips from successful exporters and about programs designed to maximize your foreign trade. Links to export associations, government and exporting resource sites.
Publist.com
Directory of over 150,000 magazines, journals and newsletters, and periodicals. Find free in-depth information on familiar and hard-to-find publications from around the world.
Tradepub
The site offers free business magazine subscriptions to qualifying business people in over 20 industries.
Worldwise
Developed by Idiom Technologies, the site delivers information and tools for electronic publishing, website deployment and global software engineering.
Canada's leader in online and distance learning offering programs, at the masters, bachelors, diploma and certificate levels. Courses available in e-commerce, languages, marketing, small business and political economy.
Export Basics
A service of Atlanta-based Globalspeak, the site provides a free four-hour web seminar on the basics of exporting.
FITT,Canada's centre for international trade training, is a national, non profit, professional organization, founded by industry and government to develop and deliver international trade training programs and services, establish country-wide standards and certification and ensure continuing professional development. FITT programs are delivered across Canada through community colleges, universities and private organizations and on-line. FITT is the only organization in Canada to accredit a professional designation to international trade practitioners, the C.I.T.P. (Certified International Trade Professional).
A service of Industry Canada, the site is a web-based guide to preparing an export-focused business plan for a new or existing business.
Based in Washington DC, the site provides learning models and lesson plans on international trade and globalization for university students.
Based in Calgary, this site is a directory of online courses, accredited online degrees, continuing education and online training and education. Features links to mainly American universities.
AAEI is the national voice of the US international trade community. It promotes an open trade policy and speaks to international trade, supply chain and customs and border protection issues covering the expanse of legal, technical and policy-driven concerns.
APMA is Canada's national association representing OEM producers of parts, equipment, tools, supplies and services for the worldwide automotive industry. The Association creates and executes global marketing initiatives in order to develop international trade and business opportunities for its members.
I.E. Canada offers guidance to companies that are in the process of establishing an import/export business. Provides yjr Importing into Canada guide, a useful resource for companies that are considering starting an importing business and provides an understanding of the basic concepts of international trade. Also helps members to navigate the maze of international trade policies and regulations.
Camese is a national, sectoral export trade association. It exists to support Canadian mining suppliers in global marketing and to assist foreign buyers in finding Canadian sources for mining equipment and services.
This site offers information on the ATA Carnet, an international, unified customs document, which under a series of Customs Conventions, simplifies customs procedures for the temporary duty free admission of the following categories of goods traded internationally:
commercial samples; goods for presentation or use at trade exhibitions and professional equipment. The carnet is a merchandise passport that facilitates travel with goods, into foreign countries, making travelling abroad easy and hassle-free and can be used for unlimited entries and exits from foreign countries and Canada for up to one year.
The leading private sector association of Canadian companies doing business in India. Offers programs to promote and enhance commercial relations between Canada and
Indian companies.
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME-MEC)
Formerly known as the Alliance of Manufactures and Exporters Canada, the CME is Canada's leading business network, provides advocacy to government at all levels; delivers timely, relevant information, programs and support; provides opportunities for education, learning and professional growth; promotes the development and implementation of advanced technology. Includes Exporters Resources and International Business sections.
and links to 7,000 international trade related Web sites.
Housewares Export Council of North America
Provides export assistance for hardware and houseware manufacturers and is dedicated to helping its membership market and sell their products internationally by sharing information, providing networking opportunities, and offering programs to assist, support and educate.
ICC rules on arbitration, Incoterms, and the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, used by banks all over the world. ICC voluntary codes cover marketing and advertising, the suppression of extortion and bribery, and sound environmental management practices.
Provides contact information on various manufacturers and services associations and chambers of commerce in Ontario.
Retail Council of Canada
Canada's association for retailers. It provides newsletters on domestic and international retail sales trends and offers preferred rates for merchant credit cards (US and Canadian). This association also offers current data on ecommerce.
The Toronto Board of Trade's World Trade Centre is a gateway to international business services and opportunities available both locally and abroad. Includes links to other Canadian World Trade Centres.
A non-profit membership association specializing in anti-bribery due diligence reviews and compliance training for international commercial intermediaries (sales agents, representatives, consultants, distributors, and suppliers). Members are "pre-vetted" partners for multinational corporations seeking to do business with intermediaries who share their commitment to transparent and ethical business practices.
A non-profit professional organization designed to promote women doing business in international trade by providing networking and educational opportunities. Members include women and men doing business in all facets of international trade including finance, public relations, government, freight forwarding, international law, agriculture, sales and marketing, import/export, logistics, and transportation.
A link to the Chambers of Commerce of York Region's nine municpalities.
OTHER RESOURCES
Provides export opportunities and programs for small and midsize companies interested in expanding into the global marketplace through trade missions, global video conferencing, consulting serices and foreign market research. Out of state companies are eligible for IBC Services according to availalbility.
A well-arranged site with links addressing various international business subjects.
The IBRC has garnered dozens of awards for the resources and help it offers through its web site. Particular emphasis is placed on the emerging role of the Internet in developing international business opportunities for firms located in the heartland of the United States. A useful and well-arranged list of sites dealing with a wide range of international business topics.
Look up international phone numbers by clicking on a section of the world map and then typing in the name of the business and city.
|
Print 
