There are important opportunities for Ontario companies in export markets. The dismantling of trade barriers means that Ontario firms are better able to participate in the global marketplace. Successful Ontario exporters have demonstrated that innovation, creativity, pricing, quality of service and targeted marketing are among the critical factors providing a competitive edge.

In this section, you will find information about possible first steps to expanding into export markets - including some first-step export opportunities, and information about exporting to Canada's NAFTA partners, the U.S. and Mexico.

Exporting offers numerous benefits for Ontario's small and medium-sized companies, but not all businesses are positioned to compete for international opportunities. The information links below let you tap into the guidance of many experts on a variety of export-related topics and can help you determine whether your firm should consider looking beyond the domestic market for new sales growth opportunities.

The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), the information gateway for Ontario business to access federal and provincial programs and services for business, provides answers to business start-up, business growth and exporting questions.

The Interactive Business Planner (IBP) is a software program that uses the Internet to assist you in preparing a three-year business plan for a new or existing business. The IBP has eleven sections and each section has several topics. Through this series of sections and topics, the IBP will walk you through what you should include in your business plan.

There are various regulations that apply to exporting Canadian goods to other regions of the world. The Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) publication Exporting Goods from Canada provides an overview of the rules involved in exporting a product.

• Reporting Requirements
• A Handy Customs Guide for Exporters
• Documentation Requirements for Exporters

All Canadian individuals and most businesses exporting on a commercial basis must obtain a Business Number (BN) in order to account for their goods. The BN is a reference numbering system designed to help businesses reduce costs and increase competitiveness. Not all businesses require a Business Number (BN), so it is important that you review the information for each type of account before registering. You only need a BN if you require any one of the following business accounts:

• GST/HST
• Payroll
• Corporate income tax
• Import/Export
• Other

For further information, visit Canada Revenue Agency's website or contact your nearest Canada Revenue Agency Business Window Office.

The Border Information Service (BIS) is a computerized, 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers all incoming calls and provides general border services information. You can use a touch-tone telephone to hear recorded information.

Using Form B13A, Export Declaration, exporters must report commercial shipments valued at $2,000 or more that are shipped to a foreign country other than the United States, as well as any goods being shipped through the United States to another country. Exporters must also submit a permit or certificate when shipping controlled, regulated or prohibited goods (see the following information on Exports of Prohibited and Controlled Goods below). For further information on reporting of exports, contact your nearest Canada Revenue Agency Trade Administration Services Office, or visit Statistics Canada's Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) website. Exporters shipping to a foreign country other than the United States who do not use CAED must report their exports by completing the B13A Export Declaration form.

Some government departments prohibit certain goods from entering or leaving Canada. Certain other goods are controlled, meaning that permits, certificates, labelling or authorizations from a federal department are needed before Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will release the goods. Exporters must submit a permit or certificate when shipping controlled, regulated or prohibited goods. For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website to download and consult a partial list of the "D" series of Customs Memorandums.

Export Permits are required when the export destination is a country on the Area Control List or when the goods are on the Export Control List. The Export and Import Controls Bureau (EICB) of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) provides assistance to exporters in determining if export permits are required, and publishes brochures and Notices to Exporters that are available free on request. For further information on Export Permits, contact the Bureau at +1-613-996-2387 or visit the EICB website.