Your Import Business: Bringing Commercial Goods into Canada

So You Want to Import: Where do You Begin?

To begin importing goods into Canada, you’ll need to add an import/export number to your regular business number. Please visit our Legal Requirements—Starting section for information on how to open a business in B.C. and how to add an import/export number.

You might also be required to obtain permits or licenses, or follow specific government regulations, to import certain products. See Canada Border Services Agency’s “Step by Step Guide for Importing” to determine what regulations you need to be aware of.

Planning to Import

Just like any other business, your importing business will require a comprehensive plan, which will not differ significantly from a plan for a business buying and selling domestically. For information on writing a business plan, visit our Business Planning—Starting section.

Assessing Your Market

Market research is an essential step in developing your business strategy. You’ll need to know who your buyers are, and what their buying preferences are, in order to determine the best sales and marketing strategies. Visit our Market Research—Starting section for more information.

Finding Suppliers

Once you know what products you want to import, you’ll need to find suppliers. You can find suppliers by:

• Searching online. Use Google, Kompass, or Alibaba.
• Searching manufacturer directories. We have a number of directories of international manufacturers in the Small Business BC library that you can refer to.
• Contacting industry associations. Find industry associations in Canada and abroad that represent the goods you wish to import. These associations will often publish a list of their member companies that you can contact. 
• Contacting foreign trade offices. Foreign trade representatives are located in Canada to promote their country's goods and services, and to encourage trade between the two countries. The best way to find these trade offices is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country that you want to buy from.
• Attend tradeshows. For a list of tradeshows, refer to biztradeshows.com.

Negotiating With Suppliers

Once you have chosen a potential supplier, research the company's background thoroughly to ensure it has a sound reputation. Trust is a major aspect of an importing relationship as your business will depend upon the supplier providing the goods you need. You should ask for references and contact each one to see what their experience has been with the supplier. At this stage, a face-to-face meeting with a potential supplier is usually required.

After you have made contact with suppliers, you can request a price list, catalogues, and samples. If the samples are acceptable, you can test them in the market. Be persistent when negotiating for free samples.