fazal_81 said:
Dear Fellow members,
I dont know if this is a right thread to answer my question or not. Just had a query. I am a Pakistani national and currently residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on a Resident Permit. I have some queries. I want to apply for a trading license to export food items, leather products and textiles to Canada. I am already having a trading license here in Saudi Arabia under a Bahraini national and I am running a business of leather products. Now I wanted to expand it as I already applied for Canadian Immigration under FSW program in 2011. My case is pending review and also my elder brother and his family are Permanent Residents of Canada. That's why I want to gather information on applying for a trading license of Canada for export. Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Regards.
Fazal.
Hi
Few points :
1) You do not need a trading license per se to sell products in Canada. From a liability perspective however it is recommended that you incorporate a limited liability company.
2) If you intend to sell any products or services in Canada, it is recommended that you get appropriate liability insurance for your business. A licensed insurance broker will be able to assist you with the right coverages.
3) Unfortunately only Canadian Citizens & permanent residents can own a business in Canada 100%. As such if you wish to incorporate you may need a Canadian with status as a partner. (usually at least 25% equity), until your own status is resolved.
4) The goods that you are looking to import into Canada are controlled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Depending on the products you may require special import permits. If not there may be special import requirements that you have to meet, especially for the leather goods & food.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/eng/1297964599443/1297965645317
You can also call them. I have found them to be very helpful. Also check out this link for rates requirements etc:
http://inspection.gc.ca/plants/imports/airs/eng/1300127512994/1300127627409
5) Once in Canada, especially with food, there may be special requirements for handling, and storage of food products. In order to figure this out you will have to contact the municipal (and possible provincial authorities) for information on permits and requirements. For the leather and textile items there are not likely to be any requirements.
Good Luck
