Overcoming IT Equipment Trade Barriers When Importing into Canada
Canada’s trade barriers have been challenging many IT equipment importers due to its overly restrictive technical and import licensing requirements.
This guideline discusses how you can navigate complex requirements when importing into the country and how an experienced IOR like Blackthorne can help.
Understanding Canada’s IT Trade Barriers
Canada’s import restrictions impact profitability, market entry and compliance when importing IT equipment. These include:
Data Management Control
Various data protection and privacy regulations determine where and how you should store, transfer, and disclose sensitive data.
You must ensure your equipment complies with the following regulations:
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents (PIPEDA) for cross-border information transfer and federally regulated organisations.
- Provincial Privacy Laws
- Industry-specific regulations
Seasonal Import Sanctions
Canada imposes sanctions against countries or entities directly involved or associated with IT supplies violating human rights or threatening national security.
An example is the sanction against entities supplying equipment and aviation fuel to Myanmar’s military in October, 2024.
IT equipment Technical Restrictions
Canada requires imported software and technology to comply with product safety measures and specific technical standards. You must ensure:
- Your equipment is tested and approved for sale and use by the Canadian Standards Association
- Electronic devices capable of producing electromagnetic interference complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Regulation (ISED)
- Licensing for controlled equipment such as encryption technologies based on the import control and import permits list.
Import with an IOR
Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT
Ensuring Compliance with an Importer of Record
Why let trade barriers limit you when you can leave it all to an IOR. Here’s what an IOR can handle:
- Entity representation: A locally registered IOR can handle all the global supply chain processes on your behalf.
- Import and export licensing: A technology IOR such as Blackthorne conducts technical and regulatory evaluation to obtain all required licences and permits.
- Compliance management and support: An IOR will manage your certifications and records to ensure they are up-to-date. Plus, you’ll receive support for your equipment for quality compliance.
Expand into Canada with Blackthorne
Are you looking for an experienced technology IOR to ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant importation into Canada?
We are happy to hear from you and lift the burden off your shoulders.
