Doing Business in Canada
December 10, 2007
So, you’re from Canada eh?Many American print buyers are excited when they discover the unique capabilities of Hemlock Printers, especially when they see the stunning quality of our work. But what about the logistics of working across the border? Are there tariffs on Canadian printed goods? Will there be hassles with customs? What about the dollar exchange? As such a large part of Hemlock’s business comes from our U.S. clients, we have taken many steps to ensure that the services we offer are as seamless as they would be when working with a printer in your local area.
Will my job get held up at the border?
No. Hemlock Printers holds a Certificate of Origin and Customs Bond with the U.S. Customs services — documents that register Hemlock as an exporter of printed goods to the United States. This designation alerts customs officials to expedite all ground shipments to our US customers.
Hemlock has been certified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) certified importer into the U.S. and FAST (Free and Secure Trade) approved highway carrier, ensuring swift and reliable export of printed goods from Canada.
Being a FAST approved carrier and C-TPAT importer into the U.S. means our trucks will not experience waiting in border line-ups. There are dedicated lanes for greater speed and efficiency in the clearance of FAST shipments. Our customers are guaranteed that they will be provided with the highest level of security of their products in our facility or in transit.
FAST (Free and Secure trade)
The FAST program is designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of both Canada and the U.S. This will promote free and secure trade by using common risk management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership and advanced technology.
Being a FAST approved Highway Carrier, customers are guaranteed that they will be provided with the highest level of security, while promoting a policy of no tolerance for terrorism.
C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
In June 2005 Hemlock Printers was certified as a C-TPAT importer into the U.S. C-TPAT is a collaboration between the government and business designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security.
C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.
C-TPAT offers trade-related businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP will offer benefits to certain certified C-TPAT member categories, including:
- To encourage A reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times)
- Priority processing for CBP inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)
It’s easy to send job materials such as disks, film or proofs to Hemlock, too. To ensure trouble-free delivery, on international air waybills, always include complete corporate identification, the country of origin, a description of the contents and nominal value. For questions or immediate assistance with your delivery, call your Hemlock customer service representative.
Are there tariffs on Canadian printed products?
No. All duties on printed goods going both ways between Canada and the United States were eliminated with the signing of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, which was reinforced more recently by the North American Free Trade Agreement. Also, all applicable documentation and brokerage fees are included in our printing quotations.
Do I pay the Goods and Services Tax?
No. Canadian products that are exported are exempt from taxes.
What about the dollar?
The buck stops here! At Hemlock you don’t need to worry about the current exchange rate or a rising or falling dollar. All our prices are quoted in US funds, and are guaranteed against currency fluctuations for the full term of the quotation.
Is Canada competitive?
Hemlock’s prices are competitive with other quality printers in most North American markets. This is especially true in the US, since the American dollar has been very strong against the Canadian in recent years. That means you get the quality and service of a premium printing house for much less than a premium rate.
How do shipping costs affect pricing?
Delivery costs, particularly to the western states, do not comprise a significant percentage of most orders. But you can judge for yourself, as Hemlock normally quotes with freight all-inclusive to the destination of your choice.
Can I get the same paper stock in Canada as in the United States?
Yes. Most North American grades are inventoried by our regional merchants, and Hemlock has access to all paper mills on and off the continent. If a particular sheet is not available on short notice, we can supply a full equivalent.
Printed in Canada?
Regulations that once required all printed items originating in Canada to carry the inscription "Printed in Canada" have been relaxed under NAFTA. Now only products that will be resold (such as postcards or books) or products packaged with goods for sale (such as instruction manuals) must bear this designation in small type. For everything else, Hemlock conforms with US Customs marking requirements.
For specific advice on the marketing requirements for your project consult your Hemlock sales representative.
Do I need a passport to enter Canada?
US citizens flying into Canada are required by Canada Customer to show a valid US passport. US citizens passing driving into Canada are required to show proof of citizenship — usually a birth certificate, passport, or green card, but will need a valid passport as of 2009.
Persons entering Canada from the US who are not US citizens must bring their passport, and may also be required to produce an entry visa.
How’s the weather up there?
Our favourite question! No matter what your mother told you, the belt doesn’t start at the 49th parallel. Most of Canada is temperate for three seasons of the year (though a Texan in Tuktoyaktuk will likely find the autumn air a bit nippy).
More to the point, here in Vancouver we have the best year-round climate of any major city in Canada. Favoured by balmy Pacific breezes, Vancouver enjoys mild summers and rarely gets snow in the winter. We even like to brag a bit about our weather, which drives the rest of the country crazy. So: if you come for a press check in winter, do bring an umbrella, and even your skis (there is snow on the mountains); but bring your golf clubs too, and leave the parka and muckluks at home.
We’re speaking the same language.
Unless you’re a collector of quirky Canadiana, you needn’t worry about learning a different lingo when you’re talking to the folks at Hemlock. Yes, Canada is officially bilingual, but French is spoken mostly about 2,500 miles east of here. Yes, we’re officially metric, but the Canadian printing industry just never bothered to go along for the ride. Inches are fine with us.
And yes, we do spell colour the old British way, and we do say "Zed" when you say "Zee". But when it comes down to the fine points of quality printing, you won’t need an interpreter at Hemlock. In fact, the idea of fidelity in communication is right at the core of our corporate slogan: "Integrity in Colour".
Partners and friends.
When you choose Hemlock as a Canadian firm you join one of the World’s most successful business partnerships. Canada is the United States’ largest trading partner. US exports to Canada are more than double those to second-place Japan, and Americans buy more goods from Canada than from anyone else. Canadian firms that sell their services south of the border are known for their quality and innovation, and for their competitiveness and integrity — just like the best firms in the US.
The trust that’s developed between the business communities in our two nations is rooted in a long history of political cooperation and shared values. The success of that relationship is symbolized by another thing we share: the world’s longest undefended border. With this rich tradition to draw upon, doing business in Canada becomes a lot less like navigating into foreign waters, and a lot more like coming home to a friend.
Hemlock invites you to beautiful Vancouver.
As Canada’s gateway to the Pacific Rim, Vancouver is a unique combination of beautiful scenery and sophisticated international centre. Vancouver’s lush parks and miles of sandy beaches are framed by the majestic Coast Mountains, and the region is home to some of the finest sailing, salmon fishing, and skiing in the world. Whistler-Blackcombe, rated the #1 ski resort in North America, is a short drive north of the city.
The city’s cultural and ethnic diversity offers a wide variety of exciting shopping opportunities from high fashion boutiques to Granville Island Public Market, from Native Westcoast Indian art galleries to Chinatown. Vancouver restaurants feature fresh local produce and seafood, plus authentic cuisine from all over the globe. Throughout the year, the city is alive with music, theatre, professional sports and festivals.
Average temperatures in Vancouver range from a low of 35 degrees in January to a high of 70 in July. The summer months are usually warm and dry, while annual rainfall of 57 inches translates into winter snow on the nearby mountains.