DFAIT – Order Amending the Automatic Firearms Country Control List

(CIFFA eBulletin)

This amendment seeks to expand the Automatic Firearms Country Control List (AFCCL) to include Albania and Croatia, the only North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries not currently listed. Currently there are 31 countries listed on the AFCCL. Full details published in the Canada Gazette are available here.  

DFAIT Handbook of Export and Import Commodity Codes

(CIFFA eBulletin)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada posted an updated list of export and import commodity codes changes since 2010. The update can be downloaded here.

Medical Devices Reimbursement Workshops – Winnipeg & Edmonton, Sept 20-23

(FAITC)

Date: September 20-23, 2010
Location: Winnipeg and Edmonton, Canada

Contact: Cynthia Stevenson, Trade Commissioner (Health Industries), Canadian Embassy, Washington, D.C. cynthia.stevenson@international.gc.ca

One-day workshops in Winnipeg and Edmonton for medical device companies on developing a market strategy that integrates reimbursement, the FDA regulatory process, securing investment/VC partners, and successful commercialization through appropriate business partners and distribution channels.

FDA Pre-Market Approval Workshops – Toronto & Montreal, Sept.21-23

(FAITC)

Date: September 21 to 23, 2010
Location: Toronto and Montreal, Canada

Contact: Cynthia Stevenson, Trade Commissioner (Health Industries), Canadian Embassy, Washington, D.C. cynthia.stevenson@international.gc.ca

Two specialists from the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health will present day-long workshops to Canadian manufacturers of medical devices and technologies and supporting institutional stakeholders that are approaching completion of product development with intent to export to the U.S. in the near term. The workshops address in-depth the requirements for Pre-Market Notification (510(k)) and Pre-Market Approval (PMA) procedures for the importation of medical devices and technologies into the U.S.

NAFTA Chemical Case Goes Canada’s Way

(Embassy – Luke Eric Peterson)

Victory for Foreign Affairs over Chemtura may scare Dow off

The lawyers at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade are not bragging about it – at least not to date – but they’ve just won an impressive victory in an $80 million-plus NAFTA lawsuit. Earlier this month, a panel of three arbitrators dismissed claims filed by the U.S. chemical company Chemtura under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Chemtura had sought to hold Canada liable for financial losses related to the government’s phase-out of lindane, a hazardous agricultural chemical. However, the company failed to persuade arbitrators that government regulators acted without regard for scientific evidence or due process. In addition to kicking Chemtura’s claim to the curb, arbitrators also ordered the company to reimburse Canada for $3 million in legal costs and expenses.

While the feds will still be out of pocket for time devoted to defending the NAFTA lawsuit, the outcome is about as good as a government could hope for.

In fact, the victory could signal a set-back for another NAFTA claim which has been looming in the shadows. In early 2009, a subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Company set in motion a similar NAFTA Chapter 11 claim. As was first revealed in these pages, Dow wants Canadian taxpayers to compensate them for losses arising out of provincial bans on cosmetic lawn pesticides. Read more here.

Nordic Telecom Summit – Stockholm, September 28-29, 2010

(DFAIT)

The Nordic Telecom Summit, the leading event of its kind in the region, will feature the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry as well as new business models for growth and profitability, successful partnering strategies and innovative approaches in telecoms.

Event website: http://www.nordictelecomsummit.com/

Contact: Euan Scott, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in Sweden, tel.: (011-46-8) 453-3000, stkhm-commerce@international.gc.ca

Greenbuild – Chicago, November 17-19, 2010

(DFAIT)

Greenbuild is the largest conference and expo dedicated to green building in North America. Thousands of international building professionals will come for the latest innovative green technologies, products and services, educational sessions, green building tours, seminars and networking events. Event website: http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/Home.aspx

Contact: The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in Chicago, tel.: 312-616-1860,chcgo-td@international.gc.ca

CE Certification Workshops – EU Medical Devices Market, September

(DFAIT)

The Trade Commissioner Service invites you to participate in upcoming workshop: ‘How to successfully gain access to the EU market’ – CE-Certification for Medical Devices, in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver.

The seminar covers critical information such as:
• Overall description of the European “Global Approach”
• Description of the different conformity assessment procedures (Modular System)
• Special Requirements of Medical Devices Directive
• Outsourcing of processes; subcontracting, OEM/Private labelling

These workshops are designed to provide Medical Device companies with an overview of the EU regulatory system. Manuela Ahlers, an expert with TÜV NORD CERT GmbH has been invited to give you the know-how to systematically seek regulatory approval for your medical devices. Ms. Ahlers expertise will prepare you for exporting your product to the EU market. This will be an interactive full day workshop where breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be served.

One-on-one consultations will be made available. The Trade Commissioner responsible for the Medical Devices sector in Germany, Monika de Villiers (Monika.devilliers@internatinal.gc.ca) will also be available to answer your questions regarding the European market.

The workshop in Toronto will take place on September 8, 2010 – for more information please contact: anona.lukawiecki-vydelingum@international.gc.ca or Diane Cote (MEDEC) dcote@medec-aits.org, Gilles Chatelain, (EDT) Ontario Ministry of International Trade and Investment, Gilles.Chatelain@ontario.ca.

The workshop in Montréal will take place on September 10, 2010 – for more information please contact: Heloise.Cote@international.gc.ca

The workshop in Vancouver will take place on September 13, 2010 – for more information please contact: Wendy.Trusler@international.gc.ca

Canadian Government Undertaking Industry Consultations on Cryptography Export Permit Process

(Mondaq – John Boscariol, McCarthy Tétrault)

The Export Controls Division of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (ECD) has launched another consultation with industry regarding the control of encryption goods and technology for export or transfer from Canada. This comes on the heels of earlier consultations on the mass market exemption launched in March of this year and further described at Canadian Government Launches Consultations on Encryption Controls (March 2010).

Canada, as a Participating State of the Wassenaar Arrangement, controls cryptography under Category 5, Group 1 of its Export Control List. The threshold for control is relatively low — e.g., cryptography having a symmetric algorithm employing a key length exceeding 56 bits. Those seeking to export or transfer from Canada covered goods, software and related technology employing cryptography must apply for and obtain a permit for destinations other than the United States. Read more here.

Canada Set to Enhance Export Permit Restrictions on Goods and Technology Potentially Useful in the Proliferation of Weapons

(Mondaq – Cliff Sosnow et al., Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP)

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) published a proposed amendment to the Export Control List (ECL) in the Canada Gazette Part I on June 19, 2010. The proposed amendment is intended to clarify the scope of item 5505 – Goods and Technology for Certain Uses. This “catch-all” provision was first included on the ECL in 2002, in response to Canada’s international commitment to non-proliferation. It covers goods and technology not included elsewhere on the ECL that are intended for use in chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. Read more here.

Order Amending the Export Control List

(CIFFA eBulletin)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) seeks to amend the Export Control List (ECL), specifically item 5505 Goods and Technology for Certain Uses. Full details can be accessed through the Canada Gazette.

DFAIT Handbook of Export and Import Commodity Codes – 2010

(CIFFA eBulletin)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has published the handbook of export and import commodity codes for 2010. A list of chapters with changes since 2009 is included. To download the document click here.

DFAIT Consultations on NAFTA Regulatory Cooperation

(DFAIT)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) is requesting input on areas for increased cooperation amongst Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to reduce “significant regulatory-based differences” that hamper Canadian competitiveness. A copy of the Notice published in the Canada Gazette is available here.

Interested parties have until May 26, 2010 to file submissions with DFAIT identifying opportunities to reduce significant barriers in a range of areas including: standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures for industrial and agricultural products, as well as sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

Van Loan Says Canada Wins Gold with Global Business Leaders

(DFAIT)

More than Olympic athletes will be returning home from Vancouver on Monday with a first-place impression of Canada, said Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, at the conclusion of the Global Business Leaders Initiative.

“The 2010 Olympic Winter Games showed the world that Canada provides great competitive advantages to those seeking to do business,” said Van Loan. “International investors saw that The Economist was right to declare Canada the best place to invest in the years ahead. Our banking system has been ranked the most stable in the world, we have a highly educated workforce, we enjoy a high quality of life and we are on track to lead the G7 in economic growth in 2011. Canada is a first-rate destination for investment.”

The Global Business Leaders Initiative was a two-week investor outreach program led by Van Loan during the Olympics. It included a series of business round tables, as well as one-on-one meetings between Van Loan and global business leaders. The initiative attracted international media attention, successfully highlighting Canada’s commercial strengths and investment advantages to the world.

For additional information on Canada’s many investment and business advantages, please visit here.

2009/10 Domestic and Export Controls Seminars

(DFAIT)

The Export Controls Division of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, in cooperation with the Controlled Goods Directorate of Public Works and Governments Services Canada, is organizing a series of Domestic and Export Controls Seminars in the following cities:

• Montreal – December 8, 2009 • Quebec – December 10, 2009 • Halifax – January 27, 2010 • Calgary – February 23, 2010 • Vancouver – March 24, 2010

These seminars will review the responsibilities of Canadian industry in safeguarding military, strategic, and sensitive commercial goods and technology. Our presentation will cover the following issues: International security and trade; Understanding the Export Control List; Applying for an export permit using Export Controls Online (EXCOL); Understanding the application review process; and Common errors made by exporters.

If your company is active in any of the following sectors, you should consider participation: defence, security, nuclear, aerospace and space, information and communication technology, and chemical or biological technology. The seminars will be aimed at individuals in the following roles: Customs or export process specialists; International marketing managers; Compliance officers; Legal officers; and Designated Officers.

There will be an opportunity to meet with officials for a 15-minute one-to-one meeting after the session (3:00–5:00 p.m.). If you are interested, please make sure you indicate this on your registration form provided on our website. You may fax or email your registration. For further information, please contact the Export Controls Division at tie.reception@international.gc.ca

Canada Increases Its Southeast Asia Presence

(Minister of Foreign Affairs)

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today [Thursday] announced that Canada is taking steps to increase its commercial and political presence in Southeast Asia by creating Canada’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Network. The Ministers made the announcement while attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Singapore.

“We are strengthening our presence in Southeast Asia with the right people, and doing the right things to get tangible results for Canadians,” said Minister Cannon. “The ASEAN Network reinforces Canada’s strong commitment to the promotion and protection of Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. With respect to Burma, Canada is strengthening its advocacy on human rights; we look forward to closer cooperation in the region.”

Canada’s ASEAN Network will involve experts working on trade and investment, human rights, security, health, natural disasters and other bilateral and multilateral issues in the region.

“The ASEAN Network will further Canadian interests in the region and help identify new business opportunities for Canadian companies,” said Minister Day. “Additional experts in Canada’s missions in Southeast Asia will promote Canada as an investment destination of choice. Canada has a lot to offer, including a sound banking system, a stable business environment, the lowest corporate taxes in the G7 by 2012, and a dynamic, talented, highly qualified workforce.” […]

For more information about the Ministers’ participation at the APEC meeting, please visit APEC 2009 here.

Minister Cannon Announces New Canadian Mission in Qatar

(Minister of Foreign Affairs)

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced Canada’s intention to open a new embassy in Doha, Qatar, to further expand Canada-Qatar political and trade relations and to advance a common agenda in the broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) region.

“Qatar is a fast-growing economy with a stable fiscal framework,” said Minister Cannon. “Canada and Qatar share a commitment to development, human rights, democracy and security.”

As a member of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qatar is a priority market under the Government of Canada’s Global Commerce Strategy. In 2008, Canada’s merchandise exports to the GCC region topped $2.9 billion. In 2009, through to August, Canada’s merchandise exports exceeded $2.1 billion, 13.4% ahead of last year’s record pace. Read more here.

2009/2010 Domestic and Export Controls Seminars

(CSCB)

The Export Controls Division of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, in cooperation with the Controlled Goods Directorate of Public Works and Governments Services Canada, is organizing a series of Domestic and Export Controls Seminars in the following cities:

Ottawa - November 24, 2009
Montreal- Dec (TBD) 2009
Halifax - January 27, 2010
Calgary - February 23, 2010
Vancouver - March 24, 2010

These seminars will review the responsibilities of Canadian industry in safeguarding military, strategic, and sensitive commercial goods and technology. Our presentation will cover the following issues:

- International security and trade
- Understanding the Export Control List
- Applying for an export permit using Export Controls Online (EXCOL)
- Understanding the application review process
- Common errors made by exporters

If your company is active in any of the following sectors, you should consider participation: defence, security, nuclear, aerospace and space, information and communication technology, and chemical or biological technology. The seminars will be aimed at individuals in the following roles:
- Customs or export process specialists
- International marketing managers
- Compliance officers
- Legal officers
- Designated Officers

Registration details are available on the EICS website here.

Asia Gets More Canadian Trade Officials at Europe’s Expense

(Embassy – Lee Berthiaume)

While applauding the government’s decision to bolster its trade commissioner ranks in Asia over the past two years, business associations are lamenting the fact the increase has come at the expense of other regions.

At the same time, given the state of the world economy, there are calls for the government to increase funding to trade promotion items like trade commissioners, which are considered extremely useful to exporting businesses. [...]

According to Embassy's figures, the government has increased the number of trade officials posted abroad by 12 over the past two years, bringing the total to 944.

Asia was quite clearly the biggest beneficiary, having seen 23 new trade officials on the continent, reflecting the government's focus on China and India, in particular. Latin America, another government priority, and the Middle East each saw increases of five.

On the other side, Europe and North America each lost 10 trade officials, while Africa stayed fairly steady, losing only one. Read more here.

DFAIT – State of Trade and Investment Update 2009

(CIFFA eBulletin)

Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2009 is Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s annual flagship report highlighting Canada’s international trade and investment at home an abroad in 2008.

Backgrounder information and an Executive Summary can be found here.