QUICK TIPS FOR EXPORTING

Forest products are big business in BC. In March 2011, the total earnings from BC's forest product exports totaled $926 million, an increase of 22.3% from March 2010. Over 37% of these forest products were exported to the US, with China accounting for over 32% and Japan for nearly 12%.

With the market bottoming out in 2009 and recovering moderately in 2010 the industry has had to reassess its target market, becoming less dependent on the US and increasing its presence in the Asian market.

 

Historically forest products have accounted for more than half of the total value of BC's exported goods internationally.  With businesses which have under 100 employees accounting for six out of 10 jobs across the forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas extraction industry, it is evident that there is still a popular industry for small business owners.

 

With such a large dependency on this industry, it is important to know what is required when exporting forest products.  We have outlined a few quick tips to guide you through the industry's rules and regulations.

1. Contact the Ministry of Forest, Economics and Trade

The Ministry of Forest, Economics and Trade is responsible for granting provincial export permits in BC.  On their website you can find information about:

 

• All provincial regulations including: restrictions, applications and exemptions
   
• Specific procedures for the export of coastal timber which originates from with the Coast and Northern Interior Forest Regions.
   
• Specific policies for the export of interior timber

We recommend however that you contact the regional office closes to where the timber is located for specific instructions as regulations can often vary.  

 

Contacts: 

Coast Forest Region 

2100 Labieux Road

Nanaimo, B.C.  V9T 6E9

Phone:  (250) 751-7090

Fax:  (250) 751-7197

 

Northern Interior Forest Region

1911 Fourth Avenue

Prince George, B.C.  V2L 3H9

Phone:  (250) 565-6100

Fax:  (250) 565-6671

 

Southern Interior Forest Region

515 Columbia Street

Kamloops, B.C.  V2V 2T7

Phone:  (250) 828-4102

Fax:  (250) 828-4154