Import/Export Careers
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NOC 2021: 64101 & 62100/ NOC 2016: 6411 & 6221
Job Description
Importers buy goods from other countries and bring them into Canada. Exporters sell Canadian goods to customers in other countries.
As an importer and exporter you perform the following duties:
- Arrange for the shipment of products into and out of the country
- Research Canadian and foreign suppliers, markets, and trends
- Ensure distribution of goods to retailers and other clients
- Estimate or quote prices and delivery dates
- Complete bookkeeping and related clerical duties
- Understand and obey international trade laws and ensure that payments follow the financial rules of Canada and the other country
Both exporters and importers arrange to ship goods. For exporters, this means making sure that it all gets to the plane or ship on time. They also try to be sure that goods arrive in good condition. They make sure that legal matters are in order. The shipment must clear customs at the other end.
Importers may hire freight forwarders to take care of this in the shipping country. They may also hire customs brokers in Canada. People in these careers ensure goods clear customs without problems. The importer markets, sells, and distributes goods to retailers. Importers have to know the Canadian consumer market.
Source: Career Cruising (Profile for Importer/Exporter)