Why many customs service providers have stepped away from indirect representation – and why Cableroad takes a different For generations, Canadian exporters have looked south. Increasingly, they are also looking east – towards the European Union, one of the world’s largest and most affluent consumer markets. A complex market to access? “Not with the right support,” says Koen Slobbe, CEO of Cableroad Fiscal Agents.
Canada navigating a changing trade landscape
Donald Trump’s second term as US president has brought renewed uncertainty to global trade. Canada, as the United States’ closest neighbour and one of its most important trading partners, has been particularly exposed to changing US trade policy, including tariff threats and wider political tensions.
Trade diversification gains momentum
Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, has responded by defending its economic interests while placing greater emphasis on trade diversification. The US will remain a vital market for Canadian businesses, but recent tensions have highlighted the value of building additional strong and profitable trading relationships. Europe is an obvious part of that opportunity.
A strong opportunity in Europe
For Canadian businesses looking to diversify and build resilience, Europe offers a natural growth opportunity. The European Union is already Canada’s second largest trading partner in goods and services. CETA provides an established framework for that relationship and, while full ratification is still pending, its provisional application has already removed tariffs on the vast majority of goods traded between Canada and the EU.
Indeed, a growing number of Canadian entrepreneurs have already been expanding their focus beyond the US market. “As fiscal agents, we, too, have seen a significant increase in Canadian firms seeking support with EU import formalities,” says Koen Slobbe, CEO of Cableroad. “We’re an experienced team based near the Dutch port of Rotterdam, the EU’s key logistics hub. We provide importers with VAT representation, Importer of Record services and the practical support they need to get their goods into the EU.”
VAT cash-flow advantage
A definite advantage of importing goods via the Netherlands is the country’s Article 23 regime, which allows import VAT to be deferred rather than paid at the border. Koen Slobbe explains: “As your VAT representative, we ensure the import VAT is accounted for through the VAT return, eliminating the need for an upfront cash payment at import. That can provide a significant cash-flow benefit.”
Services that grow with your business
For Canadian exporters new to the EU, Limited Fiscal Representation can be a fast and cost-efficient way to access the market for qualifying transactions, without first applying for a Dutch VAT number or setting up an EU subsidiary. “As your business in Europe grows, Cableroad can also support longer-term arrangements,” says Koen. “From your own VAT number to warehousing and one-stop shop services, and even support with setting up an EU entity. Whatever route fits your business, we help manage the filings and keep you up to speed with accurate and timely reporting.”
The right support
Selling Canadian goods in the EU, whether to commercial partners or directly to consumers, can be an attractive way to diversify and grow – and with the right support, the process can be straightforward. More Canadian companies are exploring the opportunity. Could Europe be part of your next stage of growth?
FAQs
Q: Is the EU an attractive market for Canadian companies?
A: The European Union is already Canada’s second-largest trading partner in goods and services. Through CETA, tariffs on the vast majority of goods traded between Canada and the EU have been removed under provisional application.
Q: How can Cableroad support Canadian exporters?
A: Cableroad helps importers with VAT representation, Importer of Record services, EU import formalities and practical guidance. For qualifying transactions, Limited Fiscal Representation can be a fast and cost-efficient way to enter the market. Cableroad can also facilitate longer-term arrangements, including a Dutch VAT number, warehousing, one-stop shop services and support with setting up an EU entity.