As a designated Canadian Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point, Sarnia-Lambton provides businesses with streamlined access to federal, provincial, and regional programs that support export growth and international trade. Through our "one-window" approach, companies can efficiently navigate and apply for tax, duty, and tariff exemptions, reducing costs and improving profitability. Our dedicated team of public and private sector experts helps businesses leverage trade incentives, optimize supply chains, and expand their global reach with greater ease and efficiency.
Sarnia-Lambton offers unparalleled access to international markets with its advanced transportation infrastructure and strategic location along major trade corridors. As one of Canada’s busiest commercial gateways, the region is seamlessly connected by highways, rail, waterways, and air, ensuring efficient movement of goods between Canada, the U.S., and global destinations. With dedicated trade routes, including the Blue Water Bridge, St. Clair Tunnel, and Oversized Load Corridor, businesses benefit from cost-effective logistics and streamlined cross-border operations.
The Blue Water Bridge connects Ontario’s 400-series highways with U.S. Interstates I-69 and I-94 in Port Huron, Michigan. It is Canada’s second-busiest crossing for commercial traffic.
The regional rail is robust, and the St. Clair Tunnel connects the Sarnia-Lambton area to Michigan. The tunnel carries more freight than any other US-Canada border crossing.
The Sarnia-Lambton area boasts one of the busiest inland waterways in the world. Through the St. Lawrence Seaway System, ships can navigate from the Sarnia-Lambton area to the Atlantic Ocean, while accessing key services at Sarnia Harbour
The area is also home to the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport. The Sarnia-Lambton area is a vital and proven link for trade between Canada and the United States.
The Oversized Load Corridor (OLC) is a designated route that connects fabricators to the Port of Sarnia, ensuring the seamless import, export, and transport of oversized products between fabrication sites and Sarnia-Lambton’s industrial base.
A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area where businesses can import, store, manufacture, and export goods with deferred or reduced customs duties and taxes. Operating within an FTZ enhances cash flow, lowers operational expenses, and strengthens global competitiveness.
Sarnia-Lambton’s strategic location at the heart of North America’s trade corridors provides businesses with seamless access to international markets, major transportation networks, and industry-specific incentives. Our FTZ designation gives companies a competitive edge when importing and exporting goods, ensuring cost savings and supply chain efficiencies.
CBSA Trade Incentives Program
The program exists to help Canadian importers, exporters and manufacturers by relieving, deferring, or refunding duties and other taxes from your costs for imported goods.
This program is accessible to all types of businesses with a wide range of activities permitted and there is no geographic restriction.
The Duty Deferral Program offers three options to optimize cash flow and reduce import costs: Duties Relief defers duty payments on imported goods that are later exported, Drawback provides refunds on duties for exported goods or manufactured products, and Customs Bonded Warehouses allow businesses to store imports duty- and tax-free for up to four years until export or domestic sale. These programs help businesses manage costs, improve cash flow, and maximize flexibility in international trade.
Temporary Importations
Businesses can receive relief from duties and taxes, including GST/HST, when importing goods into Canada on a temporary basis for specific purposes, such as trade shows, repairs, or testing. This allows companies to access necessary materials or equipment without incurring upfront tax burdens, as long as the goods are re-exported within the permitted timeframe.
Export Trading House
Companies that purchase goods for resale, with at least 90% of those goods exported in their original condition, can do so without paying GST/HST at the time of purchase. This tax exemption helps businesses reduce costs and maintain a competitive edge in global trade.
Export Distribution Centre
Businesses that store, handle, or make minor modifications (such as labeling or packaging) to goods before exporting at least 90% of them can qualify for GST/HST relief. This program supports companies engaged in export distribution by reducing tax costs and improving cash flow.
Exporters of Processing Services
Businesses that temporarily import goods belonging to foreign clients for processing, alteration, or repair before re-exporting can do so without paying GST/HST at the border. This exemption helps service providers in manufacturing, refurbishment, and customization industries remain cost-efficient while serving international clients.
With its strategic location, cost-saving trade incentives, and efficient logistics, Sarnia-Lambton’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) offers businesses a competitive edge in global markets. Companies benefit from duty and tax advantages, streamlined customs processes, and access to a skilled workforce, making it an ideal hub for trade, manufacturing, and distribution.
