Frequently Asked Questions

The CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI) provides non-repayable matching contributions of up to $5,000 to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in British Columbia become compliant with the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

CUSMA compliant means meeting the regulatory, documentation, and procedural requirements to export goods or services to the U.S. and Mexico under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement.

The CCASI program is supported by the Government of Canada through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

Eligible businesses can receive up to $5,000 in non-repayable matching funding to offset the costs of becoming CUSMA compliant.

Businesses that are:

– Registered in British Columbia.

– For-profit.

– Have exported to the U.S. within the past 12 months (with exports after April 1, 2025 with valid invoices)

– Seeking support with CUSMA compliance.

Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria.

No, the program is for businesses with recent export activity to the U.S. within the past 12 months.

See the Eligible & Ineligible Costs List (PDF).

No. Website development, software purchases, or general marketing expenses are not eligible.

Complete the online application form on the CCASI webpage, including:

– Basic business details

– Proof of recent export activity

– Description of intended services

You will:

– Receive and sign a Funding Agreement

– Choose a qualified service provider

– Complete services and pay providers

– Submit final documentation and a short survey

– Receive reimbursement for eligible expenses (50% of eligible costs, up to $5,000)

You’ll receive an email confirmation with a formal funding agreement and next steps once approved.

Reimbursement (up to 50% of eligible costs, max $5,000) is issued after:

– Services are completed

– Valid invoice(s) and proof of payment are submitted

Yes. Acceptable forms include:

– Credit card statement

– Bank transfer confirmation

– Cleared cheque

Refer to your applicant toolkit for acceptable proof formats.

Yes, but all invoices must be submitted together through the portal. Partial submissions are not accepted.

No. Cash payments are not eligible.

No. Invoices must be professional, itemized, and include vendor contact information.

Once approved, you will receive a DocuSign Package with submission forms to provide us with your EFT information.

Include the exchange rate used at time of payment (based on the Bank of Canada rate).

No. This is not a donation or tax-credit program. Reimbursements are business income and should be reported accordingly.

Once your complete documentation has been submitted and approved, reimbursements may take 4 weeks to be processed. Delays can occur if information is missing or incomplete.

Community Futures Development Association of B.C.

You will be reimbursed for 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $5,000. Any amount above that is your responsibility.

No formal approval is required before applying. However, you’ll be asked to identify your intended service provider in your application. We’ll review the provider to ensure they meet program criteria, including being based in the U.S. or Canada, with relevant expertise in CUSMA compliance, cross-border trade, or export-related legal/tax services. We may request additional details such as a scope of work, website, or credentials as part of this validation.

Yes. Services may be delivered online, in person, or hybrid, as long as the provider meets the eligibility criteria, and the service is CUSMA-related.

No. Only third-party service providers are eligible. Internal labour costs, salaries, employee wages, or operational costs are not eligible.

No, but providing a clear idea of services and estimated costs will help speed up review and approval.

Contact us at cusma@exportnavigator.ca.

Email cusma@exportnavigator.ca or if you’re an Export Navigator client, please contact your dedicated Export Advisor.