Trade-Readiness Certification Program
Educating Small Businesses to Become Trade Ready in Grocery and Foodservice

Welcome to the Trade-Readiness Certification Program

Congratulations on being one of 200 eligible Canadian small businesses to participate in the GS1 Canada Trade-Readiness Certification Program. In this program, you will learn how to become trade ready and get important insight into how to meet trading partner requirements across grocery and foodservice channels. This program also provides guidance and resources through the product listing process.

The program consists of 2 sessions, 3 self-paced eLearning modules in each. You will be required to complete all 6 modules (approximately 35 minutes each) and pass a short quiz, within the specified timeframe. You will also be asked to complete a quick survey at the end of each module to share your questions and comments. Your feedback is important and will help to develop future small business content and initiatives.

You will receive a Session 1 Certificate after successfully completing the first three modules and quizzes. Session 2 modules will be available soon; we will notify you by email with an access link. You will receive a subscription refund by cheque within 60 days of completing all 6 modules. Your subscription and associated licence are valid for 12 months and automatically renew annually*.

Canadian Agricultural Partnership Government of Canada

Financial support was provided through the AgriAssurance Program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Session 1

Barcodes Simplified

Self-paced eLearning Module

Topics include:

  • Introduction to GS1 and GS1 Canada
  • Why is product identification important?
  • Exploring product identification and barcodes
  • Managing product information

Which Sales Channel is Right for You

Self-paced eLearning Module

Topics include:

  • What is a sales channel?
  • Understanding different types of sales channels
  • Avoiding common mistakes
  • Determining profitability and assessing potential costs

Pitch Your Product with Confidence

Self-paced eLearning Module

Topics include:

  • What is a good product pitch?
  • Types of product pitches
  • Delivering an effective pitch

Session 2

Canadian Regulatory Requirements

Self-paced eLearning Module

Topics include:

  • Why Canadian business regulations are important
  • Awareness of provincial, city and industry regulations
  • Packaging and labelling food and consumer products

What You Need to Know to Sell Your Products Online

Self-paced eLearning Module

Topics include:

  • Online marketplaces vs. ecommerce websites
  • Online marketplace requirements
  • Tips for handling online logistics
  • Basics for selling products online

Tools for Success and How GS1 Canada Can Help

Self-paced eLearning Module

Topics include:

  • Importance of product content sharing
  • Information to share when setting up a new product
  • Product image requirements for various business processes
  • GS1 Canada Image Capture Services and tools


*NOTE: GS1 Canada Services automatically renew on an annual basis and applicable Fees will apply, unless Services are cancelled in accordance with the GS1 Canada Terms and Conditions. Upon successful completion of the program (six eLearning modules with a minimum 80% score, completed within the specified time), participants in good standing will receive a refund of their first-year subscription fee, and have the loading and maintenance fees waived for the first year of their subscription only. All access to GS1 Canada Services (including subscriptions) is governed by the GS1 Canada Terms and Conditions and the applicable Service Agreement(s).


To learn more about the Trade-Readiness Certification Program, click here.