When you arrive in Canada, you must inform the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) of all the goods you have with you that you obtained while you were outside Canada.
On this page
- Making your declaration
- Goods to declare
- Personal exemptions
- Restrictions and prohibited goods
- False declarations and the seizure of goods
- Public health
- Travelling with money and valuable items
Making your declaration
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada must declare the goods they are bringing back from outside Canada. The customs declaration process may differ depending on how you are travelling.
Entering Canada by commercial airline
If you arrive at one of Canada’s international airports, you can make an on-screen declaration by using a primary inspection kiosk or through eGate, where you will:
- scan your travel document
- have your photo taken
- answer questions by using the touch screen
You can reduce your time at the kiosk by submitting your declaration before you enter Canada at a participating airport. To do so, use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN travel app up to 72 hours before your arrival in Canada.
Early usage data shows that travellers using the AdvanceCBSADeclaration feature report through the kiosk 30% faster. Travellers who make their customs and declaration information in advance can take also advantage of AdvanceCBSADeclaration express lanes at the airport where available.
To sign up, visit Use ArriveCAN for a faster border experience.
Entering Canada in a private vehicle
In most cases, you can make an oral declaration to a border services officer when you arrive in a private vehicle such as a car, boat, aircraft or bus.
Goods to declare
You must declare:
- purchased goods
- gifts, prizes or awards
- goods bought at a duty-free shop (Canadian or foreign) that are still in your possession
- the value of any work, including repairs, done outside Canada on items that you are bringing back
You may need to pay duty and taxes on these items. When you shop outside Canada, use theduty and taxes estimatorto help estimate the amount of duty and taxes you will need to pay when you return to Canada.
Based on the length of time you are outside Canada, you may qualify for a personal exemption that allows you to bring goods of a certain value into Canada without paying regular duty and taxes.
If you aren't sure if you should declare something, always declare it. Border services officers will help you identify your personal exemptions and if duties and taxes are owed.
Personal exemptions
Your eligibility for an exemption and the amount of goods you can bring back without paying any duty or taxes depend on the length of time you have been outside Canada.
In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. You do not need to pay duty on goods for personal use that are marked as made in Canada, the United States or Mexico.
Personal exemptions mini-guide
Sending goods into Canada
While you are outside Canada, you can send gifts worth no more than Can$60 to someone in Canada free of duty and taxes. These goods do not count as part of your personal exemption, but they cannot be a tobacco product or an alcoholic beverage.
If you have sent goods home from outside Canada, ask the border services officer about claiming these goods when you return to Canada. Otherwise, you may have to pay the regular duty and taxes on them.
Restricted and prohibited goods
You may not be allowed to bring certain goods into Canada. Prohibited goods include:
- cannabis
- food, plants, animals and related products that pose a risk to Canada
- endangered species and anything made from the parts or endangered species (these can be found in some souvenirs)
You may need a permit or written authorization to bring other goods into Canada, including
- health products and prescription drugs
- antiques or cultural objects that have historical significance to their country of origin
- explosives, fireworks and certain types of ammunition
All weapons and firearms must be declared when you enter Canada.
Restricted and prohibited goods
Bringing food, plant and animal products into Canada
False declarations and the seizure of goods
If you fail to declare goods that you bring into Canada or make a false or incomplete declaration, the goods may be seized or you may be fined.
You may have the option to pay a fine to have some seized goods returned to you. Fines can range from 25% to 80% of the value of the seized goods.
Undeclared goods that will not be returned to you include:
- tobacco products
- alcoholic beverages
- firearms
False declarations and the seizure of goods
Public health
If you catch a communicable disease, such as a virus, or if you were in close contact with someone with a communicable disease while out of the country, you must inform a border services officer or a quarantine officer upon your return to Canada.
Tell your doctor if you have been ill while travelling or become ill after your return to Canada.
Returning to Canada with an illness
Travelling with money and valuable items
Any time you enter or leave Canada, you must declare any money or monetary instruments, such as stocks, bond or cheques that you are carrying valued at $10,000 or more.
If you are planning to travel outside Canada with highly valuable items that you acquired in Canada or that you lawfully imported, you can take them to a Customs and Border Services Agency (CBSA) office before you leave to have them identified on a wallet-sized card as valuables that were in your possession before leaving the country.
Take the card with you when you travel and show your card to the border officer if you are questioned about these items when you return to Canada.
Travelling with $10,000 or more
Directory of CBSA Offices and Services
Related links
- Return or travel to Canada
- Customs
- Travelling and money
- Travel documents
- Border information for international travel (CBSA)
I'm an expert in Canadian customs and border procedures, specializing in the regulations and processes related to declaring goods when entering Canada. My knowledge is based on a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and practical insights into the customs declaration process.
Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the provided article:
Making Your Declaration
- Declaration Process: Canadian citizens and permanent residents must declare goods obtained outside Canada. The declaration process varies based on the mode of travel.
Entering Canada by Commercial Airline
- Declaration Methods: Travelers arriving at international airports can use on-screen declarations via kiosks or eGate.
- Advance CBSA Declaration: Advance declaration through the ArriveCAN app can expedite the process, with users reporting 30% faster kiosk use.
- Express Lanes: AdvanceCBSADeclaration users may access express lanes at airports.
Entering Canada in a Private Vehicle
- Oral Declaration: Travelers in private vehicles can make an oral declaration to a border services officer.
Goods to Declare
- Types of Goods: Travelers must declare purchased goods, gifts, prizes, duty-free shop items, and work done outside Canada on items they bring back.
- Duty and Taxes: Duty and taxes may apply, and an estimator is available for calculating amounts.
Personal Exemptions
- Eligibility: Exemptions depend on the duration of time spent outside Canada.
- Goods Criteria: Goods must be for personal or household use, and certain items marked as made in Canada, the United States, or Mexico are duty-free.
Sending Goods into Canada
- Gifts: Gifts worth up to Can$60 can be sent free of duty and taxes, excluding tobacco and alcohol.
- Unaccompanied Goods: Goods sent home may be subject to duty and taxes if not declared.
Restricted and Prohibited Goods
- Prohibited Goods: Certain items, including cannabis and endangered species, are not allowed.
- Permits: Some goods require permits or written authorization.
False Declarations and Seizure of Goods
- Consequences: Failure to declare or making false declarations can result in goods being seized or fines imposed.
- Fine Options: Fines may range from 25% to 80% of the seized goods' value.
Public Health
- Disease Reporting: Travelers with communicable diseases or exposure must inform border services or quarantine officers.
Travelling with Money and Valuables
- Declaration of Money: Any amount over $10,000 must be declared upon entry or exit.
- Valuable Items: Valuables acquired in Canada can be identified before travel to facilitate re-entry.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the customs declaration process when entering Canada, covering various modes of travel, types of goods, exemptions, restrictions, and health considerations. If you have any specific questions or need further details on a particular aspect, feel free to ask.
