Government of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada
Skip to content | Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

Home

Institutional links

Frequently Asked Questions

Declaring Items

Bringing natural items into Canada

Bringing goods into Canada

Declaring Items

What happens to items I declare?

An officer with the Canada Border Services Agency will ask you questions about items that you have declared, such as the country of origin or intended use of the product. Items may also be subject to inspection.

You will be able to keep items that are allowed into the country. If the item cannot be brought into Canada, it may be seized and disposed of or ordered removed from Canada.

Some items may have to be treated before they are allowed into the country. All costs related to disposal, quarantine or treatment would be your responsibility. It is therefore important to check the rules for approved, regulated or prohibited products before you leave Canada.

What happens to my seized items? Am I allowed to reclaim them?

If the item is prohibited, it will be seized and destroyed or returned to the country of origin at your expense. If it meets import requirements, the item will be returned to you.

What happens if I don't agree that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) should have seized the items I brought back?

If you don't think that your items should have been seized, you can request to speak to a supervisor or a manager to verify the decision, either at the time of the seizure or after the fact.

I have a food, plant or animal product in my checked luggage. How do I declare it?

You must declare all food, plants, animals and related products on your customs declaration form.

What are prohibited product disposal bins?

They are bins where travellers can drop any prohibited food, plant, and animal commodities for disposal—without penalty.

Top of Page

Bringing natural items into Canada

Can I bring animals into Canada?

Under the National Animal Health Program, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency establishes requirements for all animals and animal products entering Canada, including domestic pets.

Information on the import requirements for animals and animal products can also be found using the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) website.

Why must I declare all natural items when returning from a trip?

Invasive pests that are not visible to the naked eye could accidentally hitchhike in items you bring back from other countries. They could then be introduced or spread throughout Canada. These invasive alien species could be harmful to Canada's environment and agricultural industry.

Top of Page

Bringing goods into Canada

What food, plants, and animals or related products can I bring back?

Travellers and importers should use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) as a first step to help determine import requirements. AIRS is an extensive database designed for commercial importers but it does include helpful import information for individuals who are familiar with product classification systems. If travellers have further questions, they should contact the CBSA BIS line.

In addition, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) sets controls on the international trade and movement of animal and plant species that have been, or may be, threatened due to excessive commercial exploitation.

I want to import goods into Canada for commercial purposes. Where can I get more information?

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) offers information for businesses that import commercial goods into Canada.

In addition, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has three regional import service centres (ISC):

  • Eastern Region: served from Montreal
  • Central Region: served from Toronto
  • Western Region: served from Vancouver

Import service centres process import request documentation/data sent electronically or by fax by importers across Canada. Staff review the information and return the decision:

  • either electronically to the CBSA, which then relays it to the client, or
  • by fax directly to the broker/importer, who then submits the release package to the CBSA.

More information on the import requirements for animals and animal products can also be found on the CFIA website and the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) website.

How much alcohol and tobacco can I bring back to Canada with me?

Consult the I Declare pamphlet. This pamphlet is an overview of the laws, restrictions, entitlements, rights, and obligations of Canadian residents returning from travel outside Canada.

Can I bring a firearm into Canada with me?

There are a variety of conditions under which firearms and weapons may or may not be imported. For more information please consult the document Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada.

I am having items sent to myself in Canada from another country. What are the rules surrounding postal or courier packages?

It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure the import requirements for food, plant and animal products are met. Items that are couriered may be subject to inspection and could be seized if they are not allowed into Canada. The CBSA Postal, Courier and Casual Refund Program covers the operations of three different national programs:

  • The Postal Program deals with all customs-related matters in terms of the clearance of international mail (both casual and commercial shipments) coming into Canada.
  • The Courier Low Value Shipment (LVS) Program is responsible for operations of the Courier/Low Value Shipment (LVS) import process. This process expedites the importation into Canada of approved shipments worth less than $1,600 CAN. This program is available for both casual and commercial shipments.
  • The Casual Refund Program covers procedures for refunding duties, the goods and services tax (GST), the harmonized sales tax (HST), provincial sales tax (PST), provincial tobacco and alcohol taxes, and the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) on non-commercial importations sent into Canada by mail and courier or carried in by a traveller.

Are there consumer products for personal use that are regulated/prohibited in Canada?

Some products are prohibited in Canada and subject to being detained at the Canadian border. Others may need to meet Canadian safety requirements to be allowed into Canada. Many of these safety requirements are stricter in Canada than in other countries. More information and a partial list of products that may be subject to being detained at the Canadian border.


Top of Page
Important Notices