Traveling back to Canada after an international vacation or a day of shopping in the US can be exciting. You’ve had new experiences, made purchases, and maybe even brought back surprises for loved ones. But remember, before you cross the border and are allowed back onto Canadian soil, you’ll need to declare the goods you’re bringing with you. 

Depending on how long you were abroad and what you’re bringing in, there are different customs allowances. Whether it’s gifts for family, souvenirs, or items you bought during your trip, being aware of these allowances before shopping out of town will help you prepare and prevent delays at customs. 

 

What is the Canada Customs Allowance?

The Canada Customs Allowance stipulates the value of goods you can bring with you into Canada tax and duty-free. If you are a Canadian returning from abroad, you might be asked to pay the regular taxes and duties on the value of items exceeding your customs allowance. Many items, however, qualify for reduced or zero duty, so it’s helpful to be aware of these specifics.

For a comprehensive list of what you need to declare and the allowances, refer to the Canada Customs Declaration Card that you must fill out before crossing the border.

 

Duty Free Allowance

There’s a personal allowance for bringing items into Canada duty-free, referred to as personal exemptions, which allow you to bring goods up to a certain value into Canada without paying regular duties and taxes. This exemption applies to Canadian residents coming home after a trip, expats returning to live, and temporary residents traveling back from abroad. Children are also eligible, and parents can declare goods on their behalf. 

Note that these exemptions cannot be combined or transferred and must be for personal or household use, not for commercial purposes.

 

Allowances for Different Types of Goods

Understanding Canada customs duty allowances helps you plan your shopping and avoid unexpected duties and taxes upon your return.

 

Duration of Absence

 

 Total Value Allowed Duty-Free

 

 Alcohol Allowance

 

 Tobacco Allowance

 

 Retail Purchases

 
Less than 24 hours

 

 No personal exemptions

 

 None

 

 None

 

 None

 
24 hours or more

 

 Up to CAN$200

 

 None

 

 None

 

 Goods must be with you; no duty-free if over CAN$200.

 
48 hours or more

 

 Up to CAN$800

 
  • Up to 1.5 liters of wine
  • Up to 1.14 liters of alcoholic beverages
  • Up to 8.5 liters of beer or ale

 
  • 200 cigarettes
  • 50 cigars
  • 200 grams of manufactured tobacco
  • 200 tobacco sticks

 

 Goods must be with you.

 
Over 7 days

 

 Up to CAN$800

 

 Same as a 48-hour allowance. Goods can be shipped separately if declared upon return.

 

 Same as a 48-hour allowance.

 

 Tobacco and alcohol must be with you, other goods can arrive later.

 

Note that:

  • You can send gifts to friends in Canada without paying duty and taxes if each gift is worth no more than CAN$60. Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and advertising matter are excluded. 
  • Generally, regular duty and taxes apply to prizes and awards received abroad. These can be claimed as part of your personal exemption, but any amount over the exemption limit will be taxed.

 

Consequences of Exceeding Allowances

If you bring in more than your personal exemption, you’ll have to pay the regular assessments on the excess amount. These assessments include duties, taxes, and any applicable provincial or territorial fees. Border services officers will calculate the amounts owed and give allowances for products with an excise stamp reading “DUTY PAID CANADA DROIT ACQUITTÉ.”

It’s important to note that failing to declare goods correctly or fully can result in fines, seizures, or other legal repercussions, so it’s important to be honest and thorough when making your declarations.

 

Declaring Items at the Border

Declaring items at the Canadian border is a straightforward process, so long as you follow these steps:

 

  1. Prepare your documentation: Have all your receipts for purchases, accommodations, and repairs ready. This helps border officers verify the value of your goods and the length of your stay.
  2. Use the ArriveCAN app: If you’re arriving by commercial airline, consider using the Advance CBSA Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before your arrival. This can speed up your time at the kiosk by 30%.
  3. Make your declaration: Upon arriving in Canada/at the Canadian border, use a primary inspection kiosk or eGate to scan your travel document, take your photo, and fill in your information. If you’re entering in a private vehicle, you can make an oral declaration to a border services officer. Make sure to declare all purchases, gifts, prizes, and repairs acquired abroad. If you’re unsure whether to declare an item–just declare it. 
  4. Pay any duties and taxes: If the value of your goods exceed your personal exemption, you’ll need to pay duties and taxes on the excess amount. Border services officers will help determine your personal exemptions and any duties or taxes owed.

 

Engaging a customs broker like Clearit can help you properly declare items and clear customs smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free experience. To start your clearance process even before you buy anything abroad:

 

SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH A CLEARIT CUSTOMS BROKER