Over the Holiday Season, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will see a big increase in volume of parcels crossing the border. With most of these parcels destined as gifts for family and friends, the CBSA would like to give you a few tips when sending holiday mail.

 

Before sending a Package into Canada, please take note of the following:

  • parcels must include declaration form indicating sender and recipient address as well a description of goods & value
  • CBSA will inspect parcels to ensure admissibility as well as confirm duty & taxable amounts
  • gifts valued at $60.00 CAD or less can enter the country Duty & tax free – those valued at more then $60.00 will have applicable duties and tax on the amount above $60.00 CAD.

 

The CBSA would also like to remind senders and receivers alike that although holiday spirit is in the air, prohibited goods to not get a pass over the holiday season. Apart from the usual suspects of illegal drugs, endangered species, or hate material, take not that the following cannot be shipped via mail or courier:

  • Commercial quantities of tobacco products
  • Firearms (including imitation or replica)
  • Munitions 
  • Intoxicating beverages
  • Drugs and other controlled substances 
  • Medican materials & biological samples
  • Perishable items
  • Animals
  • Or any other dangerous goods

 

If prohibited goods are discovered, they will be disposed of and the importer may face penalties.

 

If controlled goods are discovered, the CBSA will hold the items and inform you by mail that you need the proper import documents before the agency can release them.

 

Additional information in importing is available in the i declare guide on the CBSA Website.

 

 

Happy Holidays from Clearit.ca!

CBSA holiday mail