Have you ever taken a quick trip to Plattsburgh to stock up on your favorite American snacks or hit the outlet malls for unbeatable deals? Maybe you’ve just returned from visiting family in Europe with a suitcase full of souvenirs. Whatever the reason for your travels, bringing back goodies to Canada can be exciting, but it can also come with a few hoops to jump through at customs.

This guide is for all the avid shoppers who love to pick up a little something extra while abroad. We’ll cover everything you need to know about what you can buy, how much you can legally bring back, what must be declared, and how to breeze through customs when you return home. With these tips, you can enjoy your cross-border shopping trips without the stress, so your next return to Canada will be a smooth one.

 

Cross-Border Shopping Considerations

The thrill of finding unique items and great prices abroad is undeniable. However, shopping internationally from the comfort of your Canadian home comes with its own set of considerations.

Shipping fees can vary widely based on the weight, size, and shipping method of your package. These costs can add up quickly, especially when customs duties, taxes, and handling fees are factored in. Even if a retailer offers free shipping within their own country, those costs can rise dramatically for cross-border shipments. 

Another issue is that not all foreign retailers ship directly to Canada. It can be frustrating to find the perfect item only to discover it can’t be shipped to your address. Some shoppers use package forwarding services, but this adds another layer of complexity (and delays) to the mix.

Many Canadians turn to cross-border shopping during their travels to bypass these issues. When visiting foreign countries, they can shop directly from stores, avoiding high shipping fees and the hassle of dealing with retailers who don’t ship to Canada or tack on pricey shipping fees. However, this approach isn’t without its challenges either.

Customs taxes and duties are separate from shipping costs and are the buyer’s responsibility. To ensure compliance, it’s important to know:

  • The latest import tax and duty rates on the Canada Border Services Agency website.
  • What needs to be declared 
  • How to declare your purchases, gifts, and any repairs or alterations made to your belongings while abroad.

 

How Much Can You Bring Back to Canada in Less Than 24 Hours?

If you’re planning a quick cross-border shopping trip, know that there are no personal exemptions for same-day shoppers. Any goods you bring back, no matter the value, will be subject to duty and taxes upon your return to Canada.

 

Absence of 24 Hours or More

When you’re away for more than 24 hours but less than 48 hours, you can claim goods worth up to CAN$200 without paying duty and taxes. However, this exemption does not cover tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. If the total value of the goods exceeds CAN$200, you’ll need to pay full duty and taxes on the entire amount.

 

How Much Can You Bring Back to Canada After 48 Hours?

For trips lasting over 48 hours, you can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 without paying duty and taxes. This exemption includes the following amounts of alcohol and tobacco products:

  • Wine: Up to 1.5 liters
  • Alcoholic beverages: Up to 1.14 liters
  • Beer or ale: Up to 8.5 liters
  • Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks

 

Absence of More Than 7 Days

If you’re away for more than seven days, you can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 without paying duty and taxes. Similar to the 48-hour rule, this includes specific amounts of alcohol and tobacco products – see the CBSA website for more information. The difference is that you can have the goods shipped separately, as long as all items are declared upon your return to Canada.

 

Cross-Border Shopping Exemptions

Personal exemptions can help lower the costs related to bringing your purchases back into Canada. You qualify for these exemptions if you are:

  • A Canadian resident returning from a trip abroad
  • A former Canadian resident returning to Canada to live
  • A temporary resident returning from a trip outside Canada

Children also qualify for these exemptions, and parents can declare goods on their behalf. It’s important to note that these exemptions can’t be combined or transferred to another person, and the goods must be for personal or household use, not for commercial purposes.

The CBSA has a great mini-guide to help you understand if your purchases meet the exemption requirements.

 

How to Declare Your Cross-Border Purchases When Re-entering Canada

When you return to Canada, you’ll need to declare all the goods you’ve acquired abroad. Fail to do so, and you run the risk of incurring fines or seizures. 

Here’s how to declare your purchases:

  1. Gather your documentation: Keep all receipts for purchases made abroad. Be ready to declare the value of all goods in Canadian dollars. You can use the CBSA Duty and Taxes Estimator to estimate any charges before returning to Canada.
  2. Fill out a declaration: Declare all goods, including purchases, gifts, prizes, awards, and items from duty-free shops. This includes any repairs or alterations made to your purchases before heading home.
  3. Pay duties and taxes: You can pay any duties and taxes owed using cash, traveler’s’ cheques, credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard), or debit cards. For amounts up to CAN$2,500, personal cheques might be accepted with proper ID. Save time by submitting your declaration before arriving in Canada using the ArriveCAN app.
    1. At the airport: Use primary inspection kiosks or eGates for an on-screen declaration. Scan your travel document, take a photo, and answer the questions.

In a private vehicle: Make an oral declaration to the border services officer when arriving by car, boat, aircraft, or bus.