Hobby and craft supplies are a growing import category in Canada, fueled by demand from independent creators, online retailers, educational suppliers, and specialty hobby stores. From painting materials and sewing accessories to DIY kits and model-building tools, these products cover a wide range of consumer and commercial goods.

While many importers assume craft supplies are simple low-risk products, customs compliance can become surprisingly complex. Different materials, product types, safety standards, and classification rules can all affect duties, taxes, and clearance requirements.

This guide explains the key considerations for importing hobby and craft supplies into Canada, including duties, documentation, classification, and compliance risks.

What Counts as Hobby and Craft Supplies

The hobby and craft category includes a broad range of products across multiple materials and uses. Some goods are simple consumer items, while others resemble industrial materials or regulated products.

Common examples include:

  • Art supplies and paints 
  • Sewing and knitting materials 
  • Scrapbooking products 
  • DIY craft kits 
  • Model-building supplies 
  • Adhesives and glues 
  • Beads and jewelry-making materials 
  • Cutting tools and hobby knives 
  • Resin and molding products 
  • Educational craft materials 

Because the category is so broad, different products may fall under completely different customs classifications.

Why Craft Supply Imports Can Be More Complex Than Expected

Many hobby products contain multiple materials or chemical components, which can complicate customs treatment. Even products sold together in kits may require separate classification analysis.

For example:

  • A painting kit may include brushes, paint, fabric, and plastic tools 
  • A model-building set may contain electronics, adhesives, and metal parts 
  • Resin kits may include chemicals subject to safety review 

This creates challenges involving:

  • HS classification 
  • Material-based duty rates 
  • Product safety requirements 
  • Packaging compliance 

Importers often underestimate how much product detail CBSA expects for these shipments.

Duties and Taxes on Hobby and Craft Supplies

Imported hobby products are generally subject to:

  • Customs duties (depending on classification and origin) 
  • 5% GST 
  • Provincial taxes where applicable 

Duty rates vary significantly depending on:

  • Material composition 
  • Product function 
  • Country of origin 
  • Trade agreement eligibility 

For example:

  • Textile-based products may be treated differently from packaging materials 
  • Metal tools may resemble tools and hardware imports 
  • Decorative accessories may fall under jewelry or gift categories 

Products qualifying under trade agreements such as CUSMA may benefit from reduced or zero duties.

Classification Challenges

Classification is one of the most common compliance problems for hobby and craft imports. Many products are composite goods made from several materials.

For example:

  • A craft kit may include plastic, paper, textile, and metal components 
  • A resin art product may combine chemicals and molds 
  • Hobby electronics kits may contain wiring and batteries 

CBSA classifies goods based on:

  • Primary function 
  • Essential character 
  • Material composition 

This can become complicated when products serve multiple purposes.

Descriptions like:

  • “craft supplies” 
  • “DIY products” 
  • “art materials” 

are often too vague for customs purposes.

Product Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Chemical and Material Regulations

Some hobby products contain:

  • Paints 
  • Adhesives 
  • Solvents 
  • Resins 
  • Chemical coatings 

These may trigger additional compliance considerations depending on composition.

Importers should confirm:

  • Product ingredients 
  • Safety labeling 
  • Packaging requirements 
  • Transport restrictions 

Certain chemicals may also affect shipping eligibility, especially by air freight.

Child and Educational Product Considerations

Craft supplies marketed toward children may face stricter standards.

Products intended for children could require:

  • Safety testing 
  • Labeling compliance 
  • Material restrictions 

This is especially important for:

  • Paints 
  • Markers 
  • Adhesives 
  • Small detachable components 

Importers should confirm whether products fall under child safety regulations before import.

Valuation errors are common with hobby products because many shipments involve bundled goods, mixed SKUs, or promotional packaging.

Declared value should include:

  • Product cost 
  • Packaging value 
  • Assists or molds provided by the importer 
  • Freight and insurance where applicable 
  • Licensing or branding fees 

Importers sometimes under declare value by excluding:

  • Custom packaging 
  • Branding costs 
  • Bundle components 

CBSA may reassess value if declared amounts appear inconsistent.

Documentation Requirements

Commercial Invoice

Invoices should include:

  • Detailed product descriptions 
  • Material composition 
  • Product quantities 
  • Unit values 
  • Country of origin 

Avoid generic terms like:

  • “Craft items” 
  • “Hobby goods” 
  • “DIY materials” 

Instead use:

  • “Acrylic paint set with brushes” 
  • “Polyester sewing thread kit” 
  • “Plastic bead jewelry-making kit” 

Detailed descriptions help reduce inspection risk.

Packing List

Packing lists are especially important for shipments containing:

  • Mixed products 
  • Kits 
  • Multiple SKUs 
  • Consolidated retail inventory 

They should clearly identify:

  • Product breakdowns 
  • Carton quantities 
  • Package contents 

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on the product type, importers may also need:

  • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) 
  • Product specifications 
  • Safety certifications 
  • Testing documentation 

Providing these upfront can help prevent delays.

Shipping Considerations

Hobby and craft supplies are imported through a wide range of shipping methods depending on size and volume.

Common methods include:

  • Parcel shipments for eCommerce sellers 
  • Consolidated freight 
  • Commercial container shipments 
  • Air freight for seasonal inventory 

Many online sellers importing small hobby products operate similarly to businesses handling retail packaging supplies or small-scale retail imports.

Shipping method affects:

  • Entry type 
  • Inspection likelihood 
  • Freight cost 
  • Documentation complexity 

Common Compliance Risks

Most customs issues in this category come from insufficient product detail rather than intentional non-compliance.

Common risks include:

Misclassification

Using broad HS codes for mixed-material products.

Incomplete Product Descriptions

Vague invoices triggering manual review.

Incorrect Material Declarations

Failing to identify chemicals or textiles.

Undervaluation

Excluding packaging or bundled components.

Child Safety Oversights

Ignoring regulations for children’s products.

Best Practices for Importing Hobby and Craft Supplies

Craft supply importers benefit from detailed preparation and accurate documentation. Even low-value goods can face delays when information is incomplete.

Best practices include:

  • Use highly specific product descriptions 
  • Separate mixed-material products clearly 
  • Verify safety compliance for chemicals and children’s items 
  • Include packaging and branding in valuation 
  • Maintain product specifications and certifications 
  • Confirm tariff classification before shipment 
  • Work with brokers familiar with retail and mixed-product imports 

Conclusion

Importing hobby and craft supplies into Canada involves more complexity than many businesses expect. Different materials, bundled products, and safety considerations can all affect classification, duties, and compliance requirements.

Importers who understand these requirements early can avoid delays, reduce reassessment risk, and move inventory more efficiently. As creative and DIY industries continue growing in Canada, strong customs compliance becomes an important part of staying competitive.

FAQs

Are hobby and craft supplies subject to customs duties in Canada?

Yes, duty depends on classification and origin.

Are craft kits difficult to classify?

They can be, especially when they contain multiple materials.

Do paints and adhesives require additional compliance?

Sometimes, depending on the chemical composition.

Can children’s craft supplies face extra regulations?

Yes, products intended for children may require additional safety compliance.

Are detailed invoices important for hobby imports?

Yes, vague descriptions often trigger delays.

Can packaging affect customs valuation?

Yes, packaging and branding costs may need to be included.

Do small parcel shipments still require compliance?

Yes, all imports must meet CBSA requirements.

Should I use a customs broker for mixed craft shipments?

Strongly recommended for complex or high-volume imports.