What Do I Have to Declare at Canadian Customs?

When entering Canada, you must make a full and accurate customs declaration for certain goods and items you are bringing into the country. Common items that must be declared include food, plants and animal products, firearms and weapons, commercial goods, cannabis, and currency or monetary instruments worth CAN$10,000 or more.

If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, declare it and ask a CBSA border services officer.

What Items Must I Declare When Entering Canada?

The following are among the main items you may need to declare at Canadian customs:

• Food, plant and animal products, including meat, fish, seafood, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants, animals and related products.
• Currency and monetary instruments totaling CAN$10,000 or more, including Canadian or foreign currency, cheques, bank drafts, money orders, travellers' cheques and certain securities.
• Firearms and weapons, including ammunition and other restricted or prohibited weapons.
• Commercial goods, including goods intended for sale, resale, business use, or commercial purposes.
• Cannabis and products containing cannabis.
• Alcohol and tobacco products, including quantities that may be subject to specific limits, duties or taxes.
• Goods that may be restricted or prohibited under Canadian laws and regulations.
• Purchases, gifts and other goods that you are bringing into Canada and that may be subject to duty or tax.

CBSA's declaration requirements can vary depending on the type of item, your reason for travelling, and whether you are a visitor, Canadian resident or newcomer.

Quick Answer: What Must I Declare at Canadian Customs?

Item	Declare?
Food, plants and animal products	Yes
Firearms and weapons	Yes
Commercial goods	Yes
Cannabis and cannabis products	Yes
Currency/monetary instruments of CAN$10,000 or more	Yes
Alcohol and tobacco	Yes
Gifts and purchases	Yes, where applicable
Personal belongings	Declare as required by your circumstances

The safest rule when entering Canada is simple: if you are unsure, declare the item and let the CBSA officer determine what requirements apply.

How Much Can You Bring Back Duty-Free? (Personal Exemption)

For Canadian residents returning from abroad, the duty-free allowance depends on how long you were outside Canada.

Time away	Exemption
Less than 24 hours	None
24 hours or more	Up to CAN$200
48 hours or more	Up to CAN$800
7 days or more	Up to CAN$800

Under the 24-hour exemption, if the total value exceeds CAN$200, you cannot claim the exemption and duties and taxes apply to the entire amount. Under the 48-hour exemption, duties and taxes generally apply only to the amount above CAN$800.

The CAN$800 exemption also applies after an absence of at least seven days, with different rules for goods that are shipped separately.

What Happens If I Do Not Declare Something at Canadian Customs?

The consequences depend on what was not declared:

• General goods: CBSA can seize the item. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to pay a penalty of 25% to 70% of the value of the seized goods to have them returned.
• Alcohol and tobacco: Undeclared alcohol and tobacco products are seized permanently.
• Food, plants and animal products: Undeclared products can be seized, and penalties may apply, depending on the circumstances and applicable regulations.
• Undeclared currency or monetary instruments of CAN$10,000 or more: CBSA can seize the funds, and a penalty of 5% to 50% may apply depending on the circumstances.

CBSA also keeps a record of infractions. This can lead to more detailed examinations on future trips and may affect eligibility for programs such as NEXUS or CANPASS.

When in Doubt, Declare It

If you are unsure whether something needs to be declared, declare it. A CBSA border services officer can determine whether the item is allowed and whether duties or taxes apply.

Declaring an item does not automatically mean that you will have to pay duty or tax. The amount, type of goods, applicable exemption, and other circumstances determine what you owe.

FAQ - Canada Customs Declaration Items

Do I Have to Declare Gifts, Souvenirs and Personal Purchases?

Yes. You should declare goods you are bringing into Canada, including applicable purchases and gifts.

Whether you have to pay duty or taxes depends on the type and value of the goods and, for Canadian residents returning from abroad, the applicable personal exemption. Personal exemptions generally apply to goods for your personal or household use, including souvenirs and gifts.

Do I Have to Declare Prescription Medication?

Prescription medications can be subject to Canadian import requirements, particularly where controlled or restricted substances are involved. Check the rules that apply to the specific medication before travelling.

Do not assume that a medication is automatically exempt from Canadian border requirements simply because it was legally prescribed in your home country.

What If I Go Slightly Over My Exemption?

Under the 24-hour/CAN$200 exemption, if your goods exceed CAN$200, you cannot claim that exemption and duties and taxes apply to the entire amount.

Under the 48-hour/CAN$800 exemption, duties and taxes generally apply only to the amount above CAN$800.

Will My Alcohol or Tobacco Be Returned If I Forget to Declare It?

No. CBSA states that undeclared alcohol and tobacco products are seized permanently rather than being returned after payment of a penalty.

Can My Family Pool Our Personal Exemptions?

No. Personal exemptions are individual and cannot be combined or transferred to another person. However, children can have their own personal exemption when the goods are for the child's use, and a parent or guardian can make the declaration on the child's behalf.