Customs regulations

for import in Canada

Please note that the presence of the customer is obligatory for custom clearance.

Landed immigrants:

Landed immigrants can import tax-free any items that were in their possession for at least 6 months prior to arriving to Canada.

Temporary workers:

The rules are the same as those for landed immigrants; however, Canada customs may request a deposit (refundable upon re-export or becoming a landed immigrant).

Returning Canadian citizens:

Canadian citizens may bring back all possession duty-free which may have been acquired abroad as long as they were purchased at least 6 months prior to arrival and the customer has been living at least 1 year abroad. A maximum of 10,000.00$ is permitted per item (e.g. car). All liquor is taxable. A detailed valued inventory list is required in English or in French as well as proof of absence of any immigration papers.

Import of vehicles:

A vehicle can be imported in Canada if:

• It conforms to North American standards.
      or
• It is over 15 years old.

Import of wine:

All wine importation is taxed. Two taxes are to be paid: the SAQ tax (Quebec), based on the number of liters, and the Canada customs tax, based on quantity and value. A detailed list is needed specifying quantities, name, year and value of bottles.

Documents required

• Copies of passport and original (customer should come with his passport for clearance)
• Movers inventory list
• Valued and detailed inventory list
• Copy of work permit, or landed immigrant card
• For temporary workers, letter from employer
• Proof of residence in Canada
• For Canadian citizens, proof that they have stayed outside the country for more than 6 months

Very important:

When customer arrives at airport, he has to declare that he has a shipment following him. The document obtained at the airport is very important for customs clearance.

Download this document .

For more information, consult Settlers' Effects document from Canada Border Services Agency.

Read about our import to Canada services.