Declaring the correct items at Canadian border controls is critical to avoid fines, confiscations, or even denied entry. Under the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) 2025 regulations, travelers must disclose specific goods, from alcohol to currency. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to declare, restricted items, and how to comply with duty requirements.
Items You Must Declare When Entering Canada
(Keyphrase in H2)
The CBSA mandates declaration of the following:
- Alcohol:
- Beer, wine, or spirits exceeding 0.5% alcohol.
- Provincial age limits apply: 18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec) or 19 (other provinces).
- Tobacco Products:
- Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or tobacco sticks.
- Firearms and Weapons:
- All firearms (non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited) must be declared.
- Visitors require a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration (25 CAD fee).
- Food, Plants, and Animal Products:
- Includes raw/cooked meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and live animals (pets).
- Currency Over 10,000 CAD:
- Cash, checks, stocks, or bonds exceeding this threshold.
- Gifts:
- Declare all gifts; those over 60 CAD may incur duties.
Prohibited Items When Entering Canada
(Synonym: “Prohibited Items”)
Never attempt to bring:
- Cannabis (even legal in Canada, importing it is illegal).
- Illegal drugs (penalties range from 1 year to life imprisonment).
- Prohibited firearms (automatic weapons, switchblades).
- Endangered species (e.g., ivory, rhino horns).
- Sick animals or unmarked packages (risk of smuggling charges).
Understanding Duty and Taxes on Declared Items
Alcohol Allowances (Duty-Free)
| Product | Allowance | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Wine | 1.5 liters | Two 750ml bottles |
| Liquor/Spirits | 1.14 liters | One standard bottle |
| Beer/Cider | 8.5 liters | 24 cans (355ml each) |
Note: Exceeding limits triggers duties + provincial taxes.
Tobacco Allowances
- 5 units duty-free (e.g., 200 cigarettes = 1 unit).
- Stamps must read “duty paid Canada droit acquitté.”
Personal Exemptions for Returning Residents
| Time Outside Canada | Duty-Free Allowance | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 24–48 hours | 200 CAD | Excludes alcohol/tobacco |
| 48+ hours | 800 CAD | Includes some alcohol |
| 7+ days | 800 CAD | Goods can arrive later |
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Fines up to 1,300 CAD for undeclared food/plants.
- Seizure of undeclared currency or firearms.
Tips for Smooth Border Crossings
- Use CBSA’s Declaration Tools:
- Submit via airport kiosks, declaration cards, or verbal statements.
- Secure Permits Early:
- Apply for a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) for firearms.
- Report Lost Documents:
- Notify CBSA immediately if passports or permits are stolen.
Conclusion
Understanding items to declare when entering Canada ensures compliance with 2025 CBSA rules and avoids costly penalties. Always declare restricted goods, verify duty limits, and consult the CBSA website for updates.