CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
The owner of the goods must present a list of items to be imported.
Diplomats can import household goods and personal effects duty and tax free.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport
- Letter of employment from the LOCAL Embassy / Consulate.– Original stamped by the local Canadian consulate indicating that the client is working in the consulate. Should be presented with the work permit.
- Obligation for Privilege from the Canadian Ministry of External Affairs
- Diplomats should consult their embassy/consulate to determine what agreement that office has with the Canadian government
- Packing list with declared values, electronic items should include make, model and serial number
PETS
- Pets are allowed to be imported into Canada with accompanying vet certificates
- The veterinary health record certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, gender and color.
- Check with agent for specific information prior to import.
ANTIQUES, ARTIFACTS, CARPETS, PAINTINGS
- No documents are required if the items are part of the household effects shipment.
- Proof of age will be required if item is over 100 years old.
- Antiques and works or art imported into Canada for resale, are subject to different regulations.
- The items are permitted duty-free entry if the following conditions are met: The works of art are part of a bona fide household removal; The works of art are not for sale or other disposal.
WEDDING TROUSSEAU / GIFTS
- Wedding "trousseau" means goods acquired for use in the household of a newly married couple, but does not include vehicles, vessels or aircraft; wedding "gifts" means goods of a non-commercial nature received by a person as personal gifts in consideration of that person's recent marriage or the anticipated marriage of that person within three months of the person's return to Canada.
- Wedding trousseau and gifts may be imported duty and tax free providing: A bride's trousseau / gifts owned by, in the possession of, and imported by a recently married person or a bride-to-be whose anticipated marriage is to take place within 3 months of the date of her return to Canada or has taken place no more than 3 months prior to arrival in Canada.
DUTIABLE AND RESTRICTED ITEMS
- Do not ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid the possibility of freezing.
- Alcohol (a detailed list including type, size, and quantity is required and an import permit must be obtained prior to importation; duties and taxes apply)
- Import permit must be obtained from the Provincial Liquor Control Board.
- Tobacco products are subject to duties and taxes.
- Foodstuffs can cause extensive delays / additional charges (importation is discouraged)
- Meat (authorization is required; importation is discouraged)
- Pornographic materials
- New items (a bill of sale may be required by Customs)
- Hunting trophies (restrictions apply, especially for endangered species; a CITES Certificate may be required; check with agent before shipping).
- Firearms (strict regulations apply; check with agent for details)
- Any one item valued at $10,000 or over is subject to duties and taxes.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Live plants
- Narcotics, drugs, incitements
- Fruits and vegetables
- Live ammunition and explosives