CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- Shipments must be declared to Customs at the port of entry (POE) (airport/U.S-Canada border) when the owner of the goods arrives in Canada. Customs will then issue documents needed for Customs clearance:
- BSF186 personal effects accounting document (Instructions on how to fill out - used/garage sale prices)
- BSF715 casual goods accounting document.
- The owner of the goods must present a list of items to be imported.
- It is recommended that a copy of the packing list / inventory be hand carried for presentation to Customs.
- For immigrants and holders of work / students visas, the goods must be owned and used prior to importation and the shipment must not include goods that are to be sold or otherwise disposed of 12 months after importation for duty-free import.
- Please note that used or second-hand mattresses entering Canada, may require to be fumigated prior to shipping. A letter, or any other document that clearly demonstrates that this requirement has been met, is acceptable if it is signed by a person qualified in cleaning and fumigating. To qualify for exemption:
- Returning Canadian: If absent less than 1 year from Canada -> Need Fumigation.
- Returning Canadian: If absent more than 1 year from Canada -> Exemption (confirm with destination agent on requirements).
- Settler - landed immigrant: May be Exempt, contact destination agent for confirmation.
- Student Visa / Work Permit / Seasonal Resident: Need Fumigation.
- First declaration must be made at point of entry into Canada. Present B4E Form to Customs and attach packing list with declared values, electronic items should include make, model and serial number
- When shipment arrives, a second personal declaration to customs is required at the customs point nearest final destination.
- The following territories may permit 3rd party clearance or a family member present for the clearance, if circumstances are met: Nova Scotia; British Columbia; Ontario; Alberta. Check with destination agent if circumstances are permittable before shipment arrives at destination. Customs still has a right to decline 3rd party or family clearance and require the owner of the household goods to be present for customs clearance at any time.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport
- Copy of Immigration Papers
- Work Permit / Student Visa holders, if applicable
- Original Detailed inventory / Packing list including "goods to follow" in English or French
- Personal effects accounting document (form BSF186 formerly known as form B4) (BSF186 in English, in French) Temporary Visa’s (i.e. Work permit less than 3 year) this status is not included on the BSF186 customs form, so you do not need to complete the BSF186 form. If applying for PR status, then check Settler.
- Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
- Receipts for new items
- Liquor Permit, if applicable
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Vehicles less than 15 years old must comply with all Canadian safety and emissions standards.
- Vehicles must be made for the Canadian market.
- If the vehicle is eligible for importation, an import assessment, which may include duty, excise tax, and the 7% goods and services tax, will apply.
- There is no duty if your vehicle originated in Canada.
- For work permit / student visa holders, duty and tax will be waived for the duration of the permit.
- The vehicle will be imported on a temporary basis for the duration of the work permit / student visa must be re-exported upon departure from Canada.
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