Are You Travelling Outside Canada?

Returning to Canada after a trip abroad means stopping at customs. You can clear customs quickly and with minimal fuss if you keep some tips in mind.

The North American Free Trade Agreement is now in full force. As a result, American-made goods you bring back from the United States have no customs duty. However, duties may still apply for goods manufactured in other countries. As well, there are quantity or dollar restrictions on some agricultural goods such as dairy products and turkey. Amounts in excess of these quantities are subject to very high duty rates. Please contact your local customs office for further information on these products.

In addition to customs duties, you may be required to pay the goods and services tax or the harmonized sales tax on your purchases. Residents of Manitoba and Quebec entering through their home province must also pay the provincial sales tax. Starting on April 16, 1999, residents of Ontario will also have to pay the provincial sales tax.

You do not have to pay duties or taxes if you qualify for one of the following personal exemptions.

If you have been outside Canada for:

• 24 hours, you can bring in $50 worth of goods free of duty and tax;
• 48 hours, you can bring in $200 worth of goods free of duty and tax; and
• 7 days or more, you can bring in $500 worth of goods free of duty and tax.

Restrictions apply to the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring into Canada under your exemption. If you have been outside Canada for at least 48 hours and are of legal age, you can bring in these amounts of alcohol and tobacco products free of duty and tax as part of your personal exemption:

Alcoholic beverages:

• 1.14 L (40 oz.) of liquor, wine, or wine coolers; or
• 24 x 355 ml (12 oz.) containers of beer.

Tobacco products (all of the following):

• 200 cigarettes;
• 200 g (7 oz.) of loose tobacco;
• 50 cigars; and
• 200 tobacco sticks.

If you bring in more than the free allowance of alcohol or tobacco, you will have to pay the applicable duties and taxes.

Other tips for returning to Canada

• If you are not sure what to declare when you arrive at customs, declare the items first and then discuss them with us.
• To prove your citizenship and residency, we may ask you for identification. This could include such items as a birth certificate, Quebec baptismal certificate, passport, citizenship card, record of landing, or a Certificate of Indian Status. If you are travelling with a child who is not your own, you need a note from the parents or guardians granting you permission to have the child with you.
• Handguns and weapons like mace and pepper spray are prohibited from entering Canada. For more information, please see our pamphlet, Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada.
• You cannot bring some fruits, vegetables, meats, or plants into Canada from other countries.
• You should also note that some exotic items like conch, coral, and reptilian leather require an export permit from the originating country, while some items like ivory are considered endangered species and are not permitted entry to Canada.
• If you take jewellery with you on your trip outside Canada, carry an appraisal report, certified photographs, and the bill of sale for the purchase (when available). These documents will prove that you did not buy the jewellery while you were out of the country.

For more information on customs or to get publications, call 1-800-461-9999 toll free, or visit our Web site at: www.rc.gc.ca

Publications available for travellers:

I Declare

Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada