When moving to Canada, many newcomers bring along valuable personal belongings and assets essential to their new life. From household items to monetary assets, understanding the Canadian customs process can make this transition smoother. This guide explains what personal belongings and funds can be brought into Canada without incurring duties or taxes and the necessary steps for customs clearance.
What Can Newcomers Bring to Canada?
The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulates what items can cross the Canadian border. Newcomers are generally allowed to bring personal and household items without paying duties, provided these items are declared upon arrival. These items may include:
- Books
- Linens
- Clothes
- Jewelry
- Antiques
- Furniture
- Silverware
- Musical instruments
- Gifts valued at CAD $60 or less
- Hobby items and tools
- Private collections (coins, stamps, art)
- Household appliances (e.g., stoves, refrigerators)
However, duties may apply to certain items, such as farm equipment, tools for business purposes, and leased or rented items. Furthermore, any items that have not been used before entering Canada may also be subject to duties.
Specific Conditions for Certain Items
Some goods have specific conditions for duty-free entry into Canada:
- Wedding gifts can be brought in without paying duties if the couple was married within three months before arriving or plans to marry within three months after arrival.
- Vehicles for personal use may enter duty-free, provided they meet Canadian safety and environmental standards.
- Jewelry and precious items require detailed documentation during the declaration process.
- Gifts valued over CAD $60 may be subject to duties, and alcohol or tobacco cannot be imported as gifts.
Certain restricted or prohibited goods may require special permits or be completely forbidden from entry into Canada.
Monetary Declarations
Newcomers are allowed to bring substantial amounts of money into Canada without paying duties. However, if carrying CAD $10,000 or more (in Canadian or foreign currency or monetary instruments such as stocks, bonds, or checks), they must declare this amount to the CBSA upon arrival. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
How to Declare Goods and Funds to the CBSA
Upon arrival in Canada, newcomers must follow these steps to declare their belongings and assets:
- Scan travel documents at an airport kiosk or eGate.
- Review and edit the declaration if necessary.
- Submit the declaration and proceed to a CBSA officer for further processing.
Alternatively, declarations can be submitted in advance using the ArriveCAN app, simplifying the customs process upon arrival.
By following these guidelines, newcomers can ensure a smooth transition to Canada without unnecessary customs duties or delays.