If you’ve set up shop and you’re not sure what’s considered prohibited items to ship internationally, it’s always better to have all the facts, and avoid getting into a jam with the law for something you did not realize was illegal.
It’s an exciting time to be in the export business. If you’re exporting to US, the exchange rate is favourable and that can be a great boost to business. The internet has opened up an infinite horizon for business possibilities, and once you launch a product on your website or on an eCommerce site like Shopify or Amazon, the world is your oyster!
While some goods are legal at the state or provincial level, they can still be seized at the border, as international borders are controlled federally.
At BorderBuddy we provide customs solutions, and we always like our customers to be as well-educated as possible about the do’s and don’ts of international shipping to avoid seizure of goods at the border, or worse, trouble with the law. So we have compiled a list of restricted, as well as prohibited items that cannot be shipped from Canada. We do recommend you double-check with your carrier, as regulations will vary depending on which service you use.
Prohibited Items to Ship Internationally from Canada
The following list has items which are generally illegal to ship from Canada.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Animal skins (non-domesticated)
- Articles of exceptional value (ie. works of art, antiques, Precious stones, gold and silver)
- Dangerous goods/Hazardous materials (following IATA regulations for Express and Expedited, and following ADR regulations for Standard)
- Firearms
- Furs
- Human or animal remains or parts
- Illegal Items
- Ivory and ivory products
- Live animals
- Money or negotiable items
- Perishable goods
- Plants
- Pornographic materials
- Seeds
- Tobacco and tobacco products
Restricted Goods
There are items that some carriers will accept even if they are on the prohibited list provided you have made prior arrangements with the carrier and obtained permission from them, including:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Flowers
- Lithium ion and Lithium metal batteries
- Perishable goods
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plants
- Seeds
- Tobacco and tobacco products
The specific conditions under which an item may be shipped can vary widely depending on the volume you are shipping, the carrier, and other variables. Live animals, for example, are restricted by both UPS and Canada Post. UPS will carry them “under certain criteria,” while Canada Post requires an “agreement…prior to mailing.” If you’re planning to ship something prohibited by one carrier, it may well be acceptable for another carrier.
Canada Post’s site says that they deliver some products that are subject to specific requirements in order to be sent. Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are examples of controlled items.
From live bees to batteries, they have suggestions on how to package your item to guarantee a safe delivery.
If you are shipping to a country you have not shipped to before, be sure to check their specific regulations. Every country has a list of items that they don’t permit, per the food, health, safety, and environmental restrictions.
Items You Cannot Import Into Canada Include:
- Obscene or Pornographic material
- Coins and cash
- Counterfeit goods
- Anything made or crafted in prisons
- Used mattresses or cushioning from used mattresses
- Items that misrepresent their place of origin
- Second-hand cars
- White phosphorous matches
- Anything goods that might include hate speech or sedition
For more details on items prohibited for import in Canada, visit the Canada Border Services Agency.
Do the work now, and you’ll worry less later
If you do your homework upfront and you’re aware of the shipping restrictions in the countries you ship to, you will have fewer headaches to contend with down the road. Otherwise you risk hurting your business and revenue.
When in doubt, give us a shout
If you want to leave all the details to us, be sure to contact BorderBuddy. We’ve got solutions for any size business, so give us a call today.