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Simplify your customs today
Calculate duties and taxes
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Streamlining customs clearance
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import into canada
Import into the USA
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Importing goods into Canada for personal use can be a rewarding experience, providing access to products not readily available domestically. This guide covers three main scenarios: shopping in the U.S. and bringing goods back to Canada, importing personal vehicles, and importing items via a third party.
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Whether you are importing a car, motorcycle, or other types of vehicles for personal use, understanding the process is crucial. See our Vehicles & Machinery Imports section.
No personal exemption
You must pay duties and taxes on all goods brought into Canada.
CAD $200
Goods up to CAD $200 can be brought into Canada duty-free. If the value exceeds CAD $200, the entire amount is subject to duties and taxes. Alcohol and tobacco products are excluded.
CAD $800
Goods up to CAD $800 can be brought into Canada duty-free. This exemption includes alcohol and tobacco products within specific limits:
Alcohol: Up to 1.5 liters of wine, or 1.14 liters of spirits, or 24 x 355 ml cans or bottles of beer.
Tobacco: Up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks.
CAD $800
Same limits as for the 48-hour exemption. Items may be delivered to Canada separately but must be declared upon return.
A customs broker can help streamline the importing process, especially for complex products or large volumes. They assist with:
Hiring a customs broker is highly recommended for businesses to ensure a smooth and efficient import process.
For those who prefer to shop online or use a shipping carrier to import goods into Canada, understanding the regulations and processes is key.
Goods imported via a third party can arrive through various methods such as:
If you're looking for help in shipping to Canada, look at this page. If you're looking for a carrier to help ship your products, check out our carrier partners page.
As mentioned, personal exemptions vary based on the duration of your absence from Canada.
Duties and taxes are calculated based on the Harmonized System (HS) Code classification of goods, declared value, and applicable trade agreements.
Gifts valued at CAD $60 or less can be imported duty-free. Higher value gifts are subject to duties and taxes on the amount over CAD $60.
Declare all items brought into Canada, including those bought in duty-free shops.
Keep receipts and invoices for all goods purchased abroad.
Fill out the customs declaration form accurately.
Pay any applicable duties and taxes promptly.
Strictly regulated with specific limits.
Duties and taxes apply to the entire quantity if limits are exceeded.
Gifts valued at CAD $60 or less each can be imported duty-free.
Subject to duties and taxes on the amount over CAD $60.
Failing to declare goods, misrepresenting values, or attempting to evade duties and taxes can result in:
Undeclared goods can be seized by CBSA.
Significant fines can be imposed for non-compliance.
In severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued.
The term "de minimis" refers to a threshold below which goods can be imported duty-free and tax-free. This threshold simplifies and expedites the customs clearance process for low-value shipments, benefiting both importers and consumers by reducing costs and administrative burdens.
The de minimis threshold is the maximum value of goods that can be imported without incurring customs duties and taxes. In Canada, the de minimis threshold varies depending on the type of import and the shipping method used.
CAD $40 for GST/HST and PST (if applicable), CAD $150 for customs duties.
Goods valued at CAD $40 or less can be imported without paying GST/HST and PST. Goods valued at CAD $150 or less can be imported without paying customs duties, but GST/HST and PST will still apply.
CAD $20.
Goods valued at CAD $20 or less can be imported without paying customs duties and taxes.
Importers and consumers can save on customs duties and taxes for low-value shipments, making small purchases more affordable.
Low-value shipments are processed more quickly through customs, reducing delivery times.
Simplifies the customs clearance process by eliminating the need for detailed documentation and payment of duties and taxes on low-value goods.
The de minimis threshold applies primarily to personal shipments. Commercial shipments may be subject to different regulations and thresholds.
Even if goods fall below the de minimis threshold, they must still comply with all import regulations. Prohibited and restricted goods, such as controlled substances or hazardous materials, cannot be imported duty-free.
Splitting a single shipment into multiple smaller shipments to stay under the de minimis threshold is not allowed and can lead to penalties.
To determine if your shipment qualifies for the de minimis exemption, follow these steps:
Include the cost of the goods, shipping, and insurance to determine the total value.
Verify if the goods are being shipped by courier or mail, as different thresholds apply.
Ensure that the goods are not prohibited or restricted and comply with all import regulations.
By understanding personal exemptions and adhering to regulations, you can enjoy your cross-border shopping experiences and personal imports without unexpected costs and complications when returning to Canada. For personalized assistance, visit BorderBuddy’s website or contact us at service@borderbuddy.com.