CUSTOMS

IMPORT REGULATIONS

Pets

Dogs

• For dogs younger than three months, you will need to bring proof of the dog's age from an approved veterinarian and documentation that clearly demonstrates they own the dog and obtained ownership prior to entering Canada.
• If the dog is being imported from a country of origin that has been declared free of rabies (find a list of these countries here) then you will need to present either a valid rabies vaccination certificate or a valid Rabies Country-Freedom Certificate. All other countries must only present a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
• All dogs must appear healthy and meet human transportation requirements. 
• Assistance dogs are allowed into Canada without restrictions (including the exemption of rabies vaccination requirements as long as documentation supporting that the dog is trained and certified as an assistance dog is provided) but must be accompanied by its designated handler.
• The importation of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk of dog rabies will be prohibited from entering Canada until further notice.

Cats

• The importation of domestic cats younger than three months must be accompanied by proof of the cat's age.
• For cats aged three months or older coming from the United States, Mexico or any of the listed rabies-free countries, you will need to provide either a valid rabies vaccination certificate or a veterinary certificate. Anyone arriving into Canada from any other country of origin must only provide a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
• Non-domestic cats are not permitted entry into Canada.

Other information

• Canada does not require a microchip or tattoo identification for domestic dogs or cats imported as personal pets. However, dogs under 8 months of age imported for commercial use must be identified by an electronic microchip.

• For more information on importing pets into Canada, including of pets other than cats and dogs, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

Free to Import

Tobacco (restricted to travellers 18 years and over)

All of the following:

• 200 cigarettes;
• 50 cigars;
• 200 grams of manufactured tobacco; and
• 200 tobacco sticks.

Note: in order to qualify for a personal exemption on tobacco, all packages must be stamped "duty paid Canada droit acquitté".

Alcohol (restricted to travellers 18 years and over in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, and 19 years in other provinces of Canada)

One of the following:

• 1.5 litres of wine;
• 1.14 litres of spirits; or
• 8.5 litres of beer or ale.

Currency

• Any amount up to CAD$10,000 (or foreign equivalent) can be freely imported or exported. Travellers must report anything over this amount to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) when they arrive or leave. For further information on this recommendation, please visit the CBSA Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more.

Other Goods

• Travellers may bring 'personal baggage' for their own use. This includes clothing, camping and sport goods, cameras and computers. These must leave Canada when the traveller leaves.
• Gifts can be imported if each gift is valued at CAD$60 or less. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or commercial goods may not be claimed as gifts.
• For further information on the above, please visit Bringing Goods Across the Border.

Prohibited

The following are prohibited from being imported into Canada:

• Child pornography;
• Hate propaganda;
• Obscene material;
• Counterfeit coins;
• Goods with a misleading country of origin; and
• White phosphorus matches.

Restricted

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.

• Firearms and weapons must be declared, and require permits. For further information, please visit the CBSA Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada.
• Explosives and fireworks must be declared, and require permits. For further information, please visit the CBSA Administration of the Explosives Act.
• Cannabis requires either a permit or exemption authorised by Health Canada. Transportation of cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite its legalisation in Canada. You must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency.
• Vehicles are subject to importation requirements. For further information, please visit the CBSA Importation of Vehicles.
• Used or second-hand mattresses are prohibited unless they have a certificate verifying that they have been cleaned and fumigated. For further information, please visit the CBSA Used or Second-Hand Mattresses and Materials Therefrom.
• Certain antiquities considered to have historical significance to their country of origin require export permits. For further information, please visit Import of Cultural Property.
• Clothing, handbags, and textiles may require import permits. For further information, please visit Global Affairs Canada Export and Import Controls.
• Certain health products, such as prescription drugs, may be subject to restriction. For further information, please visit Health Canada Import Requirements for Health Products.
• Food, plant, and animal products must be declared. For further information, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
• Endangered species of plants and animals require import permits. For further information, please visit Environment and Climate Change Canada Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
• Radio communication equipment may require authorisation from Industry Canada.

EXPORT REGULATIONS

Free to Export

• Goods that were imported for personal use.
• Currency up the value of CAD$10,000.

Prohibited and Restricted

For information on the exportation of prohibited and restricted goods, please contact the Border Information Service.

For further information, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency.