Canadian Custom Regulations. What's allowed and what's not?

About Canada Customs Regulations

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) ensures the entry of legal trade and travelers. The country prohibits individuals from carrying things that might pose a threat to Canadians.

The CBSA alerts individuals to cross-check the items that can be imported into the country to avoid any kind of penalties or fines. In most cases, a legal authorization or permit is required for items that can be imported to the country.

A license or permit is preferably asked for the following list of goods:

• Prescription drugs and health products 
• Cultural or antique objects
• Ammunition, explosives, and fireworks 

 

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List of goods that can be imported with prior authorization

Given below is the list of goods that can be brought into Canada, provided you have a license or proper authorization for it:

 

Firearms:

The CBSA notes that all the firearms in possession must be declared before entering the country. The Canada Border Services Agency must be informed about the goods that you have obtained from outside the country.

Some of the valid reasons considered for bringing firearms into Canada are as follows:

• Competitions
• Repair works
• Hunting during the season (non-restricted firearms only)
• In transit via Canada or between two different points.
• Protection from wildlife (In remote areas)  

Individuals importing firearms that are non-restricted with a valid firearms license, must submit it to the Border Services Officer, says the CBSA.

The Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration can be availed by individuals who do not a license. The Form acts like as a visitor’s firearms license for up to 60 days with $25 as a fee.

 

Explosives:

The list of explosive chemicals or restricted components that can be brought into Canada has been updated. As of today, there are 10 precursor chemicals, which now include the below list of as well:

• Acetone
• Hexamine
• Aluminum powder
• Calcium ammonium nitrate

 

Animals:

There are also restrictions for the type of animal and its origin that can be brought to Canada. The Border Services Agency notified that commercial dogs, with a high risk of rabies, must be prevented from entering the country.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does not issue permits for commercial dogs from countries that pose a high risk of these diseases.

 

Cannabis:

Cannabis is sold in Canadian stores, however, it cannot be transported or imported across borders. As per the Cannabis Act, the regulation of cannabis is legalized in Canada but has strict rules for distributing, producing, selling, and possessing it in the country.

The CBSA warns individuals that transporting cannabis with any oils including Cannabidiol (CBD) or THC across the border without a permit can lead to a serious criminal offense.

 

 

Penalties and Fines for violating the Canadian Customs Rules

The CBSA points out that restrictions are imposed on items depending on the type of product, country of origin, and province. The rules are imposed to protect animals, plants, and natural habitats of Canada and can be adjusted according to emerging threats.

Every traveler who enters the country must voluntarily declare the goods they are bringing into the country. Failure to do so can result in detention of products, prosecution, or a fine of up to $1300.

Inadmissible goods will be disposed of or removed from the country with travelers having to hold responsibility for the costs of these items.  

 

The table given below has the fine charges imposed on violations:

 

Violation	Penalty Fee
Minor	$500
Serious	$800
Very Serious	$1,300

 

 

What to do if you receive a notice of violation?

Below are the three options you have if you receive a notice of violation without prior warning:

• Accept the warning and waive a right to appeal.
• Request a review by the Ministry by submitting a review request within 30 days of receiving the notice of violation.
• Request a tribunal review by the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal within 30 days of receiving the notice of violation.

 

 

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