Moving to Canada

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:

• CUSTOMER AND/OR SPOUSE MUST BE PRESENT AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE (FAILURE TO APPEAR IMMEDIATELY WILL RESULT IN BONDED STORAGE AT CUSTOMER’S EXPENSE)
• All shipments are subject to inspection
• If Customer has been residing outside Canada for at least a year, but less than five years, household goods and personal effects must have been in Customer’s ownership, possession and use for at least six months (Bill of Sale and Registration documents required to prove age)
• Items must not be sold or lent within one year of importation
• Air shipments must be cleared within 48 hours to avoid storage charges
• Used household goods and personal effects may be duty-free if Customer was a resident of Canada returning after an absence of at least one year or was a former resident who has been a resident of another country for at least one year.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

• Passport
• Visa (if applicable)
• Work Permit (if applicable)
• Previous airport or United States/Canada Border Declaration
• Importers Declaration for Customs
• Immigration papers for immigrants
• Landed Immigrant Application (if applicable)
• Letter of Undertaking (not always necessary)
• Returning Canadians will also need to provide the following documents:
  • Proof of Residency outside of Canada
  • Monthly statements, letter from employer, rent receipts, Income Tax, etc.
• Inventory (in English or French) giving a detailed list of appliances and electronics with make, model, serial number, etc.
• Customs Manifest (Form A8A)

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Weapons (except as stated above), explosives, fireworks and all ammunition
• Narcotic drugs
• Animal products on the endangered species list
• Plants, sand and other related matter require a Phytosanitary Certificate and Import Permit issued in advance by the Department of Agriculture
• Some fruits and vegetables are prohibited
• NOTE: INCLUSION OF ANY OF THE ABOVE ITEMS IN THE SHIPMENT WILL DELAY CUSTOMS AND RESULT IN ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE CUSTOMER

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS:

• Importation of alcohol requires a detailed list (giving type, size, and quantity) and an Import Permit
  • Provincial and federal duties and taxes will be assessed
  • DO NOT ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid possibility of freezing
• Tobacco products
• Foodstuffs in reasonable quantities are permitted
• Meat
• Authorization must be granted before import
• Pornographic materials
• Commercial quantities of anything pay duties
• New items (Customer must supply Bill of Sale for any new item which may be questioned by the Customs office)
• Radio equipment (CB’s and walkie-talkies)
• Office equipment (even if used)
• Handguns require a permit (but are very seldom granted)
• Pistols, revolvers or fully automatic firearms are not permitted for sporting purposes and require a Police Permit
• Hunting rifles or shotguns for sporting purposes (that are not adapted) are not restricted
• No restrictions apply on air pistols or air rifles provided the muzzle velocity does not exceed 500 feet per second
• Any one item valued at $10,000 or over is dutiable

PETS:

• All pets require an International Health and Inoculation Certificate and Inspection by the Department of Agriculture
• Dogs, birds, livestock, and horses three months old or older from the United States can be imported provided they are accompanied by a certificate signed and dated by a veterinarian, showing that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the last year. Pets must be vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry.
  • The certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, sex, color, and any distinguishing marks
• Quarantine will be required for some types of animals
  • Length depends on the type of animal and country of origin

MOTOR VEHICLES:

• Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission control regulations apply
• Vehicles over 15 years old are subject to different regulations and costly modifications may be required
• Vehicle must bear the “Statement of Compliance” label affixed by the manufacturer
• Vehicle may be subject to local taxes but are duty-free
• Form K-22, immediate registration and licensing is required for exemption from duties
• Documents required:
  • Registration
  • Proof of ownership

NOTE: Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers.
Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, we cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.
Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.