Box Shipping - Import Regulations in Canada

Import Regulations in Canada

The documents required are: passport; visa (if applicable); Work Permit (if applicable); inventory (in English or French) giving a detailed list of appliances and electronics with make, model, serial number, etc; Customs Manifest (Form A8A); 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 and monthly statements, letter from employer, rent receipts, Income Tax, etc.

Customer and/or spouse must be present at customs clearance.

Used personal effects and household goods 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.

The shipments are subject to inspection.

In case 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).

The household goods must not be sold or lent within one year of importation.

To avoid storage charges, air shipments must be cleared within 48 hours.

Here are the 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); tobacco products; foodstuffs in reasonable quantities are permitted; meat; 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.

Canadian Import Regulations >>