Duty-free allowance in Canada
Returning residents: CAN$800 after 48+ hours away (CAN$200 after 24 hours, with no alcohol/tobacco; nothing for same-day trips). ✅ Official
Visitors: personal goods you will take back out are free. Gifts up to CAN$60 each (not alcohol/tobacco). ✅ Official
Duty varies by item (often 0–18%) plus GST/HST (5–15%). ≈ Estimated
Status
| Gold jewellery | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Gold bars & coins | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Mobile phones | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Laptops & tablets | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Other electronics | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Watches | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Perfume & cosmetics | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Clothing & shoes | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Gifts & other goods | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Alcohol | allowed | 1.5 L wine OR 1.14 L spirits OR 8.5 L beer (legal drinking age of the province). 🟣 Reported |
| Cigarettes & tobacco | allowed | 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 g tobacco (48+ hours away). 🟣 Reported |
| E-cigarettes / vapes | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Cash & currency | declare | Declare CAN$10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments. ✅ Official |
| Medicines | restricted | Personal-use medicines are usually allowed with a prescription. Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sedatives, ADHD drugs) may need prior approval. ≈ Estimated |
| Packaged food & sweets | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Meat, milk & dairy | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Plants, seeds & fruit | restricted | Plants, seeds and fresh fruit usually need a phytosanitary certificate. Declare them. ≈ Estimated |
| Drones | allowed | No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated |
| Weapons & ammunition | prohibited | Most weapons are prohibited or need a permit (including pepper spray). ≈ Estimated |
| Narcotics & drugs | prohibited | Illegal drugs are prohibited in practically every country. Penalties can include long prison sentences or worse. ≈ Estimated |
Declare or pay online
- ArriveCAN / Advance Declaration: Submit your customs declaration in advance at participating airports. ≈ Estimated
⚖️ If you don't declare
- Undeclared goods above the allowance can be confiscated, and you may pay the duty plus a penalty (often up to the value of the goods).
- Undeclared cash over the limit can be seized until you prove where it came from.
- Smuggling, prohibited items or large commercial quantities can lead to arrest and prosecution.
- Illegal drugs carry very severe penalties in most countries, including long prison sentences.
≈ Estimated
Frequently asked questions
How much can I bring duty-free from to Canada?
Returning residents: CAN$800 after 48+ hours away (CAN$200 after 24 hours, with no alcohol/tobacco; nothing for same-day trips).
How much cash can I carry to Canada?
Declare CAN$10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments.
Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to Canada?
ArriveCAN / Advance Declaration: Submit your customs declaration in advance at participating airports.
Popular routes
Sources
- ✅ Official CBSA – Personal exemptions & border signage
- 🟣 Reported EntryBrief – Canada customs (alcohol/tobacco limits)
Last checked: 2026-11-09