Overview

Canada has a strict laws regarding what you can bring into the country. When entering Canada you will need to declare all plants, food and animals and other related products. This is to protect the country from threats related to disease and also to protect the health of Canadians and Canada’s environment.   To be sure whether you can bring an exact product into Canada, ask for advice from the Canadian Embassy or the airline before travelling.

Canada also has restrictions and limits on the importation of meat, eggs, dairy products, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world. As a result of these strict regulations, visitors to Canada can be assured they will find very good quality food to suit their tastes.

All cars must meet Canadian safety and pollution standards. Many cars are not allowed into the country at the border. If you arrive at The Canada Border Service Agency office and your vehicle does not meet the requirements of both the CBSA and Transport Canada, you will need to either export or destroy your vehicle under the CBSA's supervision. You are responsible for all related costs. In such circumstances, duties may not be refunded.

Alcohol and Tobacco 

-  To bring alcohol and tobacco into Canada, you must meet the minimum age regiments of the province where you enter Canada.
- 18 years for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec; and
- 19 years for Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

You are allowed to import only one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

• 1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
• 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor;
• a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
• 24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounces) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.

You are allowed to bring in all of the following amounts of tobacco into Canada without paying duty:

• 200 cigarettes;
• 50 cigars or cigarillos;
• 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco; and
• 200 tobacco sticks.