Canada customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Canada enforces some of the world's strictest biosecurity rules—any food, plants, or animal products must be declared or you risk fines starting at C$800. Non-residents get a duty-free goods allowance of C$800 only if staying 48+ hours; otherwise it drops to C$200.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.5 L

1.5 L of wine (up to 14.9% ABV) OR 1.14 L (40 oz) of spirits OR 8.5 L of beer or ale. Must be 19+ (18+ in Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta). Duty-free value included in goods allowance.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 200 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

C$10,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency, including monetary instruments) must be declared on Form E677. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Goods duty-free

$800

C$800 duty-free for goods (including gifts, souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco) if staying 48+ hours. If stay is 24-47 hours: C$200. If under 24 hours: C$0. Above the allowance, duty and taxes apply at rates up to 18%.

Prohibited — banned from import

Cannabis (any form) – illegal to import or export, even if legal in Canada
Firearms and weapons without proper authorization (e.g., pepper spray, switchblades, brass knuckles)
Child pornography and obscene materials
Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs) without CITES permits
Raw poultry from countries with avian influenza outbreaks
Counterfeit goods and pirated copies

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Prescription medications (especially controlled drugs) – require a prescription or doctor's note
Firearms and ammunition – must be declared and require a valid Canadian Firearms Program license or temporary permit
Live plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit
Animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) – must be from approved countries and declared; some are banned
Drones and radio equipment – may require Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada certification

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to a CBSA primary inspection kiosk (eKiosk or paper declaration card). Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare; use the red channel if you have goods above the allowance or restricted items. All travellers must present a completed declaration (electronic or paper).

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's note for controlled substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants). Quantity should not exceed a 90-day supply. Some common drugs (e.g., codeine, cannabis) are strictly controlled; cannabis is legal in Canada but cannot be brought in or out. Check Health Canada's list of controlled substances.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, animals, and related products must be declared. Banned: raw poultry from countries with avian flu, certain fruits/vegetables, soil, and wood products. Declare even common items like apples or sandwiches. Fines start at C$800 for non-declaration.

Rules worth knowing

Tobacco Stick Limit

In addition to 200 cigarettes, you may bring 200 tobacco sticks (e.g., heated tobacco units). They count separately from cigarettes.

GST/HST Exemption for Non-Residents

Non-residents can claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on short-term accommodation and some goods taken out of Canada, but not on duty-free allowances.

Cannabis – Zero Tolerance at Border

Even though cannabis is legal in Canada, it is illegal to bring it across the border in any amount. This includes CBD oil, edibles, and seeds. Travellers with a medical prescription must still leave it behind.

Gifts and Customs Valuation

Gifts valued over C$60 each are included in your personal exemption. You cannot use the gift exemption to avoid duties on items you intend to sell.

Frequently asked questions

No. The duty-free allowance for a stay of 48 hours or more is C$800. The first C$800 is duty-free; the remaining C$200 is subject to duty and taxes at standard rates.

Yes. Codeine is a controlled substance in Canada. You must carry a valid prescription or a doctor's note, and the quantity should not exceed a 90-day supply. Declare it at the kiosk or to the officer.

Yes, as long as the total alcohol volume does not exceed 1.5 L of wine (up to 14.9% ABV) and 1.14 L of spirits. You may bring both, but the combined value counts toward your C$800 goods allowance.

Yes, if your first point of arrival in Canada is a Canadian airport, you must clear customs there, even if you are connecting to another flight. You will go through CBSA and may need to collect and re-check luggage.

You risk a fine starting at C$800, and the items will be confiscated. Canada has strict biosecurity laws; even an apple or a sandwich can trigger penalties if not declared.

Yes, but drones over 250 g must be registered with Transport Canada and you must follow Canadian drone rules (e.g., no flying near airports, max altitude 122 m). You may need to declare it if it contains radio equipment subject to ISED certification.

That depends on US customs rules, not Canadian. Canada does not restrict what you take out, but you must comply with US CBP allowances (typically US$800 duty-free for stays 48+ hours).

Official source

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)