Canada customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

In 2026, non-resident adults entering Canada after a 48-hour absence may bring up to CAD 800 in goods duty-free. Alcohol and tobacco allowances are strictly limited and age-restricted (18+ or 19+ depending on province). Cash or monetary instruments of CAD 10,000 or more must be declared. Cannabis in any form is prohibited.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.5 L
1.5 litres of wine, OR 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits, OR 8.5 litres of beer. You may choose only one category. Must be for personal use and traveller must be 18+ (19+ in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 200 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount of CAD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency, including USD) must be declared on the CBSA Declaration Card or eDeclaration. This includes currency, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, and negotiable instruments.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods (including gifts and souvenirs) up to CAD 800 are duty- and tax-free after a 48-hour absence. For absences of 24-47 hours, the limit is CAD 200. Goods must be for personal use and in your possession. Above CAD 800, duty and taxes apply only on the excess amount.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Cannabis (any form, including CBD oil) — illegal to bring across the border even if legal in Canada or your origin country
  • Firearms and weapons (including pepper spray, brass knuckles, switchblades) without proper authorization
  • Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs (including from foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza regions)
  • Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, sea turtle shells, certain furs) without CITES permits
  • Obscene material (child pornography, hate propaganda, violent content)
  • Certain fruits, vegetables, plants, and soil (requires CFIA inspection and permit)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medications (must be in original packaging, for personal use, with a valid prescription; controlled substances require a medical certificate)
  • Firearms and weapons (must be declared, have valid PAL, and meet import requirements; non-residents need a temporary permit)
  • Drones (must be registered with Transport Canada and follow drone rules; commercial use requires a Special Flight Operations Certificate)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate and CFIA inspection)
  • Cultural property (antiques, artifacts over 50 years old may require an export permit from the origin country)

Rules worth knowing

GST/HST and Duty on Goods Over CAD 800

If the value of your goods exceeds CAD 800, you pay duty and GST/HST only on the amount over CAD 800. For example, CAD 1,000 in goods: duty and tax on CAD 200. Use the CBSA duty calculator online to estimate.

Alcohol and Tobacco Must Be in Your Possession

Alcohol and tobacco allowances apply only to goods you bring with you (not shipped separately). They must be in your accompanied baggage. For alcohol, commercial bottles are fine; homemade wine or beer may be allowed but must be declared.

Gifts and Personal Use Only

Goods must be for personal or household use, not for resale. If you bring items clearly for commercial purposes (e.g., multiple identical electronics), CBSA may treat them as commercial goods and require full duty and taxes.

Temporary Import for Vehicles and Boats

Non-residents can bring a vehicle or boat into Canada for up to 12 months without paying duty, provided it is not sold or leased in Canada. You must declare it and may need a temporary import permit. RVs and trailers are included.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1.5 litres of wine, OR 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits, OR 8.5 litres of beer. You cannot combine categories; pick one. You must be 18+ (19+ in some provinces).
After 48 hours outside Canada, you can bring up to CAD 800 worth of goods duty-free. After 24-47 hours, the limit is CAD 200. After 7 days, the limit is CAD 800 as well. Goods must be for personal use.
No, but if you have CAD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency, including USD), you must declare it. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties. This includes traveller's cheques, money orders, and negotiable instruments.
No. It is illegal to import cannabis in any form, including medical cannabis, CBD oil, or edibles, even if it is legal in Canada or your home country. You cannot bring it across the border. Possession at the border can lead to criminal charges.
Most processed, commercially packaged foods (canned, dried, baked goods) are allowed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs are restricted or prohibited. For example, you cannot bring raw chicken or beef. Declare all food items; failure to declare can result in fines.
Yes, for personal use. Keep medications in original packaging, bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note. For controlled substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants), you may need a medical certificate or a permit from Health Canada. Always declare them.

Official source

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before travelling.