International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and budgeting, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary and are subject to change.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to Canada-- employment, family or just a change of scenery, you’ll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.
Here’s what you need to know when preparing to travel to Canada from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When entering Canada through customs, there are several important documents that you must carry with you to be granted access. These documents, like all other important pieces of identification, should be kept with you at all times during your move:
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Work permit (if applicable)
- Detailed inventory (in either English or French) - must provide a list of all appliances and electronics, including the make, model, and serial numbers of the items
- Importers Declaration for Customs
- United States/Canada Border Declaration
- Customs Manifest (Form A8A)
- Immigration papers
- Landed Immigrant Application (if applicable)
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Canada and you currently live outside of the country, you can import household items and personal effects through customs if they fit the following guidelines and shipping regulations currently in place by the CBSA:
- Customer must be present at customs clearance at the time of the shipment arrival. Failure to appear may result in the shipment being placed in bonded storage at the expense of the customer.
- If the customer was formerly a resident of Canada and is returning to the country after an absence of at least one year, or was a resident in another country for a year, all used household goods and personal effects may be imported duty free.
- If the customer has lived outside of Canada for longer than one year, but less than five years, then all household goods and personal effects being imported must have been in the owner's possession for at least six months (Bill of Sale and registration documents may be required to prove age of items).
- All items imported may not be sold within one year of importation.
- All items are subject to inspection by customs and border officials.
- To avoid any storage charges, all air shipments must be cleared within 48 hours of arrival.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from being imported into Canada through customs and may be seized by customs and border authorities upon arrival:
- Weapons, explosives, fireworks and ammunition that do not fit the guidelines and restrictions outlined under the Restricted Items heading below
- Hate propaganda and any other material deemed to be obscene or vulgar
- Used or second-hand mattresses
- Narcotic drugs
- All animals and animal products from the endangered species list
- Some fruits and vegetables are prohibited
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some items, while not prohibited, are restricted in other ways upon their arrival at customs. These items may be limited to certain quantities or may require additional duties, taxes or fees to be paid before they can be cleared by customs officials:
- All firearms and weapons must be declared at the port of entry
- Handguns require a special permit to be imported into the country, although these permits are very seldom granted
- All pistols, revolvers or fully automatic firearms may not be imported for sporting purposes and are not permitted without a special police permit
- Hunting rifles or shotguns which are imported for sporting purposes are not restricted
- There are no restrictions on air pistols or air rifles, as long as the muzzle velocity on these weapons does not exceed 500 feet per second
- All explosives, fireworks and ammunition require a written authorization and permits in order to be cleared at customs
- Some tobacco products may be restricted
- Alcohol may be imported under certain circumstances and as long as you satisfy the minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages in the province or territory where you are entering - you are permitted to import alcohol duty free and without any restrictions as long as you are importing:
- 1.5 liters of wine; or
- A total of 1.14 liters (40 ounces) of alcoholic beverages; or
- Up to 8.5 liters or beer or ale
- Importation of alcohol requires the customer to provide a detailed list of the alcohol upon entering the country, as well as an Import Permit
- Pornographic material
- Plants and plant products require an Import Permit which must be issued prior to arrival by the Department of Agriculture
- Prescription drugs require proof of prescription
- Customer must pay duties on commercial quantities of any item
- Radio equipment, including CB radios and walkie-talkies
- Office equipment (both new and used)
- Any items valued over $10,000 are subject to duties and taxes
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Thinking of bringing your car along with you when you move overseas? Not so fast. Some countries have strict regulations regarding how cars can be transported into the country and which cars are allowed to be imported. Here are the motor vehicle regulations for Canada:
- Any vehicles that are being imported for the purpose of construction, contracting, or manufacturing are subject to a goods and services tax and all applicable duties
- All Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control regulations apply to any vehicles imported through customs
- Modifications may be required for vehicles that are older than 15 years old and are subject to different regulations
- Vehicle must contain the Statement of Compliance label issued by the vehicle manufacturer
- Although vehicles may be imported duty free, they are still subject to local taxes
- For exemption from duties, Form K-22 is required, as well as immediate registration and licensing
- Must present customs with proof of registration and proof of vehicle ownership upon arrival
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Bringing your pets with you on your overseas move is a necessity for many; after all, they are a part of the family. So before you move, check out the regulations for shipping your pet overseas and what you need to obtain to safely allow your pet into your new country:
- All pets require an International Health and Inoculation Certificate and must be inspected by the Department of Agriculture
- Dogs, birds, livestock and horses may be imported, provided they fulfill these requirements:
- Must be three months of age or older
- Must be accompanied by a certificate signed and dated by a veterinarian
- Must provide proof that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the last year
- Pets must be vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry
- Certificate of health must identify the animal by the following: breed, age, sex, color
- Some animals will require quarantine prior to being importing, the length of quarantine will vary depending on the type of animal and the country from which the animal originated
To help you prepare for your move ion, we’ve provided you with a few links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: