Customs Advice

Your shipment of personal effects and household items can be imported duty-free if:

1. You are a returning Canadian citizen or recent immigrant:
   Ideally, all personal effects or household items should have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to you importing them. Some new items may be imported duty-free but others may be subject to duty and taxes.
2. Canadian citizens only: you must have lived outside Canada for a period not less than 12 months, you may be required to produce documentary evidence including:
   a. Evidence of disposal of property abroad.
   b. Cessation of employment
   c. Evidence of "day to day" living:
   • Bank statements;
   • Utility bills (electricity, gas);
   • Rent receipts;
   • Medical insurance documents and
   • Any other documents you think relevant and ideally cover the
   12-month period or longer.
   Please keep these types of documents should Customs require further information.
3. You are a student or visitor or entering with a work permit:
   a. All personal items and household item must be for your personal use during your stay;
   b. All such items must be exported when your temporary residence ends;
   c. None of items imported can be sold or otherwise disposed of without Customs agreement.