What Can I Bring Into Canada?

Alcohol
As long as you meet the age requirements set by the province or territory where you enter Canada, you can import, duty and tax free, one of the following: up to 1.5 liters of wine, or 1.14 liters of liquor, or 24 x 355 milliliter cans or bottles (8.6 liters) of beer or ale.

Tobacco
If you meet the age requirements set by the province or territory where you enter Canada, you can import, duty and tax free, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. You may bring in additional quantities, but you must pay duties and taxes on the excess amount.

Food
The following items are allowed into Canada. All items must be clean and free of pests, soil and roots.

• Cheese: Except if packed in whey, 20 kg/person to a maximum of $20.
• Baby formula: Commercially packaged
• Seeds: Small seeds: 500 g/person, large seed (such as beans): 5 kg
• Cut flowers: Except coniferous foliage/green cones. Must not be for propagation.
• Fresh fruit – tropical: 250 kg/person
• Fruit and vegetables - frozen, canned or dried: 20 kg/person
• Some fresh vegetables: Root crops are regulated. Potatoes are NOT allowed into Canada. Contact CBSA
• Herbs, spices, tea, coffee, condiments: Allowed
• Baked goods, candy, etc.: Except those containing meat
• Fish and seafood: All species except puffer fish and Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir). Live minnows, smelt and leeches are NOT allowed into the country.
• Leather goods and skins: Fully tanned hides and skins
Wood, carvings: Must be free of bark, insects

The following items are also allowed from the United States; however, proof of origin may be required. Plants, animals, and their products from outside of Canada may be prohibited, or may require additional documents before they are allowed entry into Canada. Meat and dairy products, nuts, plants, fruits and live animals, if allowed into Canada, may require permits issued in Canada in advance, and/or certificates from the country of origin. Without required documents, entry is not permitted. Some products, plants or animals may be seized and disposed of, or ordered removed from Canada. Others may require treatment before they can stay. Travelers are responsible for all costs related to disposal, quarantine or treatment.

• Dairy Products: $20/person
• Temperate fruits (e.g. those grown in Canada): Restricted, contact CBSA
• House Plants: Most mainland U.S. States
• Coniferous wreaths, Christmas trees: Some mainland U.S. States
• Conifers and garden plants: Restricted, contact CBSA
• Meat - fresh/frozen/chilled and Meat products: jerky, sausages, deli meats, patties, etc.: 20 kg/person with specific limits of…
o a maximum of one whole turkey or 10 kilograms of turkey products; and
o a maximum of 10 kilograms of chicken; and
o a maximum of 5 kilograms of beef or veal.
• Game animal carcasses: With hunter's permit
• Animal fat or suet: 20 kg/person

For current, comprehensive information on customs requirements for Canada, you can visit the Canada Border Services Agency website:
visit Canada Border Services Agency.

Additional information

If you have any other questions, contact the Border Information Service (BIS) line. This is a 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers all incoming calls and provides general border services information. You can access BIS free of charge throughout Canada by calling
1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, you can access BIS by calling 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long-distance charges will apply). If you call during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday, except holidays), you can speak directly to an agent by pressing "0" at any time.