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Prepare Your Customs Declaration List

Description

Create an accurate inventory of all goods you are bringing into Canada to complete your CBSA declaration form correctly and avoid penalties.

In person N/A
Online 30–45 min

What to do

1. List every item you are bringing that has significant monetary value (electronics, jewellery, musical instruments, sports equipment)
2. Record the estimated fair market value in Canadian dollars for each item
3. Identify any regulated or restricted items: firearms, ammunition, certain foods, plants, or prescription medications
4. Package prescription medications in their original labelled containers and bring a copy of the prescription
5. If shipping goods to follow later, complete a 'Goods to Follow' section on your declaration form (BSF186)
6. Total your goods value and check if you exceed the duty-free allowance (personal exemption thresholds apply)
7. Review the CBSA 'I Declare' app or booklet to familiarise yourself with the declaration card questions

Warnings

You cannot add to your list after entry stamp

  • Once a CBSA officer stamps your passport, the declared list is final.
  • Goods not declared at the time of entry may be seized or subject to full duty plus penalties.

Must submit even with nothing to declare

  • Every person entering Canada must complete a customs declaration card.
  • 'Nothing to declare' is still a declaration — answer all questions honestly.

Declare currency over CAD $10,000

  • You must declare if you are carrying cash, traveller's cheques, or monetary instruments totalling CAD $10,000 or more.
  • Failure to declare is a criminal offence — there is no penalty for declaring.

Tips

CBSA 'I Declare' app

Download the free CBSA ArriveCAN or 'I Declare' resources to pre-fill your declaration and understand what is restricted.

Electronics serial numbers

Photograph or note the serial numbers of laptops, cameras, and phones before departure — useful if items are questioned or lost.

Medication quantities

Bring no more than a 90-day supply of prescription medication for personal use; quantities beyond that may require additional documentation.

Food restrictions

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from certain countries are restricted. Declare all food — undeclared items can result in fines starting at $800.

Gifts

Gifts up to $60 CAD in value per gift are generally duty-free. Declare gifts over this amount; duty will be assessed on the excess.

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