Disclaimer: The customs-related information on this page is provided for general guidance only. It is based on publicly available sources and may change without notice. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given. Please verify details with the latest CBSA publications or contact us before making any decisions.
Your Responsibility Under Canadian Law (Not the Mover’s)
Unlike many countries where moving companies can handle customs directly, Canada requires individuals — not freight forwarders — to clear their own goods.
This is why CBSA refers to your shipment as “Personal Effects” and expects you, the importer, to provide:
Accurate declarations
Valid documents
Completed forms
Personal attendance (if required)
Home To Home Relocations cannot legally submit customs declarations on your behalf, but we guide you through each step so nothing is missed.
This page explains:
What you need
When you need it
What CBSA expects
How to avoid delays
What to pack — and what never to pack
Meticulously coordinated Moving Service
🌍 International Moving To Toronto — Expert Import Relocation Services To Canada
Our comprehensive import services handle every aspect of your move to Canada—from assistance in customs clearance and storage to complex downtown and rural delivery. We provide a seamless international moving solution, all under one roof.
Understanding Import process
We manage every stage of your relocation into Canada:
Are You Eligible to Bring Goods Into Canada Tax- and Duty-Free?
You may qualify for a duty- and tax-free exemption if you are:
✔ A new resident or immigrant
You’re moving to Canada for the first time to live permanently.
✔ A returning Canadian resident
You have lived outside Canada for at least 12 months.
✔ A temporary resident
Including:
Work permit holders
Study permit holders
Eligible visitors
Each category has its own rules, timelines, and allowances.
Canada's Official “Goods to Follow” Forms
Canada previously used B4 and B4A forms — these are now replaced by:
➡ BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document)
➡ BSF186A (Cargo / Goods to Follow List)
You must complete these before your shipment arrives in Canada.
Why These Forms Matter
They declare what you are importing
They confirm the value of your goods
They establish whether you qualify for exemptions
They prevent delays or storage charges
They ensure your mover can deliver your goods upon arrival
Your Personal Document Checklist
You must present the following directly to CBSA upon arrival:
Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport | Primary ID to verify your identity |
| Visa/Permit (PR, Work Permit, Study Permit) | Confirms your residency status |
| BSF186 / BSF186A | Goods you are bringing now + goods arriving later |
| Detailed Inventory List | Essential for verification |
| Proof of Ownership (if applicable) | For high-value items—jewellery, art, instruments |
| Receipts for New Items | Establish taxable value |
Home To Home Relocations helps you prepare inventories that meet CBSA expectations: descriptive, detailed, and free of errors.
What Happens When You Arrive in Canada
Step 1 — Arrival at Pearson Airport (YYZ) or Another Port of Entry
A border officer will ask you:
“Do you have goods to follow?”
You must answer yes.
Step 2 — You Present Your BSF186 & BSF186A
The officer reviews your documents.
Step 3 — CBSA Stamps Your Goods-to-Follow Forms
This stamp is crucial — it authorizes the future release of your shipment.
Step 4 — Your Stamped Forms Are Returned to You
Keep them safe. They are required later for clearance.
Step 5 — Shipment Arrives in Canada
CBSA validates your stamped BSF186 against your mover’s cargo manifest.
Step 6 — Once Verified, Your Shipment Is Released
Then your mover (Home To Home Relocations) can complete the final-mile delivery.
CBSA Restricted & Prohibited Items
Canada has strict laws around:
Food
Soil
Firearms
Explosives
Alcohol & tobacco
Vehicles
Commercial goods
Excessive quantities of any item
We help you identify what is safe to ship and what must be declared or avoided.
Mistakes That Cause Delays, Fees, or Inspections
CBSA delays often stem from:
Missing or inaccurate BSF186 lists
Not declaring items
Undervaluing goods
Bringing restricted items
Not having your stamped forms available
Packing lists that are too vague
Not meeting CBSA upon arrival
We guide you through all of these — removing uncertainty.
What Importers Moving to Toronto Should Know
Greater Toronto Area ports and facilities include:
Port of Montreal (main ocean gateway)
Port of Halifax (secondary ocean route)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (for air shipments)
Bonded warehouses in Mississauga, Brampton, and Etobicoke
Unique GTA Considerations
High seasonal volume
Container congestion
Warehouse cutoff times
Random inspections
Winter weather delays
Our Toronto-based teams handle these daily — ensuring predictable delivery.
🧭Understanding Import Documents
BSF – Forms
The BSF186, or Personal Effects Accounting Document, is the mandatory Canadian customs form used by new residents or returnees to declare household goods for duty-free importation.
BL / AWB
A Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB) is a contract, receipt, and title document detailing the cargo, carrier, and destination for sea or air freight.
Packing List
Packing List is your legal declaration to the destination country’s Customs authorities about the contents of your new home. Its accuracy is paramount to avoiding delays, fees, or even confiscation.
Ready to Import Your Goods Into Canada with Confidence?
📞 1-647-361-3100
📧 info@h-hrelo.com
Contact Form
Start your overseas relocation with a certified, experienced international moving team.
📞 Call: 1-647-361-3100
📧 Email: info@h-hrelo.com
📍 Toronto • GTA • Ontario
FAQ - International Moving
No. Only the importer may complete customs clearance with CBSA.
Most returning residents, work permit holders, and new immigrants may import personal effects duty-free, provided they meet CBSA requirements. We guide you based on your category.
Most clearances occur at CBSA offices near Pearson Airport or in specific GTA districts depending on warehouse location.
Your dedicated consultant helps you prepare and verify these forms so they meet CBSA compliance standards.
Alcohol requires provincial import permits (LCBO in Ontario). We guide you through the process and estimate duties/taxes.
Yes — we offer climate-controlled storage in Toronto with full inventory control.
Imported vehicles must meet Transport Canada rules. Generally, cars under 15 years old cannot be imported from overseas unless they meet specific exemptions.
No — pet importation is a separate regulated process.
Quick Links
7030 Woodbine Avenue Suite 500
Markham ON L3R 6G2
+ 1 647 361 3100
+ 1 647 361 3337 (After hrs)
+ 1 647 560 4405
info@h-hrelo.com
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