Canada Customs Guide: What You Can Bring When Moving to Canada

Who is the CBSA?

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the government authority responsible for controlling what enters Canada. When you move household goods, CBSA reviews your shipment, documentation, and eligibility for duty-free entry.

What counts as “personal effects” or household goods?

Personal effects and household goods generally include items you have owned and used before your move, such as furniture, clothing, kitchenware, décor, books, and personal electronics. Goods must not be for resale or commercial use to qualify for duty-free treatment.

When are customs documents issued?

When you arrive in Canada at your first port of entry, CBSA will review your list of goods and may issue personal effects documentation (such as Form BSF186 and BSF186A) that will be required when your shipment arrives.

Documents Required

1. Copy of passport (photo page only).
2. Proof of residency abroad for at least 12 months (bank statements, utilities, rent receipts, income tax statements, etc., for first and last month of the 12-month period) – for returning Canadian citizens.
3. Detailed inventory / packing list in English or French.
4. Valued inventory if requested by Customs.
5. Receipts for new or high-value items.
6. Personal effects accounting document (Form BSF186, formerly known as Form B4).
7. Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB).
8. Liquor permit (if applicable).
9. Immigration papers (if applicable).
10. Work permit / student visa (if applicable).
11. Proof of residence in Canada (sales deed / lease agreement) for seasonal residents.
12. Copy of death certificate (for inheritance items).
13. Copy of will or letter from the executor of the estate (for inheritance items).
14. Obligation for privilege from the Canadian Ministry of External Affairs (for diplomats).

Key Customs Conditions

1. The owner of the goods must be present in Canada for Customs clearance, or may authorise a family member or licensed Customs broker to act on their behalf. Using someone else to represent the owner may affect eligibility for duty-free treatment.
2. Returning Canadians may import household goods and personal effects duty free if:
   1. Goods were owned and used for at least 6 months prior to importation.
   2. The owner lived abroad for a minimum of 12 months.
   3. If the owner lived abroad for more than 5 years, the 6-month ownership rule may be waived.
   4. Goods are still owned and used and will not be sold or disposed of within 12 months after importation.
3. At the port of entry (airport or land border), the owner must declare accompanying goods and goods to follow:
   1. CBSA may issue:
      • BSF186 – Personal effects accounting document.
      • BSF715 – Casual goods accounting document.
   2. The owner must present a list of items to be imported.
   3. Carrying a copy of the packing list / inventory is highly recommended.
   4. Customs may request a value for the shipment, especially for returning citizens.
4. For immigrants and holders of work / study permits, goods must be owned and used prior to arrival and must not be sold or disposed of within 12 months after importation to remain duty free.
5. Any single item (including vehicles) acquired after March 31, 1977 and valued over CAD 10,000 may be subject to regular duties and taxes on the amount over CAD 10,000.
6. Seasonal residents may import household items duty free if:
   1. Goods include household furniture and furnishings for a seasonal residence.
   2. Construction materials and permanent fixtures are excluded.
   3. Goods are for personal use only and not for commercial purposes.
   4. Goods have been owned and used prior to arrival and will not be sold for at least 12 months.
   5. Non-residents must show proof of ownership or a lease (typically at least 3 years).
   6. Only one seasonal-resident shipment of this type is allowed.
7. For duty-free inheritances, documentation must clearly show that the importer is the beneficiary of the items listed in the will or executor’s letter.
8. Diplomats can import household goods and personal effects duty and tax free, subject to proper diplomatic documentation.
9. Canada applies ISPM-15 standards for wood packaging materials. Crates and wooden packing must be heat-treated or fumigated and stamped with the IPPC mark, or be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.

Documents Required

1. Copy of passport (photo page).
2. Original proof of ownership (may travel with the vehicle).
3. Original bill of lading (OBL).
4. Previous registration documents.
5. Proof of insurance.
6. Evidence that the vehicle meets Canadian safety and emissions standards.

Customs & Inspection Information

1. Vehicles must comply with Canadian standards. Some models may require modifications or may not be admissible.
2. All vehicles are inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for cleanliness, soil, and contaminants.
3. The vehicle must typically have been owned and used for more than 6 months to qualify for duty and tax relief.
4. For returning residents, an exemption may apply to the first CAD 10,000 of the vehicle’s value; amounts above this may be dutiable and taxable.
5. For work permit / student visa holders, duties and taxes may be waived while the permit is valid:
   1. The vehicle is imported on a temporary basis.
   2. The vehicle must be re-exported when the permit holder departs Canada, unless permanently imported with duties/taxes paid.
6. Vehicles and motorcycles must be thoroughly cleaned before shipping. Any soil or organic material can cause delays and extra cleaning costs.
7. Keep receipts for professional cleaning; in some cases steam cleaning may be required.
8. Vehicles cannot be used as shipping containers. Household goods and personal effects must not be packed inside the vehicle.
9. Vehicles cannot be licensed or registered in Canada until they are fully cleared by Customs and, where required, inspected and approved.

Documents Required

1. Vaccination record (including rabies where applicable).
2. Veterinary health certificate.

Customs & Health Considerations

1. The veterinary certificate must clearly identify the animal (species, breed, age, gender, colour/markings).
2. Requirements may vary by animal type and country of origin. Always verify current rules before booking travel for your pet.
3. Additional inspections or quarantine conditions may apply depending on the animal and origin. Check with your relocation consultant or vet in advance.

Documents & Customs Process

1. No special documents are required if antiques are part of your household goods shipment.
2. Proof of age may be required for items over 100 years old.
3. Antiques and works of art imported as part of a bona fide household move and not for resale are generally admitted duty free.
4. For inheritance items:
   1. Documentation may be required to establish your relationship to the previous owner.
   2. A copy of the will, or a letter from the executor, should clearly name you as the beneficiary.
   3. Antiques and art imported for resale are subject to different commercial regulations.

Key Categories

1. Alcohol:
   1. A detailed list (type, size, quantity) is required.
   2. An import permit from the provincial Liquor Control Board may be required.
   3. Duties and taxes will apply; shipping alcohol is generally discouraged.
   4. Avoid shipping wine between October 1 and March 31 due to risk of freezing.
2. Tobacco products are subject to duties and taxes.
3. Foodstuffs can cause extensive delays and extra charges; import is generally discouraged.
4. Meat and meat products often require special authorisation; import is strongly discouraged.
5. Pornographic materials may be restricted or prohibited.
6. New items may require invoices or proof of purchase.
7. Hunting trophies: restrictions apply, especially for endangered species (CITES permits may be required).
8. Firearms are strictly regulated; obtain advice before shipping.
9. Any single item valued at CAD 10,000 or more may attract duties and taxes on the value over CAD 10,000.

Examples of Prohibited Goods

1. Live plants.
2. Illegal narcotics and controlled drugs.
3. Most fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Live ammunition and explosives.

Always ask before including any questionable items in your shipment. It is far safer to leave prohibited goods out than risk delays, fines, or seizure.

Core Forms

1. Form BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document
   Used to declare goods you are bringing with you and goods to follow.
2. Form BSF186A – Goods to Follow List
   Attachment listing items that will arrive after you enter Canada.
3. BSF715 – Casual Goods Accounting Document
   May be issued for specific goods that require separate accounting.

Having these forms correctly completed and ready when you arrive can significantly reduce delays. Your relocation consultant or customs broker can guide you through how to complete them.

Shipper Column

Shipper's Name
<Origin Address>

Consignee Column

Consignee's Complete Name (as per Passport)
<Consignee's Address in Canada>
This does not have to be the final delivery address. A temporary address is acceptable if that is all that is available at the time of shipping.

Notify Party

Home To Home Relocations
7030 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 500
Markham ON L3R 6G2
Phone: +1 647 361 3100
Fax: +1 647 560 4405
Email: info@h-hrelo.com