Canada Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Canada customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning import of personal effects, international moving, or returning to Canada after living abroad. Import rules are administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) using forms BSF186 and BSF186A.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients worldwide relocating to Canada, providing assistance with export packing, ocean/air freight, customs documentation and domestic delivery across Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and the rest of Canada.

1. Moving to Canada – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

Canada allows duty-free import of used personal effects for:

New immigrants
Returning residents
Foreign nationals entering on work permits
Students arriving for long-term study

Important: You must complete BSF186 and BSF186A forms before arrival and present them to CBSA when you land.

1.2 Goods Must Be Owned & Used Before Arrival

CBSA requires that all personal effects were owned, used, and in your possession prior to moving to Canada. Newly purchased items may attract duty and taxes.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document
BSF186A – Detailed Inventory (for additional items)
Passport copy
Work permit / PR visa / Study permit (if applicable)
Bill of lading / air waybill
Packing list with item descriptions

2.2 How the BSF186 System Works

You present BSF186 when you enter Canada
CBSA stamps the document—this is your “green light” for duty-free entry
Your mover uses your stamped form to clear the shipment once it arrives
Missing forms can cause delays, storage charges or duties

H-H Relocations Tip: Always list high-value items and electronics individually. CBSA may request proof of ownership.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Canada

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing a vehicle into Canada is regulated by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). Vehicles must meet Transport Canada safety standards.

Vehicles must be admissible by Transport Canada
Vehicles from the U.S. follow a simplified RIV process
Vehicles from overseas must meet additional compliance rules
Import taxes may apply depending on origin

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration/title
Purchase invoice (for valuation)
Bill of lading
Recall clearance letter
CBSA import/entry documents

Important: Vehicles not meeting Canadian safety and emissions requirements may be refused entry.

4. Bringing Pets to Canada

Canada permits the import of most pets, but veterinary documentation and vaccination rules apply.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Rabies vaccination certificate
Veterinary health certificate (from departure country)
Microchip highly recommended
Inspection may occur on arrival

Pet Travel Tip: Dogs from certain countries require rabies serology testing. Always verify requirements before shipping pets.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol imports into Canada are regulated by provincial liquor boards. Duty and excise taxes apply, and limits vary depending on province of entry. Undeclared alcohol may be seized or taxed heavily.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared and are subject to duty. Commercial-level quantities require licensing and may be refused.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

Canada strictly regulates the import of food, plants and animal-origin products to prevent disease transmission:

Meat, poultry and dairy items may require permits
Fresh fruits and vegetables may be restricted
Seeds and plants may require a phytosanitary certificate
Non-compliant goods can be seized or destroyed

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicine must be supported by a doctor’s note
Chemicals and laboratory materials require permits
Weapons, ammunition and explosives are highly restricted
Cannabis imports are prohibited, even for personal use or with prescriptions

Important: Canada enforces strict agricultural controls. Incorrectly declaring food or plant items may result in fines under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Canada

Canada prohibits or restricts the import of the following items:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Cannabis and cannabis products (all forms)
Weapons, ammunition and explosives without authorization
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials
Endangered wildlife products (CITES restrictions)
Obscene, hateful or extremist materials
Food, plants or soil that fail CFIA requirements

Attempting to import prohibited goods may result in seizure, penalties or criminal charges. When unsure, always declare the item.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Canada

7.1 Moving from Overseas to Canada

For a smooth international move to Canada, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Complete BSF186/BSF186A before landing in Canada
Prepare detailed, itemized inventories—especially for valuables
Keep receipts for recently purchased items
Confirm Canadian address or temporary accommodation for delivery

7.2 Returning Canadian Residents

Returning residents may import used household goods duty-free provided they:

Lived abroad for at least 12 months
Owned and used the goods before returning
List all items on BSF186/186A
Do not dispose of duty-free items soon after entering Canada

Relocation Tip: Your stamped BSF186 form is the most important document for duty-free entry. Keep it safe and share a copy with your mover.

8. Useful Official Links – Canada

Use these official resources for updated customs regulations:

This guide supports individuals relocating to Canada. Final import decisions rest with the CBSA and relevant authorities.