Canada — Customs Guide
Personal Effects / Household Goods
Responsive (mobile cards view)

Importing Personal Effects to Canada: Customs Rules, Documents & Restricted Items

A client-ready guide for Neva Logistics customers shipping household goods to Canada.
Built from the FIDI Import Customs Guide (Canada) and paired with official government sources.

Key operational notes (Canada)

  • Importer presence is required during customs clearance.
  • Most resident categories follow a 2-stage process: (1) declare goods on arrival, (2) clear when shipment arrives at terminal.
  • If the customer will bring additional unaccompanied shipments, they must be declared as “goods to follow” to preserve duty/tax relief.
Important: When entering by air, the importer should tick “I/We have unaccompanied goods” on the declaration card and inform CBSA they are importing unaccompanied goods.
The BSF186 should be stamped by CBSA at a Canadian port of entry for returning Canadians and permanent residents (settlers).

Customs clearance (how the process works)

Practical overview for clients shipping personal effects

Two-stage process (most residents / PR / returning Canadians / inheritance / refugees with status)

  • Step 1 — Arrival in Canada: the importer must report to Customs, declare unaccompanied goods, and get required documents stamped/receipted for later use.
  • Step 2 — Shipment arrival: once the shipment arrives at the destination terminal, the importer presents the documents received at arrival + the status-specific documents for final clearance.
Additional shipments (“goods to follow”): if planning more unaccompanied shipments later, declare them on a separate list to enable future import with no taxes/duties and no time limit (verify with destination agent).

One-stage process (temporary statuses)

Student visa / Work permit / Super Visa (and certain refugee cases without status) typically follow Step 1 only.
Goods must remain for personal use during the stay and are expected to be exported at the end of the legal visit.

By status: documents required, customs prescriptions, remarks

This table converts the FIDI guide into a website-friendly format

Status-based requirements (Canada)
Desktop = table · Mobile = cards

Status / Goods Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Returning Canadian / Former Resident
Removal Goods
  • Passport
  • Proof of residency outside Canada for at least 1 year (e.g., foreign tax return, lease, utilities, employer letter)
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) with depreciated values in CAD
  • List of items over CAD 10,000 (including vehicles)
  • BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document)
  • BSF186A (for no packing list or goods-to-follow)
  • Previous entry documents if applicable (e.g., BSF-715 / B-15, stamped packing list)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Liquor import declaration / permit (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest (from Canadian mover)
  • Duty-free if household goods & personal effects were owned & used by importer for at least 6 months prior to import.
  • Primary residence away from Canada for at least 12 months.
  • If away for less than 12 months, taxes/duties apply; used mattresses may require fumigation (see used mattresses section).
  • Declare all shipments at port of entry.
  • If entering by air: complete the declaration card and tick goods-to-follow.
  • Shipments may be thoroughly inspected.
  • Canadian citizens must enter using Canadian passport.
  • Alcohol allowance notes apply; check with destination agent.
Settler (Landed immigrant / PR)
Removal Goods
  • Passport
  • Immigration documentation (visa in passport / confirmation of PR / PR card)
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) with depreciated values in CAD
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • BSF186
  • BSF186A (for no packing list or goods-to-follow)
  • Previous entry documents if applicable (e.g., BSF-715 / B-15, stamped packing list)
  • Liquor import declaration (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest
  • Duty-free entry for household/personal use goods owned, possessed and used abroad prior to arrival and accompanying the settler at arrival.
  • Importing wine over 1.5 L or other alcoholic beverages over 1.14 L requires a liquor import declaration.
  • Ensure BSF186 is stamped by CBSA at entry to avoid extra taxes/duties later.
Seasonal resident (non-Canadian)
Removal Goods
  • Passport
  • BSF186
  • Previous entry docs if applicable (e.g., BSF-715 / B-15, stamped packing list)
  • Proof of ownership of a property in Canada or copy of minimum 3-year lease
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) with depreciated values in CAD
  • Advice notice / customs manifest
  • Duty-free entry for non-residents who own residential property or have leased a residence for at least 3 years for personal use.
  • Import of used HHG/personal effects is duty-free on a one-time entry basis only; goods cannot be sold for at least 1 year.
  • Only one importation per seasonal residence.
  • Typically limited to furniture/furnishings for seasonal residence (excluding construction materials & fixtures).
  • Tools/equipment for maintenance may be allowed under conditions.
Inheritance
Removal Goods
  • Personal identification
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) with depreciated values in CAD
  • Copy of death certificate + will / executor letter naming beneficiary
  • Signed statement from donor / executor (gifts may be subject to duties/taxes)
  • Physician testimony if “gift in anticipation of death” (imminent)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest
  • Duty-free entry for beneficiary of personal/household effects bequeathed without remuneration due to death or “gift in anticipation of death”.
  • If no will: signed/dated ownership transfer statement witnessed by someone other than the recipient.
  • Rules differ depending on whether the deceased was a resident of Canada or not; consult destination agent.
Student visa / Work permit / Super Visa
Removal Goods
  • Valid visa / work permit confirmation
  • Passport
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) with depreciated values in CAD
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Liquor import declaration / permit (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest
  • Duty-free if all items are for personal use during the stay.
  • All goods must be exported when temporary status expires.
  • Goods may not be sold/disposed of without customs authorization.
  • Super Visa: Customs may require a refundable deposit based on declared value; refunded after exported goods are confirmed.
  • Goods must be used by importer while in Canada and exported at end of legal stay.
Diplomat
Removal Goods
  • Privilege request lodged by the Canadian Ministry of External Affairs
  • Passport
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) with depreciated values in CAD
  • Arrival notice
  • Duty-free entry.
  • Alcohol: diplomats are not entitled to duty-free entry of alcohol (per guide note).
  • Check with local embassy and destination agent regarding alcohol regulations.
Refugees
Removal Goods
  • Passport
  • Immigration documentation (visa in passport / PR confirmation / PR card)
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) with depreciated values in CAD
  • Valued list of imported items
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • BSF186 (required if refugee has received status / PR)
  • Previous entry documents if applicable (e.g., BSF715 blue border, stamped packing list)
  • Liquor import declaration / permit (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest
  • Duty-free entry (status-dependent).
  • If applicant has not yet received status: treated as Temporary Resident; shipment may/may not be taxed at officer discretion; BSF186 may not be required.
  • If goods arrive separately, they must still be declared; include proof of immigration status (e.g., COPR).
  • Exemptions apply if goods are for personal use (not resale) and imported within a reasonable period after arrival; must provide supporting documents + detailed list.
  • For official updates: CBSA + IRCC sources (see Official sources section).

Returning Canadian / Former Resident — Removal Goods

Documents required
  • Passport
  • Proof of residency outside Canada ≥ 1 year
  • Detailed inventory (EN/FR) + depreciated values (CAD)
  • List of items > CAD 10,000 (incl. vehicles)
  • BSF186 + BSF186A
  • Previous entry documents if applicable (BSF-715 / B-15 etc.)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Liquor declaration/permit (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest

Customs prescriptions
  • Duty-free if goods owned/used ≥ 6 months prior to import
  • Primary residence away ≥ 12 months
  • If away < 12 months: taxes/duties apply; mattresses may need fumigation

Remarks
  • Declare at port of entry; tick goods-to-follow if arriving by air
  • Possible inspection; enter using Canadian passport

Settler (PR) — Removal Goods

Documents required
  • Passport + immigration documentation (visa/COPR/PR card)
  • Inventory (EN/FR) + depreciated values (CAD)
  • BSF186 + BSF186A
  • Previous entry docs if applicable
  • Liquor declaration (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest

Customs prescriptions
  • Duty-free for owned/possessed/used goods for household/personal use
  • Alcohol above limits requires liquor import declaration

Remarks
Ensure BSF186 is stamped at entry to avoid issues later.

Seasonal resident (non-Canadian) — Removal Goods

Documents required
  • Passport, BSF186
  • Property ownership or min. 3-year lease proof
  • Inventory (EN/FR) + depreciated values (CAD)
  • Previous entry docs if applicable
  • Advice notice / customs manifest

Customs prescriptions
  • Duty-free entry for qualifying seasonal residence
  • One-time duty-free import per seasonal residence; no sale for at least 1 year

Remarks
Typically limited to furniture/furnishings + maintenance tools; conditions apply.

Inheritance — Removal Goods

Documents required
  • ID + inventory (EN/FR) + depreciated values (CAD)
  • Death certificate + will/executor letter
  • Signed donor/executor statement (and physician testimony if required)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest

Customs prescriptions
Duty-free entry for qualifying bequests / gifts in anticipation of death (conditions apply).

Remarks
Rules depend on residency of deceased; confirm with destination agent.

Student / Work permit / Super Visa — Removal Goods

Documents required
  • Valid visa/work permit confirmation + passport
  • Inventory (EN/FR) + depreciated values (CAD)
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • Liquor declaration/permit (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest

Customs prescriptions
  • Personal use only; must export when status expires
  • No sale/disposal without authorization
  • Super Visa may require refundable deposit

Remarks
Goods must be used by importer and exported at end of legal stay.

Diplomat — Removal Goods

Documents required
  • Privilege request via Ministry of External Affairs
  • Passport, inventory (EN/FR) + depreciated values (CAD)
  • Arrival notice

Customs prescriptions
  • Duty-free entry
  • Alcohol not entitled to duty-free entry (per guide note)

Remarks
Check embassy + destination agent for alcohol rules.

Refugees — Removal Goods

Documents required
  • Passport + immigration documentation
  • Inventory (EN/FR) + depreciated values (CAD) + valued list
  • Personal Effects Declaration
  • BSF186 if status granted (PR/Settler)
  • Previous entry docs if applicable
  • Liquor declaration/permit (if applicable)
  • Advice notice / customs manifest

Customs prescriptions
  • Status-dependent: temporary resident shipments may be taxed at officer discretion
  • Personal use only; documentation + detailed list required

Remarks
Use CBSA/IRCC official sources for the most current rules (see below).

Special items & restrictions (what triggers inspections / extra rules)

Common “risk points” for personal-effects moves to Canada

Wedding trousseaux

  • Documents: Inventory (EN/FR) + marriage certificate.
  • Customs: Duty-free entry.

New furniture, household items, presents & souvenirs

  • Customs: New furniture/household goods may be liable to duties if not previously used by the owner before arrival.
  • Invoices: Canada Customs require invoices and an inventory for new goods.
  • Disposal rule: If duties/taxes were paid at import, goods may be sold at any time. If brought in duty/tax-free, they generally cannot be disposed of within one year of import.

Works of art & antiques

  • If part of household effects: no documents required; proof of age required if item is over 100 years old.
  • Duty-free if: works of art are part of a bona fide household removal; antiques are over 100 years old; not for sale/disposal.
  • Note: items imported for resale are subject to different regulations.

Motor vehicles

  • Documents: passport; proof of ownership & previous registration; insurance docs; vehicle must comply with Canadian standards.
  • Process: vehicles cannot be licensed unless cleared through Canada Customs; used/second-hand vehicles are generally prohibited with exceptions.
  • Inspection: all vehicles will be inspected by the Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency upon arrival (as per guide note).
  • Important: shippers with cars still must attend Customs in person.
  • Work visa: temporary import rules may be more relaxed; vehicle may need re-export when work visa expires (or status changes).
  • Taxes (examples in guide): 6.1% duty may apply to vehicles manufactured outside Canada/USA/Mexico; air conditioning may incur CAD$100 excise tax; provincial rates differ.
Official resource: Transport Canada vehicle importation:
tc.canada.ca – Importing a vehicle (non-US/Mexico)

Alcohol & cigarettes

  • Alcohol is allowed, but duties/taxes apply and each province has its own process (check with destination agent).
  • Duties assessed against valuations calculated by provincial liquor board levies and Canada Customs tariff.
  • If above allowance, a permit may be required from the Provincial Liquor Board prior to import.
  • Diplomats should check embassy + destination agent regarding alcohol regulations.

Firearms & hunting trophies

  • Firearms: detailed list (serial no, type/calibre, model, brand) + copies of licenses; weapons must be declared at CBSA port of entry. If not declared, prosecution and seizure are possible.
  • Firearms can be refused entry after inspection; import-export license may be required before transport.
  • Operational note in guide: remove firing pins; load last / advise location in liftvan.
  • Hunting trophies: restrictions apply; subject to inspection.

Narcotics / drugs

  • Importation prohibited.
  • Guide note: Canada runs random checks which may result in extra charges.

Plants

  • Prohibited (guide note), with limited exceptions (e.g., certain “house plants” from the USA for indoor use may be permitted).
  • If allowed, import permit from CFIA must be obtained in advance.
Official resource: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA):
inspection.canada.ca

Pets (dogs & cats): accompanied vs unaccompanied

Basic customs + veterinary requirements (always confirm before shipping)

Accompanied pets (owner arrives with pet)

  • Recommended: exam and health certificate from a veterinarian before travel.
  • Age rules (guide):
    • < 3 months: proof of age (health certificate can work)
    • > 3 months: valid rabies vaccination certificate or Rabies Country-Freedom certificate
  • Customs clearance and animal inspection are completed in passenger terminal.
  • Exotic pets (rabbits, birds, reptiles): may require permits, post-entry quarantine, CITES; case-by-case.
  • Animals for commercial purposes require Canadian business number and importer account.
  • Bengal and Savannah cats: additional documentation may be required to prove CITES exempt.
Official resource (CFIA Pets):
inspection.canada.ca — Importing pets

Unaccompanied pets (pet arrives as live cargo)

  • Recommended: exam + vet health certificate before travel.
  • Owner/consignee must be in Canada when the pet arrives and have status to import goods.
  • If owner will not be in Canada at arrival: shipment may be consigned to friend/family member with status to import goods.
  • As live cargo: customs clearance and inspection are completed in the commercial stream; broker setup package may be required.
  • Commercial imports of dogs under 8 months are heavily regulated and may require import permit, kennel certificate at origin, and official veterinary export health certificate.
Official resource (CFIA Pets):
inspection.canada.ca — Importing pets

Food, prohibited consumer products & endangered species (CITES)

Items that commonly cause seizure/delays

Food

  • Strong restrictions apply to meat and meat by-products.
  • Guide recommendation: avoid importing food. If included, shipment may be inspected and extra charges may apply.
Official source (CBSA):
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Prohibited items (consumer products list from guide)

  • Baby Walkers
  • Balloon Blowing Kits
  • Infant Self-Feeding Devices
  • Jequirity Beans
  • Lawn Darts with Elongated Tips
  • Relight Candles
  • Yo-Yo Balls with long cords
Official resource (Health Canada):
canada.ca — Health Canada

Endangered species / CITES

  • Canada controls trade/movement of many animals and animal products (fur, skin, bone, feathers, etc.).
  • Guide note: best to contact the CITES office to ask about import requirements.
Official resource (CITES Canada):
www.cites.ec.gc.ca
Phone (guide): 1-800-668-6767 (Canada) · +1-819-997-1840 (outside Canada)

Wood packaging (crates, pallets, liftvans): ISPM-15 / IPPC

Critical for wooden crates and export packing

ISPM-15 requirements (Canada)

  • Canada adopted ISPM-15 to standardize treatment of wood packing materials used for transport.
  • Wood packaging must be either:
    • Heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked with the internationally recognized IPPC mark, or
    • Accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate specifying the treatment used (in lieu of the mark).
Official resource (CFIA — wood packaging rules):
inspection.canada.ca

Firewood

  • Import of firewood from all areas is prohibited unless conditions are met and clearly demonstrated.
  • Requires Permit to Import + Phytosanitary Certificate validating entry requirements (treatment, certification, pest-free areas).
  • Guide treatment note: heat treat using equipment capable of minimum core temperature 56°C for at least 30 minutes.

Used / second-hand mattresses (fumigation rule)

Often overlooked — can cause delays/extra costs

Rule summary

  • Customs Tariff Item 9897 prohibits importing used/second-hand mattresses unless accompanied by certificates showing items were cleaned and fumigated.
  • Importers under Tariff Items 9805–9810 (Returning Canadians, Bequests, Settlers, Diplomats) are exempt from fumigation requirement.
Official reference (CBSA Memorandum D9-1-7):
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca — D9-1-7

Practical matrix (from guide)

  • Returning Canadian:
    • Away < 1 year → need fumigation
    • Away ≥ 1 year → exempt
  • Settler (PR): exempt
  • Student visa: need fumigation
  • Work permit: need fumigation
  • Seasonal resident (non-Canadian): need fumigation
Enforcement note (guide): enforcement is described as rare; when enforced, usually for individuals away from Canada < 1 year. Always confirm local practice with the destination agent.

Official sources (government links)

Use these for the most current requirements

Need a quote + compliance check? Send your shipment details (route, status in Canada, approximate volume, and any risk items like alcohol/vehicles/pets/wood crates),
and our team will confirm the safest shipping format and documents.