Removals to Canada: Customs Information

Removals to Canada . International Removals to Canada . Moving House Overseas

International removals to Canada and other overseas destinations are more complicated than moving house within the UK due to the Customs & Excise regulations applied to importing your belongings.
Below is a guide to current Canadian Customs & Excise regulations. Please note that information is correct at time of publishing but may change at any time. Hamilton’s Canadian removals department will guide you through all relevant Customs & Excise regulations prior to your overseas move.

Canadian Customs Information

Duty free entry to Canada is granted provided either a) you are taking up residency and have owned and used the effects immediately prior to moving from the UK to Canada; or b) you are a returning Canadian and have been away from the country for over 12 months (the exceptions being on any new or single items with a value of over $10,000 which will incur duty calculated on the value - proof of purchase is required).

In order to obtain Customs Clearance, you will be required to attend a meeting with local customs where you will need to present your passport and complete the necessary customs forms. We will have already supplied you with a full inventory, which must be presented upon arrival at the airport. 

All Items entering Canada will be subject to a physical examination by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).  Items such as gardening equipment, bicycles, patio furniture, footwear, golf clubs, etc which may have come into contact with soil and vegetation must be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. Extra cleaning costs may still be incurred upon inspection.

We will require the following documentation to clear your goods through customs:

• Original passport
• Inventory or packing list (our removal team will have completed this)
• B4E declaration form (supplied at airport upon arrival)
• Proof of purchase/copy lease agreement is required for non-residents who own/lease a residential property

Restrictions

Alcohol – may be imported with a licence (obtained prior to entry) from the Provincial Liquor Control Board but duties will be payable.

Food and beverage – it is not advisable to import any food or beverage.

Firearms – may be imported but you must have a licence, which can be obtained from the Canadian Authorities prior to entry.

Importing Cars and Motor Vehicles

As a general rule, vehicles (other than current-year manufacture) are prohibited from importation.  However, there are some exceptions so we would suggest you contact Transport Canada Vehicle Importation (tel: (+1) 613 998 2508) for further information.

Useful Information

Removals to Canada – Click here for a free detailed quote of your move, or contact us to discuss your requirements.