Importing into Canada

Quick Tips  A BSF186 form must be completed          You must attend a Canadian customs office to clear your items

Things you need to know when shipping to Canada

You will need to log into your account in order to complete our online documentation which includes:

• Inventory, recording the contents of your shipment;
• Insurance to protect your shipment in case of mishap.

You will need to upload scans of your passport - the picture page, the signature page and if applicable, a copy of your visa, at the final stage of the process.

There are helpful pointers all throughout but you must be completely accurate with the information you enter as these forms will be presented to the authorities at the destination.

Importing your personal effects and household items

Your shipment of personal effects and household items can be imported duty-free if:

1. You are a returning Canadian citizen or recent immigrant:
   Ideally, all personal effects or household items should have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to you importing them. Some new items may be imported duty-free but others may be subject to duty and taxes.
2. Canadian citizens only: you must have lived outside Canada for a period not less than 12 months, you may be required to produce documentary evidence including:
     a. Evidence of disposal of property abroad.
     b. Cessation of employment
     c. Evidence of "day to day" living:
       • Bank statements;
       • Utility bills (electricity, gas);
       • Rent receipts;
       • Medical insurance documents and
       • Any other documents you think relevant and ideally cover the
         12-month period or longer.
   Please keep these types of documents should Customs require further information.
   
   
3. You are a student or visitor or entering with a work permit:
   a. All personal items and household item must be for your personal use during your stay;
   b. All such items must be exported when your temporary residence ends;
   c. None of items imported can be sold or otherwise disposed of without Customs agreement.

Importing wedding gifts

Your wedding gifts can be imported duty-free provided they are part of your shipment of personal effects and household items. In addition to completing our online documentation you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.

Importing inheritance items

Your inherited items can be imported duty-free if you can provide a copy of the death certificate; a letter from the executor stating you as the beneficiarywith list of items inherited.

Importing works of art and antiques

You can import works of art duty-free as part of your shipment of personal effects and household items.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Customs Offices in Canada

We will contact you again shortly before your shipment arrives in Canada to advise you which CBSA Customs Office you must visit to clear your shipment. This Office is local to the bonded warehouse that will hold your shipment and that may not be "local" to you unfortunately. If you are either a Canadian national, a permanent resident or "soon-to-be" permanent resident, then you will need to complete online and printed off a BSF186 form before you arrive and have it stamped by Customs at the airport.

Bonded warehouse addresses

Here are the addresses of the bonded warehouses in Canada we will use to safely store your shipments while you arrange customs clearance.