Customs Tips
Customs regulations regarding exemptions and restrictions for belongings and merchandise brought across the international border are subject to change. It would be wise to obtain and review current literature published by Canada and U.S. Border Protection Agencies before you attempt to cross with any belongings or purchases.
American Residents may take home $800 (U.S. funds) worth of merchandise duty-free if they have been in Canada more than 48 hours. This includes one carton of cigarettes and one liter of alcoholic beverages. If they have visited Canada for less than 48 hours, or made more than one trip to Canada within 30 days, there is a $200 (U.S. funds) individual exemption. Any alcohol or tobacco bought in Canada or at a Duty Free Store on trips of less than 48 hours is subject to duty.
Canadian Residents may take home $50 (Canadian funds) if they have been out of the country 24 hours or more. If the absence is 48 hours or more, Canadian citizens make bring home $400 (Canadian Funds) worth of merchandise. If they have been away for a week or more Canadian Citizens may bring back $750 (Canadian funds)
This is general information that is unofficial, subject to change and may not apply specifically to you. For current and comprehensive Customs and Immigration information, contact the U.S. and Canadian border protection agencies referenced below.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
www.cbp.gov
(315) 482-2261 (Alexandria Bay office)
Canada Border Services Agency:
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
(613) 659-2301 (Lansdowne office)
