FAQ

Cross-border Shopping Guide / FAQ for Canadians

What’s the personal tax exemption when I come back to Canada from shopping?

In the most concise form, the personal exemption limits are:

Time out of country	Exemption Limits
Out of country within 24 hours	CA$0
More than 24 hours, but less than 48 hours	CA$50
More than 48 hours, but less than 7 days.	CA$400
More than 7 days	CA$750

If you bring goods over the exempted value, after being absent from Canada over 48 hours, the value for duty of the goods shall be reduced by an amount equal to that maximum specified value and, in the case of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, the quantity of those goods shall be reduced by the quantity of alcoholic beverages and tobacco up to the maximum quantities allowed.

If you are only absent from Canada less than 48 hours and you bring back goods over $50, you’ll have to pay duty/tax on the full value.

There are many details and exceptions to the personal exemption limits. Please read our article for more details.

How many bottles of wine/liquor can I bring back to Canada?

None, if you’re out of the country for less than 48 hours. But if you’re willing to pay duty and tax, there’s no limit.

If you have been outside Canada for at least 48 hours and are of legal age, you can bring back only one the following free of duty and tax as part of your personal exemption:

1.14 L (40 oz.) of liquor; or
1.5 L of wine; or
24 X 355 ml (12 oz.) containers of beer.

How many cigars/cigarettes can I bring back to Canada?

If you’re out of country less then 48 hours, you have to pay the applicable duty and sales tax. Otherwise, you can bring back all or any the following if you’re over the legal age.

200 cigarettes;
50 cigars or cigarillos;
200 tobacco sticks; and
200 g (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco.

What is the tax exemption applied to mail order items?

If you don’t have time making a trip to USA, online shopping is a good alternative. Be sure to read our article on Canadian duty and NAFTA and mail order.

You don’t have to pay duties and taxes if your mail ordered item is:

a gift worth $60 or less; or
worth $20 or less.

This exemption applies on a per item basis. Items sent to a Canadian as a gift by another person must include a card or notice indicating it is a gift. Clearly identified gifts worth CDN$60 or less are not subject to duties or taxes; however,gifts greater than CDN$60 are subject to duties and taxes. This CDN$60 exemption does not apply to tobacco, alcohol, advertising material, or items sent by a business or association.

Are children’s clothes duty free? How much duty do I pay?

This depends on where the cloth were made. If the children’s clothes are not made in US or Mexico, you will need to pay 17% duty plus taxes. Thankfully, you don’t pay PST for children’s clothes. Please read our article on Canadian duty and NAFTA.

How bad is the wait at the USA-Canada border crossings?

USA shopping is a rewarding pastime to Canadians, as long as it’s not all spent at the border crossing. Canadian Border Services Agency offers an up to the minute estimate of the wait time at all border crossings (Canadian side). Check it out before leaving home.

US Customs & Border Protection has a counterpart wait time estimate at the US side. Check it out when returning.

Where can I find Canadian $ exchange rate in the last few days?

Yahoo Finance has those rates and charts. Find out 3 month CA$ to US$ exchange rate chart here.

What’s the closest US factory outlets to Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Kingston and Montreal?

Please read our article on US factory outlets.

Can I pay taxes at the border with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay with all major credit cards, i.e. Visa, Mastercard, American Express.

Please read our disclaimers for the use of information presented here.

Related articles

47 responses so far. Leave a comment

47 Responses to “FAQ”

# christina ferrison 31 May 2008 at 9:19 am

Hi, I am planning a trip to the US for 8 nights. I know a few things that I do not have to pay taxes on but I do not know what they are. I heard that electronics and children clothing is exempted but I am not sure. Could you give me a list of what is exempted if possible.

Thanks

Christina Ferris

[Reply]
# adminon 31 May 2008 at 4:04 pm

The answer is that everything you want to buy. But you’ll have to pay the US taxes (varies from state to state). The good thing is that you don’t have to pay Canadian duty, GST and PST for upto $750 per person.

Happy shopping.

[Reply]
# Markon 15 Dec 2008 at 3:08 pm

I am ordering a log home kit from the US. Do i have to pay duty on it?

[Reply]
# adminon 15 Dec 2008 at 3:16 pm

If it’s made in US, it’s likely there’s no duty, based on NAFTA. You may want to check out the details at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/

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# Jessicaon 09 May 2009 at 11:30 am

Hi!

I just want to clarify my plan to make sure I do understand. I hope to order approx $300.00 US of wedding centerpeices from CB2 (Crate and Barrel) and get them shipped to a courier service near the Montana-Alberta border. If I stay more than 48hrs and less than 7days, i do not have to pay duty on them? What exactly would I have to pay extra?

Thank you for your help!
J.

[Reply]
# adminon 09 May 2009 at 11:36 am

Hi Jessica,

If you do stay out of the country over 48 hours and can prove it (e.g. hotel receipt), you can bring back the goods for free. The only extra would be hotel room cost and gas.

Have fun,

[Reply]
# thomason 12 May 2009 at 1:32 pm

I travel to US everyday and I would like to purchase a TV from Costco in the US, how much duty or pst or gst do I have to pay?

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# Sallyon 08 Jun 2009 at 11:21 am

If I bring over (2) cases of beer, do I pay 18% duty on the 2nd case since the first one would be free? Average cost of a case of beer is 20.00+.

[Reply]
# Stanleyon 08 Jun 2009 at 11:43 am

If you bring 2 cases of beer, I believe you’ll have to pay for the duty on the 2nd case over your quota (assuming you’re qualified for bringing alcohol home, i.e. over legal drinking age and stayed over 48 hours)

[Reply]
# Joshon 14 Jul 2009 at 1:38 pm

Hi there,
I will be in US for 5 days and I am getting a laptop gift worth about $500.00. Would I have to pay duties and taxes when I come back to Canada?
Thanks in advance

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Josh,
If you’re outside Canada more than 48 hours and less than 7 days, you’re only entitled CA$400 worth of good free of duty and tax. If you’re over the limit, especially on one item, I’m not sure whether you can pay duty/tax on the amount exceeded the limit.

If you find out, please let us know.
Bob

[Reply]
dale casselman Reply:
December 25th, 2009 at 9:54 am
you would pay 7% tax on 300.00 as you exceed your limit by 100 . i know that it seems wrong. but, they simplify all transactions that exceed limit with a generic number of 300

[Reply]
# Jasonon 29 Aug 2009 at 7:51 am

Hello,
I’ve been out of canada for the last 2 months and will be returning shortly, if i get 400 cigarettes (2 cartons) any idea on how much would i have to pay approximately for the second carton?

Jason

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
August 30th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Jason,

There’s a new Excise Duty Rate – effective January 1, 2008 on cigarettes. This is $0.425 per five or fraction of five cigarettes. If you have 200 cigarettes over the personal exemption limit, you’re looking at $17.

More details see http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/em/edn17/edn17-e.pdf

[Reply]
# Ireneon 01 Sep 2009 at 9:43 am

Hi,

Does anyone know if Canadian residents can claim the US taxes they paid on goods.
We paid 12% tax in the US (Buffalo) and then we had to pay the GST and PST on top of everything as well.
I have heard that US citizens can clain GST and PST that they pay in Canada but do Canadians have something like that as well?
thanks.

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
September 1st, 2009 at 10:05 am
No, unfortunately Canadian cannot claim US Taxes.
See this post: http://betterdollar.com/can-canadians-claim-back-the-tax-they-paid-when-cross-boarder-shopping/

[Reply]
# Suon 15 Sep 2009 at 9:25 pm

Im having a purse shipped from the US to Canada. The purse is approx. $1,500. The purse was not made in the US so it doesn’t meet the NAFTA Duty-Free Status. Any idea how much taxes and duty would be?

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
September 20th, 2009 at 10:43 am
The duty ranges from 7~11%. Please see which one fit the description: http://betterdollar.com/?s=purse

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# Rickon 11 Oct 2009 at 9:25 am

I ordered some electronics from China the total is 625.86 CAN how do I calculate the taxes that I will pay?

Thanks

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# Steveon 26 Oct 2009 at 9:59 am

I have noticed that US prices on plasma televisions is much cheaper cross border. If I went to BUffalo to purchase a televisoin for say $2000 US what would it cost me to declare it coming back to canada? Do I pay duty on it as well as the NY state tax and GST/PST?

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Please see our blog: http://betterdollar.com/what%E2%80%99s-the-duty-tax-on-plasmalcd-tv/

[Reply]
# Christyon 10 Nov 2009 at 10:38 am

I’m a Canadian Citizen but have been residing in the Bahamas for 5 months (I have a Bahamas Resident Permit). I plan to travel back to Canada for 10 days and I’m wondering how much I’m allowed to bring back into Canada without having to pay duty! Does the $750.00 apply to me or would I return as a visitor and if so what is the amount I’m allowed to declare? Also if anyone knows when I return to the Bahamas how much I’m I allowed to delclare?

[Reply]
# Estate Taxeson 18 Nov 2009 at 10:12 pm

Hey thanks for posting this one. I had a good friend who just migrated to Canada this week. I will immediately inform her about this. Thanks! Just a question: Are there any organizations or club membership that my friend can apply so that she won’t pay that certain tax in case she’s out of the country for more than seven days?

[Reply]
# Rickon 19 Nov 2009 at 12:42 am

I am considering buying a video camera in Los Angeles and bringing back to Canada. Cost is $7000 US. The JVC Camera is made in Japan. Will I pay duty on it bringing it to Canada?

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 8:18 am
There’s no duty on video camera.

[Reply]
# Bryanon 08 Dec 2009 at 1:29 pm

hi, according to eBay’s website http://www.myborderpro.com/2006/
there is 5% duty on video camera imported from US to Canada. Now I am confused.

[Reply]
# Peteron 14 Dec 2009 at 11:22 pm

Hi…i’ve been ‘tv hunting’ for a few months and cannot find the model i want (for the right price) in Canada…my Uncle in Ohio heard i was looking for this specific tv and says they have them for 1/2 of what i’m looking for in Ontario…since its Christmas, and my birthday 3 weeks later, he offered to buy it for me…but i have to go pick it up (his way of getting me to visit)…will i have to pay taxes on a gift that cost ~$3000? i don’t want him stuck with it if its going to cost me a fortune to bring back to Ontario…so we’re trying to figure this out…any suggestions?

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I’m not surprised that the US price is 1/2 what we have here in Canada. Have a look at my post here, which should help you determine the duty and tax. http://betterdollar.com/whats-the-duty-tax-on-plasmalcd-tv/

Merry Xmas

[Reply]
# Graceon 17 Dec 2009 at 10:03 pm

Hi
I have a question to ask. Where do I leave a question to answered?

[Reply]
# Graceon 17 Dec 2009 at 10:06 pm

Ok..got it..lol
I am from winnipeg, ca
I want to purchase a snow blower. It is 650.00 . I will only be in the states over night. Maybe 26 hours. What duty will I have to pay?

[Reply]
# Branaon 20 Dec 2009 at 9:30 am

I am planning to by washer/dryer in US. How much I pay duty? Does it mattery how long I stay there? I am planning to buy Bosh – not sure if is made in Mexico.

[Reply]
# Buntyon 25 Dec 2009 at 8:20 pm

I understand the TV from US to Canada tax as per your website. My question is that if we are 3 people in family, all together and out for more then 7 days, can we or are we able to combine the exemption limit to 2100$ instead of 750 each and then import a TV for about 2000$ without any extra duty/GST/PST?

Thanks

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Basically, you are not allowed to combine your personal exemptions with others’. Neither the exemption transferable. But in the case of a family, since you fill in only one form, and the exemption amount is over the claimed amount, there’s a good chance that the border control officer would just like you through.

If you decide to take the chance, please let us know whether it works.

[Reply]
# Pierreon 04 Jan 2010 at 5:19 pm

I will be ordering a Nikon lens from a retailer in the U.S. which will be shipped to me in Canada. Will I have to pay duty ( earlier you said video cameras exempt , are camera lenses also exempt?) pst & gst ?

[Reply]
# MisterPGon 05 Jan 2010 at 12:26 am

I want to purchase a 6-month old car in Washington or California and bring it back for my personal use in Canada. Aside from paying the RIV fee, GST & PST, do I also have to pay state tax on the vehicle?

[Reply]
# Philon 09 Jan 2010 at 3:01 pm

I want to purchase a pair of headphones from B&H online. I’ll use USPS for the shipping but I was wondering if I have to pay any duity on them. any help is greatly appreciated, and thanks. Great web site!

[Reply]
# SMon 13 Jan 2010 at 12:32 am

Check which headphones you’re buying. Country, etc. to see if duty applies. But even if it does – you might get lucky. Sometimes.. low cost packages shipped by mail, just slip right through. ‘Duty free’ If not – you’ll get to pay your duty at the Post Office. (Good luck!)

[Reply]
Phil Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Hi thanks for the reply. I just called customs canada and the girl I talked to said there was no duty on any headphones. I hope she’s right. I’ll probably order them soon.

[Reply]
# johnon 20 Jan 2010 at 8:45 pm

i would like to start a import export business, from india to canada. what is the tax i’d pay on large amount of jewels? would the tax be less if i wasn’t runnnig my own small business? also do u know of any proceedure i can take to lower the tax as i’d frequently be import and exporting goods.
thanks alot for your help, great web site! keep up the great work!

[Reply]
# jimion 27 Jan 2010 at 7:44 pm

I’m interested in buying a new receiver for my home theatre from state, the product made in Japan.
Do you know if I have to pay a custom duty on it.
Thank you

[Reply]
# Amber Francison 31 Jan 2010 at 5:53 pm

I plan to purchase a few bundles of purses from California that have been manufactured by a California company off of eBay. However, I don’t think I’m going to the states for any period of time. (Unless I have to), Their packaged properly in boxes and plastic wrap to ensure protection of the quality purses. I’m buying about 110 purses all for the price of 1626$ including the shipping and handling. If I reduce the cost of S+H, and add the value of what I’m paying of the purses alone are 1303$ How much duty, tax, etc or whatever there is would I have to pay on top of that? They come in 2 bulks of 40, and 1 bulk of 30. I plan to use the individuals for myself, and the duplicates as gifts.

[Reply]
# Taysauceon 01 Feb 2010 at 6:07 pm

if im ordering somthing from an american website that costs $40 and i want it shipped to Canada do i have to pay duty?

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# Cindyon 24 Feb 2010 at 6:16 pm

Hi, I’m going to the states for a school trip that will last 6 days. I’m a bit confused about how much I am allowed to spend shopping and if I will have to pay duty on these items.

[Reply]
Cindy Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Does this mean I wont have to pay duty on anything if I stay below a total value of $400 CA?

[Reply]
BoB Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 10:28 am
That’s correct, under 7 days, $400 duty&tax free goods.

[Reply]
# john mcallisteron 25 Feb 2010 at 4:12 pm

I have a lead on a Lindeman Bin 85 2009 – very inexpensive at 2/$10. I was thinking of declaring a case upon return to Ontario Canada after 35 days. Could someone tell me what the duty and taxes would be and if it worth it? Thanks.

[Reply]
# Terrion 09 Mar 2010 at 10:27 am

I am purchasing a diningroom set in Michigan.. they will deliver to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. They are telling me that I will pay no duty just the PST.. is this correct? The total is $1200.
Thanks

[Reply]