Country guides

Canada

The information contained within this leaflet has been specially compiled to help those moving to Canada for the first time. It is by no means a comprehensive guide and to satisfy yourself of further information we recommend that you contact the Canadian Embassy or visit the Canadian Revenue Agency website on www.cra-arc.gc.ca

Customs Duties and Taxes

General Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
You may import your household goods into Canada without paying duty provided that you have owned, possessed and used them overseas for a minimum of twelve months before you leave for Canada.

Personal attendance during Customs clearance by the shipper is mandatory.  It is thus important for the shipper to be present in the country before the vessel arrives. 

An immigrant with the intention of establishing residence for more than 12 months may import their household and personal effects free of duty and taxes, provided that it was owned and used by them in their former country of residence.  A 1st declaration to this effect must be made at the point of entry into Canada.  When the shipment arrives, a 2nd personal declaration to Customs is required at the Customs point nearest final destination.

Documents Required:
• Inventory of goods in English (Prepared by Atlantic International Movers Ltd)
• Copy of passport
• Liquor import declaration – if applicable
• Copy of immigration papers [Immigrants]
• Proof of residency outside Canada for more than one year, i.e. rent receipts, letter from employer, etc. [Returning Canadian Residents]
• Receipts for items less than 12 months old

Wedding Trousseaux
An inventory in English as well as a marriage certificate will be required.

Antiques
Duty-free entry permitted if imported as part of normal household effects.  Antiques must be older than 100 years and supported by a certificate of antiquity.  Antiques which are imported for resale purposes are subject to different regulations.

Inheritance
Goods as inheritance may be imported duty-free if the imported items have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to entry.

Documents required
• Inventory of goods in English (Prepared by Atlantic International Movers Ltd)
• Personal identification, i.e. passport
• Copy of death certificate
• Copy of Will / copy of letter from the Executor of the Estate confirming that the shipper is the beneficiary

Cars and Motorcycles
Vehicles must comply with all Canadian safety and emission standards. 
Motor vehicles imported into Canada cannot be licensed in Canada unless they have been cleared through Canadian Customs. 

Used or second-hand vehicles of other than current-year manufacture are generally prohibited from importation into Canada.

Vehicles must have been manufactured for the Canadian market. 
If the vehicle is eligible for importation, and import assessment, which may include duty, excise tax and goods and services tax, will apply.

There will be no duty payable if the vehicle originated from Canada.

For more information please visit the Transport Canada Vehicle Importation website on www.hazmatexpress.com or the Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency www.inspection.gc.ca

Documents Required
• Passport
• Proof of ownership and previous registration
• Insurance documents
• Confirmation that the vehicle complies with Canadian Standards

All vehicles will be inspected by the Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency upon arrival into Canada.

Pets
Whether it concerns cats, dogs or any other kind of pets, it is advisable to contact the Animal Health Division, Agriculture Canada in advance.  As a rule, a vaccination certificate and veterinary certificate will be required.

Firearms
The import of firearms is not recommended.

Additional Information
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate, Atlantic International Movers can accept no responsibility for amendments made to the information supplied prior to or after its publication.

For further information and advice please e-mail.