Removals

Moving personal possessions and household effects to Canada
There are regulations affecting the import of personal possessions and household effects into Canada. These will vary depending upon whether you are a visitor, seasonal visitor or settler. Your removals or shipping company will be able to provide more detailed information, as well as handling all the paperwork relating to the import to Canada.

Visitor
If you are importing possessions as a visitor you will need to be present at Customs for clearance. You will need to have your passport and a detailed list of items in English at Customs for inspection. Notwithstanding the regulations listed below, you will be able to import your possessions duty free.

Seasonal visitor
Seasonal visitors (usually those owning a second home which they visit periodically) can also import goods and household effects duty free. These are on a ONE time basis and cannot be sold for at least one year. Again, you will have to present your passport and a detailed list of items in English at Customs and will be able to import duty free notwithstanding the regulations listed below.

Settler
The regulations relating to settlers in Canada are more complex than visitors and seasonal visitors. Again, you will have to be present at Customs for clearance of all the goods and these will be mainly duty free if the restrictions below have been followed. The documents required are:

• Passport (including the immigration identification validated upon arrival in Canada).
• Detailed inventory of goods (in English or French) specifying make, model, serial number and value of all appliances and electronics.
• Advice notice obtained from your removals/shipping company
• Ownership, possession and use proofs
• Receipts for imported new items
• Previous airport or US/Canada border declaration papers (B4E declaration form).
• Liquor import declaration (if applicable)
• Customs manifest (Form A8A)
• Importers Declaration for Customs

Please note that any single item of personal or household effects, including cars and boats, which were acquired after March 31, 1977, and valued at more than CND$10,000 will be subject to regular duty and taxes on the excess amount.

There is an option of clearing shipments prepaid through the “Speed Program” to Nova Scotia (shipments of cars or for visitors are excluded).

Documents required for this route include:

• Copy of passport with immigration/work permit papers
• Inventory
• B4E personal effects document
• “Bringing your personal effects to Canada” form
• A proof of purchase/copy of lease agreement is required for any person who is not a resident of Canada but owns a residential property or has leased a residence for at least three years for his/her personal use.

Moving antiques

Documents: No documents required if part of household effects

Customs requirements: Antiques are admitted duty free as long as they are over 100 years’ old and are not for resale or other disposal.

Other considerations: None

Art

Documents: No additional documentation if part of the household effects
shipment

Customs requirements: Works of art are duty free as long as they are part of a bona fide household removal and are not intended for resale or other disposal.

Other considerations: None

Wine/alcohol

Documents: An import declaration must be obtained from the local Provincial Liquor Control Board if importing more than 320 oz.

Customs requirements: Duties will be payable based on assessment against Provincial Liquor Board levies and Canada Customs Tariff.

Other considerations: None

Moving new furniture and goods

Documents: Sales invoices and inventory

Customs requirements: New furniture and other household goods are liable to payment of customs duties if they have not been in the owner’s previous use
prior to their arrival in Canada.

Other considerations: If duty and taxes are paid at the time of import, household goods may be sold at any time. If the goods have been imported and no duty or taxes paid, they may not be disposed of at any time.

Motor vehicles

Used or second-hand motor vehicles, other than current-year manufacturer, are generally prohibited from importation into Canada. No motor vehicle imported into Canada can be licensed unless it has been cleared through Customs. Please check with your remover or shipping agent about specific cases, as there are exceptions.

When importing a vehicle, the importer has to attend in person at time of Customs clearance.

Documents: 1) Passport; 2) Proof of ownership; 3) Insurance documents

Customs requirements: The vehicle must comply with Canadian standards, and it will be inspected by the Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency upon arrival.

Other considerations: None

Firearms

It is not recommended to ship firearms to Canada. All firearms entering Canada will be taken for detailed inspection and could be refused entry.

Documents: Detailed list (serial no., type/calibre, model, brand); Copies of licenses

Customs requirements: In most cases an import-export license will need to be obtained before shipping. It is advisable to check with the Canadian authorities in advance.

Other considerations: The firearms need to be easily accessible in the shipment, and firing pins need to have been removed for shipping.

Pets

It is advisable to check with the Animal Health Division, Agriculture Canada, before shipping any pets. Documents required include any vaccination certificates and a veterinary certificate confirming the pet is free of disease.

Special considerations:

Plants

The shipping of plants to Canada is prohibited.

Computers

There are no specific regulations concerning the import of computers except those specified in general household effects in respect of electronics.

Inheritance

If you need to import effects into Canada as a result of inheritance, these are duty free if they have been owned and used for at least six months prior to entry.

Documentation required will include: personal identification, detailed list of items, Advice Notice obtained from moving or shipping company, copy of the Death Certificate, copy of the Will or letter from the Executor stating you are a beneficiary.