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Customs Information
Be
prepared. Learn the requirements and restrictions of your
destination country.
Moving across international borders can be
complicated. In order to be fully prepared, you
should know what documents (identification, titles,
insurance certificates, bills of sale, etc.) are required by
customs in your destination country. Many countries also have
various restrictions on the type or quantity of goods or pets
that you are allowed to bring into the country.
Researching well ahead of time will ensure that your
relocation is successful and problem-free.
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CANADA |
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DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED
- Passport
- Visa (if
applicable)
- Work Permit (if
applicable)
- Inventory (in
English or French) giving a detailed list of appliances
and electronics with make, model, serial number, etc.
- Customs Manifest
(Form A8A)
- Previous airport
or United States/Canada Border Declaration
- Importers
Declaration for Customs
- Immigration
papers for immigrants
- Landed Immigrant
Application (if applicable)
- Letter of
Undertaking (not always necessary)
- Returning
Canadians will also need to provide the following
documents:
- Proof of
Residency outside of Canada
- Monthly
statements, letter from employer, rent receipts,
Income Tax, etc.
CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS
- CUSTOMER
AND/OR SPOUSE MUST BE PRESENT AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
(FAILURE TO APPEAR IMMEDIATELY WILL RESULT IN BONDED
STORAGE AT CUSTOMER'S EXPENSE)
- Used household
goods and personal effects may be duty-free if Customer
was a resident of Canada returning after an absence of at
least one year or was a former resident who has been a
resident of another country for at least one year.
- All shipments are
subject to inspection
- If Customer has
been residing outside Canada for at least a year, but less
than five years, household goods and personal effects must
have been in Customer's ownership, possession and use for
at least six months (Bill of Sale and Registration
documents required to prove age)
- Items must not be
sold or lent within one year of importation
- Air shipments
must be cleared within 48 hours to avoid storage charges
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
- Importation of
alcohol requires a detailed list (giving type, size, and
quantity) and an Import Permit
- Provincial
and federal duties and taxes will be assessed
- DO NOT ship
wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid
possibility of freezing
- Tobacco products
- Foodstuffs in
reasonable quantities are permitted
- Meat
- Authorization
must be granted before import
- Pornographic
materials
- Commercial
quantities of anything pay duties
- New items
(Customer must supply Bill of Sale for any new item which
may be questioned by the Customs office)
- Radio equipment
(CB's and walkie-talkies)
- Office equipment
(even if used)
- Handguns require
a permit (but are very seldom granted)
- Pistols,
revolvers or fully automatic firearms are not permitted
for sporting purposes and require a Police Permit
- Hunting rifles or
shotguns for sporting purposes (that are not adapted) are
not restricted
- No restrictions
apply on air pistols or air rifles provided the muzzle
velocity does not exceed 500 feet per second
- Any one item
valued at $10,000 or over is dutiable
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Weapons (except
as stated above), explosives, fireworks and all ammunition
- Narcotic drugs
- Animal products
on the endangered species list
- Plants, sand and
other related matter require a Phytosanitary Certificate
and Import Permit issued in advance by the Department of
Agriculture
- Some fruits and
vegetables are prohibited
- NOTE:
INCLUSION OF ANY OF THE ABOVE ITEMS IN THE SHIPMENT WILL
DELAY CUSTOMS AND RESULT IN ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE
CUSTOMER
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety and Emission control regulations apply
- Vehicles over 15
years old are subject to different regulations and costly
modifications may be required
- Vehicle must bear
the "Statement of Compliance" label affixed by
the manufacturer
- Vehicle may be
subject to local taxes but are duty-free
- Form K-22,
immediate registration and licensing is required for
exemption from duties
- Documents
required:
- Registration
- Proof of
ownership
PETS
- All pets require
an International Health and Inoculation Certificate and
Inspection by the Department of Agriculture
- Dogs, birds,
livestock, and horses three months old or older from the
United States can be imported provided they are
accompanied by a certificate signed and dated by a
veterinarian, showing that the animal has been vaccinated
against rabies within the last year. Pets must be
vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry.
- The
certificate must identify the animal by breed, age,
sex, color, and any distinguishing marks
- Quarantine will
be required for some types of animals
- Length
depends on the type of animal and country of origin
NOTE - Customs
regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding
information is only a brief summary of customs regulations
applicable to household goods shipments to this country and is
solely for general guidance. Since regulations are subject to
change without notice, iMoveInternational.com cannot be held
liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental
events resulting from non-compliance. It is your
responsibility to check with
your local embassy or consulate prior to your move for the
most up-to-date and complete information.
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