Do I have to declare fish and other fishery products at Canada customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 40 kilograms of fish and other fishery products there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare fish and other fishery products in Canada?

Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the Canada allowance for fish and other fishery products?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship fish and other fishery products to Canada instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take fish and other fishery products out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking fish and other fishery products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for fish and other fishery products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Bringing food into Canada for personal use. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “When travelling, you must declare all food products you bring with you into Canada.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on fish and other fishery products?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit fish and other fishery products, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Fish and other fishery products can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Fish and other fishery products into Canada only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 40 kilogram

What you need to know

40 kilogram (88.18 lb)
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Bringing food into Canada for personal use Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Questions about Fish and other fishery products in Canada

How much fish and other fishery products can I bring into Canada?: Canada allows 40 kilograms of fish and other fishery products per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare fish and other fishery products at Canada customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 40 kilograms of fish and other fishery products there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare fish and other fishery products in Canada?: Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the Canada allowance for fish and other fishery products?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship fish and other fishery products to Canada instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take fish and other fishery products out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking fish and other fishery products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for fish and other fishery products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Bringing food into Canada for personal use. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “When travelling, you must declare all food products you bring with you into Canada.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on fish and other fishery products?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit fish and other fishery products, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia China France Germany

Other items in this group

Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Food, plant and animal products under agency control Fruits and vegetables