Do I have to declare fish and seafood 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 seafood 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 seafood?

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 seafood 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 seafood out of Canada?

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

Does the Canada limit for fish and seafood 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 seafood?

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

How much fish and seafood can I bring into Canada?

Official classification: Fish and other fishery products

Restricted

You can bring fish and seafood into Canada only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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 seafood 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 seafood 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 seafood 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 seafood?: 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 seafood 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 seafood out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking fish and seafood out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for fish and seafood 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 seafood?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit fish and seafood, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

Related countries

Australia China France Germany

Quick facts

Jurisdiction: Canada
Travel mode: Sea

Freshness

Last verified: 2026-09-19
Next review: 2026-12-17

Destination

CA Canada

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