Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at Canada customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 20 kilograms of strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?

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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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: “Products may be restricted or prohibited from entry into Canada depending on the country of origin.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) into Canada only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 20 kilogram

What you need to know

20 kilogram (44.09 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 Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in Canada

How much strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into Canada?: Canada allows 20 kilograms of strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at Canada customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 20 kilograms of strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?: 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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: “Products may be restricted or prohibited from entry into Canada depending on the country of origin.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

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