Do I have to declare carpets, minerals and fossils at Canada customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare carpets, minerals and fossils 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.

Can I post or ship carpets, minerals and fossils 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 carpets, minerals and fossils out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking carpets, minerals and fossils out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for carpets, minerals and fossils 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 Memorandum D19-4-1: Export and import of cultural property. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Canada compare with other countries on carpets, minerals and fossils?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit carpets, minerals and fossils, 14 limit it and 6 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Carpets, minerals and fossils can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Carpets, minerals and fossils into Canada only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Memorandum D19-4-1: Export and import of cultural property Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Carpets, minerals and fossils in Canada

Do I have to declare carpets, minerals and fossils at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare carpets, minerals and fossils 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.
Can I post or ship carpets, minerals and fossils 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 carpets, minerals and fossils out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking carpets, minerals and fossils out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for carpets, minerals and fossils 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 Memorandum D19-4-1: Export and import of cultural property. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Canada compare with other countries on carpets, minerals and fossils?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit carpets, minerals and fossils, 14 limit it and 6 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

Cultural goods and antiques Cultural property Cultural property export licensing Registered antiquities and cultural property