Do I have to declare controlled/prescription medicine at Canada customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking controlled/prescription medicine out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for controlled/prescription medicine 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 Travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain controlled substances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You must declare the medication to customs when you arrive in Canada.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on controlled/prescription medicine?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit controlled/prescription medicine, 18 limit it and 1 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Controlled/prescription medicine can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Controlled/prescription medicine into Canada only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

Travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain controlled substances Health Canada

Questions about Controlled/prescription medicine in Canada

Do I have to declare controlled/prescription medicine at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking controlled/prescription medicine out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for controlled/prescription medicine 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 Travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain controlled substances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You must declare the medication to customs when you arrive in Canada.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on controlled/prescription medicine?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit controlled/prescription medicine, 18 limit it and 1 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

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances Narcotic and psychotropic medicines