What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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.

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 can bring whichever amount of medication is less: a single course of treatment of a narcotic or controlled drug, or a 30-day supply of a narcotic or controlled drug”

How does Canada compare with other countries on medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances in Canada

Do I have to declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 can bring whichever amount of medication is less: a single course of treatment of a narcotic or controlled drug, or a 30-day supply of a narcotic or controlled drug”
How does Canada compare with other countries on medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 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) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Narcotic and psychotropic medicines