How many lighters and matches can I bring into Canada?

Canada allows 1 lighters and matches 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 lighters and matches at Canada customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 1 lighters and matches 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 lighters and matches in Canada?

Under Customs Act, section 117, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act, section 109.2: duty is charged at 2 times the normal rate and the goods are released once it is paid.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the Canada allowance for lighters and matches?

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 lighters and matches 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.

Is there a minimum age for the lighters and matches allowance in Canada?

Yes — 18 years. A traveller under that age gets no allowance for lighters and matches at all, not a smaller one.

Can I take lighters and matches out of Canada?

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

Does the Canada limit for lighters and matches 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 Camping & Sporting Equipment. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “While one lighter for personal use is allowed as carry-on, lighters are not permitted in checked baggage due to the risk of accidental fires.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on lighters and matches?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit lighters and matches, 5 limit it and 14 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Lighters and matches can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Lighters and matches into Canada only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 1 piece

What you need to know

1 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler

On the plane

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
AJet	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Camping & Sporting Equipment Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

Questions about Lighters and matches in Canada

How many lighters and matches can I bring into Canada?: Canada allows 1 lighters and matches 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 lighters and matches at Canada customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 1 lighters and matches 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 lighters and matches in Canada?: Under Customs Act, section 117, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act, section 109.2: duty is charged at 2 times the normal rate and the goods are released once it is paid.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the Canada allowance for lighters and matches?: 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 lighters and matches 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.
Is there a minimum age for the lighters and matches allowance in Canada?: Yes — 18 years. A traveller under that age gets no allowance for lighters and matches at all, not a smaller one.
Can I take lighters and matches out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking lighters and matches out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for lighters and matches 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 Camping & Sporting Equipment. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “While one lighter for personal use is allowed as carry-on, lighters are not permitted in checked baggage due to the risk of accidental fires.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on lighters and matches?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit lighters and matches, 5 limit it and 14 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

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

Cigarettes Cigarillos (cigars weighing not more than 3 g each) Cigars Cigars and other tobacco (by weight) Cuban-origin cigars and other tobacco products Cut/loose tobacco