What happens if I do not declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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.

Does the Canada limit for accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 Chapter 98 : T2026—Special classification provisions – non-commercial. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The value of goods imported by a traveller at the same time and accounted for under the same accounting document that are eligible to be classified under this heading shall not exceed $500.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band), 8 limit it and 12 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) can I bring into Canada?

Allowed

You can bring Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) into Canada without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit 500 CAD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 500 CAD
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Chapter 98 : T2026—Special classification provisions – non-commercial Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) in Canada

How much accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) can I bring into Canada?: Canada publishes no quantity limit for accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) at Canada customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 Chapter 98 : T2026—Special classification provisions – non-commercial. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The value of goods imported by a traveller at the same time and accounted for under the same accounting document that are eligible to be classified under this heading shall not exceed $500.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band), 8 limit it and 12 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages up to and including 22% vol

Related countries

Australia China France Germany

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Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods Gifts sent by post