Do I have to declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty at Canada customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 Travellers - Paying duty and taxes. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty, 7 limit it and 13 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty can I bring into Canada?

Allowed

You can bring Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty into Canada without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

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

Travellers - Paying duty and taxes Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty in Canada

Do I have to declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty at Canada customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 Travellers - Paying duty and taxes. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty, 7 limit it and 13 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

Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods