Do I have to declare gifts sent by post at Canada customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post to Canada instead of carrying it?

Yes, and the allowance applies to the consignment as well as to accompanied baggage. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take gifts sent by post out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking gifts sent by post out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for gifts sent by post 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 I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16.

How does Canada compare with other countries on gifts sent by post?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts sent by post, 6 limit it and 14 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Gifts sent by post can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Gifts sent by post into Canada only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 60 CAD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 60 CAD
Channels: Post or courier
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-16

I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Questions about Gifts sent by post in Canada

How much gifts sent by post can I bring into Canada?: Canada allows 60 CAD 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 gifts sent by post at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post to Canada instead of carrying it?: Yes, and the allowance applies to the consignment as well as to accompanied baggage. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take gifts sent by post out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking gifts sent by post out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for gifts sent by post 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 I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16.
How does Canada compare with other countries on gifts sent by post?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts sent by post, 6 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

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