Do I have to declare motor vehicle fuel at Canada customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare motor vehicle fuel 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 motor vehicle fuel 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 motor vehicle fuel out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking motor vehicle fuel out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for motor vehicle fuel 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 Gasoline. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Gasoline: This item is not permitted in carry-on baggage and it is permitted in checked baggage only with air carrier approval.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on motor vehicle fuel?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 5 prohibit motor vehicle fuel, 5 limit it and 9 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Motor vehicle fuel can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Motor vehicle fuel 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

Gasoline Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

Questions about Motor vehicle fuel in Canada

Do I have to declare motor vehicle fuel at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare motor vehicle fuel 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 motor vehicle fuel 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 motor vehicle fuel out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking motor vehicle fuel out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for motor vehicle fuel 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 Gasoline. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Gasoline: This item is not permitted in carry-on baggage and it is permitted in checked baggage only with air carrier approval.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on motor vehicle fuel?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 5 prohibit motor vehicle fuel, 5 limit it and 9 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