Do I have to declare used articles and personal belongings at Canada customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare used articles and personal belongings 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 used articles and personal belongings 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 used articles and personal belongings out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking used articles and personal belongings out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for used articles and personal belongings 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 What visitors can bring into Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You do not need to pay duty or taxes on personal goods as long as you declare all of your goods when you arrive, and take them back with you when you leave Canada.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on used articles and personal belongings?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used articles and personal belongings, 5 limit it and 15 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Used articles and personal belongings can I bring into Canada?

Allowed

You can bring Used articles and personal belongings into Canada without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

What visitors can bring into Canada Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Questions about Used articles and personal belongings in Canada

Do I have to declare used articles and personal belongings at Canada customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare used articles and personal belongings 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 used articles and personal belongings 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 used articles and personal belongings out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking used articles and personal belongings out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for used articles and personal belongings 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 What visitors can bring into Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You do not need to pay duty or taxes on personal goods as long as you declare all of your goods when you arrive, and take them back with you when you leave Canada.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on used articles and personal belongings?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used articles and personal belongings, 5 limit it and 15 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

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