Do I have to declare personal exemption, absence over 48 hours at Canada customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 is outside this allowance.

Can I take personal exemption, absence over 48 hours out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 48 hours out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 personal exemption, absence over 48 hours?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 48 hours, 2 limit it and 17 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Personal exemption, absence over 48 hours can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Personal exemption, absence over 48 hours into Canada only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 800 CAD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 800 CAD
Channels: Arrival duty-free, Carried with the traveler, Post or courier, Sent after, Sent ahead
Extra conditions apply
Only one of these allowances can be used per trip.

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-18

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

Questions about Personal exemption, absence over 48 hours in Canada

How much personal exemption, absence over 48 hours can I bring into Canada?: Canada allows 800 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 personal exemption, absence over 48 hours at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 is outside this allowance.
Can I take personal exemption, absence over 48 hours out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 48 hours out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 personal exemption, absence over 48 hours?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 48 hours, 2 limit it and 17 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