Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunication equipment at Canada customs?

There is nothing to declare — prohibited telecommunication equipment cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 prohibited telecommunication equipment out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunication equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 Radiocommunication Act (R.S.C. (Revised Statutes of Canada), 1985, c. R-2). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “No person shall install, use, possess, manufacture, import, distribute, lease, offer for sale or sell a jammer.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunication equipment?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunication equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Prohibited telecommunication equipment can I bring into Canada?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Prohibited telecommunication equipment into Canada.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Radiocommunication Act (R.S.C. (Revised Statutes of Canada), 1985, c. R-2) Department of Justice Canada

Questions about Prohibited telecommunication equipment in Canada

How many prohibited telecommunication equipment can I bring into Canada?: prohibited telecommunication equipment may not be brought into Canada at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunication equipment at Canada customs?: There is nothing to declare — prohibited telecommunication equipment cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 prohibited telecommunication equipment out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunication equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 Radiocommunication Act (R.S.C. (Revised Statutes of Canada), 1985, c. R-2). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “No person shall install, use, possess, manufacture, import, distribute, lease, offer for sale or sell a jammer.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunication equipment?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunication equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

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

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks