How many knives can I bring into Canada?

knives may not be brought into Canada at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare knives at Canada customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare knives 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 knives 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 knives out of Canada?

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

Does the Canada limit for knives 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 Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Residents, non-residents, settlers, temporary and former residents may not import prohibited weapons or devices.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit knives, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Knives can I bring into Canada?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Knives 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

On the plane

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
Air France	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Knives in Canada

How many knives can I bring into Canada?: knives may not be brought into Canada at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare knives at Canada customs?: There is nothing to declare — knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare knives 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 knives 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 knives out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for knives 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 Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Residents, non-residents, settlers, temporary and former residents may not import prohibited weapons or devices.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit knives, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

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Related countries

Australia China France Germany

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