What happens if I do not declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Memorandum D9-1-1: Canada Border Services Agency's Policy on the Classification of Obscene Material. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The Customs Tariff provides that the importation into Canada of any goods enumerated, described or referred to in tariff item 9899.00.00 is prohibited.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the strictest.

How much Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities can I bring into Canada?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities into Canada.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

Memorandum D9-1-1: Canada Border Services Agency's Policy on the Classification of Obscene Material Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities in Canada

How many obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities can I bring into Canada?: obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities may not be brought into Canada at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities at Canada customs?: There is nothing to declare — obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 D9-1-1: Canada Border Services Agency's Policy on the Classification of Obscene Material. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The Customs Tariff provides that the importation into Canada of any goods enumerated, described or referred to in tariff item 9899.00.00 is prohibited.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the strictest.

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