What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Memorandum D2-1-1: Temporary Importation of Baggage and Conveyances by Non-Residents. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Canada compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. Canada is among the more permissive.

How much Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into Canada?

Allowed

You can bring Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions into Canada without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

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

Memorandum D2-1-1: Temporary Importation of Baggage and Conveyances by Non-Residents Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in Canada

Do I have to declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions at Canada customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 D2-1-1: Temporary Importation of Baggage and Conveyances by Non-Residents. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Canada compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 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

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