Do I have to declare scissors at Canada customs?

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

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

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

Does the Canada limit for scissors 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 Scissors. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Small scissors, e.g. sewing, with blades measuring 6 cm (2.4 in.) or less, measured from the joint - or fulcrum - to the tip, are permitted in carry-on.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on scissors?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit scissors, 12 limit it and 6 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Scissors can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Scissors into Canada only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

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

Scissors Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

Questions about Scissors in Canada

Do I have to declare scissors at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare scissors 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 scissors 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 scissors out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking scissors out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for scissors 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 Scissors. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Small scissors, e.g. sewing, with blades measuring 6 cm (2.4 in.) or less, measured from the joint - or fulcrum - to the tip, are permitted in carry-on.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on scissors?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit scissors, 12 limit it and 6 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

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