Bringing gifts across US Canada border - is it legal?

Question

I’m coming to Canada in a few months to visit some relatives. I heard that I cannot bring any big gifts for them over the border?

Answer 1

You can bring gifts but do not wrap them before you cross the border. Customs may want to see what you are bringing and they will open them so wrapping is a waste of time beforehand.



Here is a list that says gifts can not be worth more than $60 Canadian or you will have to pay tax on them. It also includes a list of prohibited items.



http://canadawelcomesyou.net/faq.html

Answer 2

You may cross the Border with gifts. You are importing something to Canada there is a FREE limit on how much. If you have a large gift you have to pay import taxes(sales tax). Here is Canada Customs explanation.

Gifts



You can import gifts for friends into Canada duty- and tax-free as long as each gift is valued at CAN$60 or less. If the gift is worth more than CAN$60, you will have to pay duty and taxes on the excess amount. You cannot claim alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or business-related material as gifts.



Restrictions



The importation of certain goods is restricted in Canada

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html#s2x2

Answer 3

It is perfectly legal to bring gifts to Canada. However do not wrap them so the custums officers can inspect them at the border.

Answer 4

You can bring stuff over the border, but you have to declare the worth of the items and possibly have to pay an import tax. (Works the same way when you bring items from Canada to US).

Answer 5

I'm pretty sure you are not able to bring gift that are more than $60 CAD for a friend or family member without having to pay extra. Gifts that are more than $60CAD can be subject to duty or applicable taxes can be applied.

Answer 6

I don't think it should be a problem. I've brought gifts from the States into Canada with no trouble. Granted, I'm Canadian, but I don't think it should make much of a difference.

Answer 7

someone once informed me that it is not even legal for individuals to purchase Cuban cigars in Canada or Mexico, and smoke them outdoors of u . s .. yet i won't be able to verify this manner of law from the US authorities web pages. in accordance to the place of work of overseas Affairs administration, it is prohibited to purchase any Cuban products and then convey that product both rapidly or circuitously (which includes with the help of a third usa) into u . s .. I have heard some human beings purchase Cubans and a container of inexpensive imitations, and then replace the labels. yet no longer sensible that's extremely actually worth the attempt.

Answer 8

Kristina, well what can I say, Rona has struck gold again with her answer. Most important, do not wrap those gifts. Boarder control officers do have a right to inspect.