Foreign Academic Handbook: 12

Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise, has a presence at all Ports of Entry. In addition to regulating the flow of goods into Canada, Customs Inspectors have a limited authority under the Immigration Act to admit into Canada most persons who appear at our border. Persons coming to live, work, or study in Canada must be referred to an Immigration Officer for processing and documentation.

Persons who are classed as visitors or who are in Canada temporarily on work permits for a period of 36 months or less may import duty free when they first arrive in Canada personal and household effects. These items include furniture, appliances, and motor vehicles. The following conditions apply:

• they cannot be used by a resident of Canada;
• the owner cannot sell or otherwise dispose of them in Canada;
• all items must be taken out of Canada when the owner leaves Canada.

In some cases, Customs may require a deposit that is refundable when the items are re-exported.

Before moving to Canada the person should prepare a list in duplicate of all the goods they are bringing with them indicating the value, make, model, and serial number where applicable.

Customs may give the importer a temporary admission permit for these goods. It will be valid only for a short term to allow the person to move the goods to their destination in Canada where they will need to contact the local Customs Office to get a replacement permit. These permits are usually valid for about six months.

If goods are shipped by commercial carrier, they will travel in bond to the Customs Office nearest to where the importer will be living. The carrier will notify the importer when the goods arrive so that clearance can be effected.

Individuals who have applied for or who have been granted Permanent Resident status in Canada, or those whose term of employment is more than 36 months, are classed as Settlers for Customs purposes. Settlers are not eligible to import goods on a temporary basis as temporary residents. Customs has separate rules and entitlements for Settlers which are outlined in Customs memorandum D2-2-1 available at the Canada Border Services Agency Web Site. Briefly, goods that are for personal use which have been owned, possessed, and used abroad qualify for duty free entry providing they accompany the Settler. Goods may follow at a later date but they must have been reported to Customs at the time of the Settler's arrival in Canada.

There are restrictions on importation of the following items regardless of whether the person qualifies for temporary entry of goods or for entry as a Settler:

• Firearms: Canada has stringent regulations on firearms. Information on the importation of firearms is contained in the brochure called Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada available from any Customs Office.
• Pets: The Animal Health Division of the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regulates the control of animals into Canada. Pet dogs and cats who are three months old or older can be brought into Canada from the United States provided they are accompanied by a vaccination certificate signed and dated by a veterinarian. The certificate must show that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years. For all other pets from the United States and elsewhere check in advance with the Animal Health Division. Inspection fees may apply. Further information can be had in the publication Don't Bring It Back available at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency web site.
• Plants: The Food Production and Inspection Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada regulates the entry into Canada of plants. Depending on the country the plant is coming from, the importer may require a phytosanitary certificate issued by the government plant health authority at the point of origin and an import permit in advance from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Inspection fees may apply. Further information can be had in the publication Don't Bring It Back available at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency web site.