Travellers and the CBSA: Partnering for Success

Each day at airports all over the country, international travellers come in contact with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officers. These officers are part of our front-line of defence against pests and diseases that could threaten Canada's agriculture, population and environment.

Seven days a week, our officers are on duty to inspect passengers' baggage in search of plants, animals, and their products that could harbour pests or diseases.

Why you should declare

Travellers are often surprised when they are told that their one little piece of fruit or meat can cause serious damage to Canada. Certain items are restricted or prohibited because they can harbour foreign animal and plant pests and diseases that could pose a risk to human, plant or animal health and cause irreparable harm to Canada's crops, livestock, pets, and environment.

Because of this threat, travellers are required to declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, animals, and plant or animal products they bring into the country.

It's easy for travellers to help protect Canada

Success depends on every international traveller. Please ensure that you report all agricultural or food item to the CBSA officer. Better yet, when you are planning your trip abroad, check the list of approved products in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). If you are still uncertain about what is allowed into the country, contact us.

By taking these simple steps, you will be doing your part. That's how easy it is to do something positive for Canada's environment and help protect our safe food supply, as well as our animals and plants.

CBSA Officers are there to help you

Our officers are ready to answer any questions you may have as you leave for your trip or upon your return. Of course, it's always best to clear up any questions you have before your trip abroad.

Who helps CBSA officers?

At major airports, CBSA officers are joined by canine officers and detector dogs; they are referred to as detector dog teams. Canine officers are the detector dogs' handlers. The officers are trained with the dogs in the detection of agricultural and food products. Working with canine officers, the dogs are efficient at sniffing out restricted or prohibited items such as fruit and meat in travellers' baggage.