Travellers' Role

Travellers must declare all food, animals, plants and related products when entering Canada. These items can introduce harmful diseases, pests, viruses and microorganisms that threaten Canadian animals, plants and natural habitats.

For example, seemingly harmless products such as wood carvings or fruits may carry insects capable of causing significant damage to Canada's forests. Similarly, feathers, meats and other animal products could spread avian influenza ("bird flu") or other animal diseases. In addition to affecting Canadian agriculture, many animal diseases may also harm human health and food safety.

Before Leaving Canada

Be informed about what products you can bring back from the country you will be visiting.
Request an Import Permit if you would like to bring restricted items back into Canada.

When Returning to Canada

Declare all food as well as plants, animals and related products.
Avoid contact with farmed animals (including poultry), zoo animals or wildlife for five days after you return if you were exposed to similar animals while you were abroad.
Do not visit Canadian farms for 14 days if you visited a farm or had contact with wild birds while abroad. Be sure the footwear you wore to the farm or when you had contact with wild birds is disinfected and your clothing is washed thoroughly and dried at a high temperature. Complete the appropriate areas of your Customs Declaration Card regarding farm visits.

It's the law to declare what you are bringing into Canada. It's your responsibility to be informed and make the right decision. And it's your chance to do your part to protect your country.

So be aware and declare!