Travellers are required, by law, to declare all plant, animal, and food items they bring into Canada. This includes items related to plants, animals and food, or their by-products.
If you bring these products into Canada, you may go through further inspections at the point of entry (that is, border crossings, airports). Be prepared for delays if further inspection is required.
If you are importing for commercial purposes, visit the Guide to Importing Food Products Commercially page of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website.
If you are importing items other than food, plants and animals (such as alcohol, firearms, tobacco or vehicles) visit the Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) document I Declare: A guide for residents of Canada returning to Canada or Visitors to Canada and other Temporary Residents for further information.
Restrictions on what food items you are allowed to bring into Canada vary, depending on the product. Some restrictions also vary based on the province. Because pest and disease situations are constantly changing, these requirements may be adjusted at any time.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for determining customs and duties for items coming into Canada.
This is a list of commonly imported food, animal and plant products and the guidelines for importing them from the United States. Because pest and disease situations are constantly changing, these requirements may be adjusted at any time.
Even though these items are allowed into Canada, you still must declare them on your declaration form.
Some items do need documents to accompany them. For more information, go to the "When are documents required?" section.
Animal fat or suetSee "List of North American Gypsy Moth Infested or Suspected Infested Areas of Canada and the United States". Or contact the CFIA National Import Service Centre (NISC).
Conifers and garden plantsContact the CFIA National Import Service Centre (NISC) for more information.
Dairy products (e.g.: cheese, milk, yogurt, butter)There may be some restrictions depending on the type of flowers and where they come from. Use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to confirm if a specific item is allowed.
Fruits and vegetables, including herbs: driedUse Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to confirm if the product is allowed before bringing it into Canada.
Game animal carcassesProvincial restrictions may apply. For example, on deer, there may be restrictions due to chronic wasting disease.
Spices, tea, coffee, condimentsYou are not allowed to import sand.
Vegetables: freshSee "Fruits and vegetables".
Wooden souvenirsFor more detailed information, you can review the import requirements for specific products using the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). By following the appropriate prompts, you will be able to determine current requirements based on the type of product you want to bring with you.
This is a list of commonly imported products and the guidelines for importing them from countries other than the United States. Because pest and disease situations are constantly changing, these requirements may be adjusted at any time.
Even though these items are allowed into Canada, you still must declare them on your declaration form.
Some items do need documents to accompany them. For more information, go to the "When are documents required?" section.
Baked goods, candies, etc.These items are not allowed
There may be some restrictions depending on the type of flowers and where they come from. Use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to confirm if a specific item is allowed.
Fruits and vegetables: driedWhen products are permitted, there is a maximum limit of
Root vegetables (for example, carrots, potatoes and so on)
You are not allowed to import sand.
Vegetables: freshSee "Fruits and vegetables". Use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to confirm if the item is allowed before bringing it into Canada.
Wooden souvenirsFor more detailed information, you can review the import requirements for specific products using the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). By following the appropriate prompts, you will be able to determine current requirements based on the type of product you want to bring with you.
Some items, if allowed into Canada, may require documents such as
These include
To request permits contact the CFIA National Import Service Centre (NISC). If you do not have the required documents, the items will not be allowed to enter Canada.
If you are entering Canada as a longer-term visitor, seasonal resident or temporary resident, visit the Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) document Visitors to Canada and other Temporary Residents.
QuestionsIf you need more information on personal imports of food, plant and animals please contact the CFIA National Import Service Centre (NISC).