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Customs
Do I have to cross a border?
Yes, if you come from outside of Canada, including the USA,
you will need to clear Immigration
(Immigration is responsible for the entry of people).
Click here
for details on Immigration.
This also
means that your belongings will need to clear Customs
(Customs is responsible for the entry of goods).
If you're bringing commercial goods, you will need
an import license or clearance.
Pets (dogs
or cats) are limited to one and may require a rabies vaccination
certificate. Some other types of animals may be restricted.
You are
advised not to take any fruit or living plants across the border.
Specifically, the USA will not let you import any citrus fruits.
Canada has a restriction on most living plants or seeds. The
concern is transfer of diseases to agriculture.
Cameras,
computers and other valuable items should have a document
showing the country where you purchased the item. This document
will help you considerably when taking it back to your own
country, without having to pay import or export duties. Your
country's customs officer may issue you a 'green card' for
it with the ID number and an official stamp.
You are
advised not to bring any fire
arms. In Canada they could be confiscated and you could
end up in jail, regardless the documents you carry with them.
Detailed
information may be obtained from the Canada
Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA). Most of the tax and duty
forms are on line at this site.
If you
are bringing in goods pertaining to a convention or an
exhibition, you should make yourself familiar with the CCRA
publication called: RC4032
- Welcome to CANADA, Your Guide to Bringing a Convention,
Meeting, Trade Show, or Exhibition Across the Canadian Border
(This link provides you with a copy in .html or .pdf
format). This document contains invaluable information regarding
what you must do to avoid unnecessary duties and taxes. It also
contains valuable information for individuals. Hard copy
may be ordered from CCRA.
If you need
to hire a Customs Broker, you can contact any Customs Broker.
e.g. : Mendelssohn Customs
Brokerage and Transportation Services,
69 Yonge Street, Suite 400, Toronto, ON, M5E 1K3;
Tiziana Doimo, Sales Manager, email:tdoimo@mend.com,
Phone: 800-665-4628; 416-863-9339; Fax: 416-863-0301
If you're
planning to sell your goods or services in Canada, you
will need to register your business. You can do this by clicking
on Business
Registration On-line.
If
you buy
anything in Canada to a total of over
Can$200 and if you are a non-resident of Canada,
you can get the sales tax you paid back (In Ontario, that
is a total of 15%, so more than Can$30). To do this you
must fill in a tax
refund form and send it to the Canada Customs and Revenue
Agency. |
NOTE:
If you are flying, you
will need to follow security
rules for carry-on baggage.
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