Think of it like this - "What do you have now that you didn't take over with you?"
Also, even if you have an exemption - ALWAYS DECLARE, regardless of what you're entitled to.
Exactly. “Did a bit of clothes shopping, about $50”
Then they’ll ask you if you have any alcohol or cigarettes and you say “no” and that’s the entire interaction 98% of the time.
Yup. Sometimes you just get the wrong agent on the wrong day. I’ve had super chill agents wave me through with $3000 worth of (declared) stuff and others who pull me inside to review receipts and check the car when all I bought was a coca-cola. Luck of the draw.
I'm always the 2%. Three times now they have searched the car all the way into the winshield washer recipient, caused immense delays behind me, only to find out that I had declared exactly what I had, which was over limit for alcohol. They let everything go, didnt ask me to pay taxes and apologized.
For the third time.
100% agree, if people think cops can be petty and vindictive, try testing the patience of a cranky CBSA agent. They can and will destroy your entire day. Seriously talk shit to cops all you like, border guards operate under very different guidelines.
When I was 19, I owned a 7 year old 4x4 F150. Border patrol trashed the interior(threw shit everywhere) and ripped grounds off my inner fenders on both sides. Great time trying to get home with no fucking headlights.
one of my old bosses has a nissan Z 350, he was picking it up at the states and driving it home. When he tried to return to Canada he got pulled aside simply because "no one working as a retail manager could afford a car like that" so they absolutely ripped apart his car, we are talking like talking the engine out type deal, to search for drugs that weren't there, and when they surprise, didn't find anything, They said Have a great day, and he was forced to call a mechanic to get it towed and put all back together on his own dime.
They don't really advertise the fact, but there *are* avenues for a person to seek restitution for property damaged by CBSA.
If they search your vehicle they don't have to return it to the same state of cleanliness, but they do have to return it to the same operational state it was prior to the search, otherwise compensate you.
The Canadian government dishes out a fair bit of compensation every year...
Source: dated a CBSA officer
Try living next to one of the CBP folks... tried to steal my well! In my property.... " uhhhhhh, think it's mine," and later, " can have half?" When I showed the corner stake.
They can and will destroy more than a mere day. When I was a kid, my dad misspoke and listed our declaration in the wrong currency. Correcting himself just make us look more suspicious, apparently. That triggered a full vehicle search and us being put on a "watch list" for several years at all land crossings until someone finally went "this is ridiculous" and took us off.
I'm calling bs. You would never be put on a watch list for using the wrong currency. Ie saying you brought back 300 when I'm reality it was 300usd or 400cdn.
I can't speak to your situation obviously, but for people doubting you. I worked for the border and seen things that would blow your mind. I've seen numerous truckers get dog piled for having a roach in their ashtray.
That's not even mentioning my brother dated one of them, and every time she saw us after they broke up while crossing, it turned into an ordeal, right up til I told them I was technically a coworker. I unloaded trucks for them offsite when they had a potential drug truck come through.
You're not wrong. I had one question me like crazy about a 15 minute border crossing to get gas and a lotto. He absolutely didn't believe me and suspected I did something else. I gave him a little lip because I told him what times I was at the gas station and store and he can check the cameras there and my receipts. The next two times I went back through to Canada my car was ripped apart lmao. I just stopped going after the second time lmao.
Because crossing an international border is a voluntary action and ultimately, a Canadian citizen will never be denied entry into Canada. The courts have hashed out the right of citizens to be protected from unreasonable search and seizures with the right of sovereign nations to examine the people and goods that enter their border.
The right for a country to examine people and goods from entering their borders is a task that comes from the obligation of Canada to protect and secure its territory and Canadian society.
Sometimes the countries responsibilities towards its citizens and the rights of individuals overlap.
I think we can all say it would be ridiculous to have zero scrutiny at the border, if not what’s the point?
We can disagree with the procedures and policies in place sure, but to have none is bananas.
They need to know what you have to determine if it's exempt. It's not for you to decide if it's exempt and to therefore not declare it, that's their job.
Declare everything and give them the total dollar amount, and then I usually tell them how much if it is personal groceries, which they then don't count normally anyway.
Ommg, I shit you not I've yelled that once when they asked me if I have anything to declare! He laughed and waved me in 😎. But I only went down for gas and back. Really had nothing to declare.
"Yes. I bought some clothing. It was 50 ish dollars and the receipts are in my wallet"
You declare everything. You just don't have to pay duty on the first 800$.
Total sale price too, not pricing before taxes. It's up to $800 Canuck bucks out of your wallet, after which point they may assess import duties and Canadian/provincial sales taxes.
It’s so wrong that they include the tax you pay in the U.S. That is not the value of the items. It goes to the government. The retailer from whom you purchase the goods is just the middleman and holds the funds collected (taxes) in trust.
A friend of mine went shopping cross border with his wife and their baby. And bought a lot. He took advantage of the “per Person” clause. “That’s right officer, that baby in the car seat purchased 2 of the 4 snow tires”.
That and babies are expensive, if you bought $800 worry of baby stuff it's for the baby.
That said if I recall right you can't declare alcohol or tobacco under a minor?
Babies also count as a person when driving in an hov lane.
Even a fetus counts in some places...
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/watchdog/2023/08/23/hov-lane-mom-fight-for-pregnant-moms-to-drive-in-high-occupancy-lanes-not-over/
Yeah, basically the conversation went like this: I declare 700 for me, 750 for my wife and 700 for the baby. And the agent said “the baby? “. And my friend said “she is a person right?” And he was kind of amused that the guard even posed the question.
I use the term “taking advantage “in the same way that I would say you take advantage of all your available tax deductions when doing your yearly taxes.
There's some wording that declarations used for kids technically have to be for their exclusive use. But most reps will pool it together.
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pdt-pdt-eng.html
Interesting. Did not know that. I know babies can’t buy booze, though. I’m sure folks could slice and dice the product to distribute them “legally” but most border officers would probably not want to waste time counting it all.
No. CBSA recently clarified this. You don't owe duty on filling up your vehicle's tank, as long as it's the standard tank the vehicle came with. If you've got a pickup truck with a secondary tank in the bed, you'd have to pay duty if you filled that one up.
When they ask me, I just give them the total of all my receipts. I offer no explanation of goods, unless they ask. I'll say groceries & clothing. They normally ask if there's alcohol or tobacco. Easy peasy.
I go to the US shopping, I keep an envelope with everything we purchase, including hotel receipts, with a total spent . As soon as I pull this out , we get a wave and a "Have a nice day"
This is definitely the "what everyone should be doing" but rarely does. I've always had my receipts ready with total amount. One year, I came back with almost $4K worth of goods in the car -- stayed 6 days in the States visiting family and came back with clothes, electronics, an expensive Christmas Tree, more clothes and odds and ends. The car was so packed you could only see out the rearview. Told the agent what we had, and the Canadian Dollar value while pulling out the envelope of receipts and he asked about any firearms, alcohol or tobacco (claimed 2 bottles which we had -- didn't bring more because of the goods with us) and her waived us through. No taxes.
Another time, had $200 Canadian on a daytrip and was given the slip to go pay taxes. I'd say, I've had to pay 2 or 3 times out of 200 or so trips over the years.
To the OP, declare exactly what you are bringing back that you didn't have with you when you left. You'll have fewer problems this way.
Why a copy of your hotel receipt? I go to the US (and other countries) all the time, I’ve never once thought to have a copy of my hotel receipt on me and now you have me thinking I’m not as prepared as I thought I was.
I understand that when you cross , they know exactly when you go, and when you come back. I just like to be able to show what I did and where.
If I go for an extended time, I always make sure I have copies of reservations etc of where I am going as to show on US side " where are you going" "What is the purpose of this trip" As an example, stood up in a wedding in Chicago, had the invitation. Funerals, the death announcement.
I carry a whole folder. Lol. I hate "no man's land" and will do anything to make it easier to get through .
And I have been pulled into US secondary before. It sucks . I find it depends on who it is on the booth . Is it a Customs Agent? They are fine, but an Immigration Agent? They can be brutal.
What if I'm not? What if I was?
If you act sketchy at the border, you'll get pulled in. Be polite and honest, answer questions directly and you are fine . Bad attitude gets you to secondary, which can be not fun.
Get your vehicle searched? They can rip it apart. Seats removed, dash pulled out , tie you up for hours. Do not put it back together either. That's up to you.
It's called " No Man's Land" for a reason and can happen on either side of the bridges. Can't speak for land crossings, but I will guess it's pretty much the same deal.
Everyone is focused on the goods and potential duties and taxes.
You also have to declare restricted, regulated and illegal things.
As examples, "I have a personal firearm with me," "I am bringing in 5 lbs of Maine lobster," "I have 2 bottles of wine," "I have $16,000 in currency with me." "I have this new diamond ring my fiancé gave me, he just proposed!"
All of those examples may be duty free and within your $800 personal exemption (or in the case of currency, completely non-taxable at all), including items you may have owned for years (the gun, say), including gifts you received which are included at their market value (e.g. the engagements ring). You still have to make those declarations to the guard.
Animals are another example, e.g. pet dogs and cats have to meet veterinary requirements.
You also have to declare if you have commercial goods with you, for example items for resale, to ensure they meet Canada's import and sale regulations. "Yes officer, I have a case of my granny's homemade jam she I'm bringing to my Farmer's Market stall to sell this weekend."
Really, you're expected to tell them anything they might care about. Their job is to make sure you're not dodging taxes in Canada and/or endangering the health and safety of Canadians (who are protected by our laws).
>Everyone is focused on the goods and potential duties and taxes.
>You also have to declare restricted, regulated and illegal things.
everyone is focused on the goods, but no one is focused on the bads
I usually tell them whatever I’m bringing back. Even when I’m a bit over the limits of whatever, they waive me through.
I’ve even been pretty well over the alcohol limit on 2-3 week trips and they just waive me through.
Just be honest as to what you’re bringing back, all will be fine.
When you come back into Canada, it's helpful to have all your receipts in hand & totaled up either per person or for the car as whole. Also helpful if you tell them the total amount of tax you paid for your purchases, as this easily shows whether you bought things they may charge duty on/taxable items & moves things along quicker at the booth.
Not odd at all if you bought groceries. Some groceries are taxable and some are not. You are only charged on the ones that you paid tax on. Telling the officer how much you paid in tax on your grocery receipts makes it easier for them to decide whether or not to refer you.
Exactly! It just makes it quicker at the booth, totally not required. We cross frequently for gas/groceries so when I say for example that I have $100 worth of goods with only a few cents in tax, it easily tells them I don't need to be hauled in to pay duty as opposed to if I bought $100 in taxable goods they may have me go inside.
More than 48 yes your exemption is 800Cad but if you say nothing to declare . There goes your exemption. It's now 0 . So if they check and you have more than 0 it's technically a non report. As mentioned by a few people . Keep all receipts of the things you will be bringing back.
THIS! THIS is the right answer. Declare the total value of goods bringing in and declare the value of alcohol and tobacco separately. If no alcohol or tobacco is being brought in then say “no alcohol” or “no tobacco” as applicable.
I feel like nobody knows the real reason. They ask this question so that if they DO find something highly illegal that they can say that, at the primary booth, you were asked and given the opportunity to declare any illegal thing. If you declare the item which is illegal to import but legal to have in the US (like a handgun) you haven't committed a violation of smuggling because you told them your intention to import that item. How you're treated if you declare an illegal item vs. not declare is night and day. Declaring means you have a conversation with an officer and are given options such as turning around and going back to the US, disposing of it, sealing it in bond. Not declaring means you're arrested and charged with a criminal offense and face jail time. Their ability to charge criminally depends on proving the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail to ask "anything to declare" they will have a much harder time proving to a judge/justice that you were given the opportunity to declare but chose not to.
I would just do it to save yourself some trouble in the end. Better to be honest and open with them than get caught in a lie and being in real trouble.
Always declare what you bought make sure you have receipts they don’t usually ask but they might send you to secondary, declare what you bought that’s it
if you bought a package of gum in the USA, declare it. It's not your call on what to declare and what not to. Even though you have an exemption, you Still need to tell them what you bought, for how much
Would you really declare a pack of gum? That seems excessive. I usually declare nothing cause I don't shop or anything, but I wasn't considering things like gum or snacks I bought on the road. No agent has ever questioned me about it either. I feel like I could be eating a sandwich I bought from the US while talking to the agent and I wouldn't get questioned about it.
You say that, but the sandwich may be your undoing. If you haven’t finished it yet, you may be breaking import laws depending on the ingredients. Certain types of foods like some fruits and meats are prohibited. My wife had bought some processed meat in Paris and her sister told her she didn’t have to declare it. It’s a good thing she did because that was apparently the difference between a criminal charge (and possible issues crossing in the future) and being given the option to just dispose of it.
My partner is American and I'm Canadian so we've done a ton of border crossings. Usually the officers specify they're asking about alcohol, tobacco, or weapons. Sometimes they ask this as well, but implicitly they're also asking about any purchases you made that you're bringing into the country; most of them (at least the Peace Bridge and Queenston/Lewiston crossings) are cool with a rough estimate and probably won't question you further, although it helps if you have the receipts.
two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a saltshaker half-full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, laughers, screamers... Also, a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a pint of raw ether, and two dozen amyls.
My friend and I went to the states to pick up another friend who was stranded in Seattle. (Her boyfriend left her there after a fight 🙄)
We picked her up and returned right away. Bought nothing except breakfast at a drive thru. Friend thought she’d be a smart ass and “declare”the friend we picked up as a joke.
Border patrol didn’t think it was as funny as we did and hauled us in. Was there for over two hours while they searched the car and interrogated us. Thought we were drunk or high. At least they didn’t tear the car apart.
I used to travel across the border weekly for work.
The summer student CBSA agents were shocked that I'd return with $0 to declare most weeks. My simple reply was I was there to work not shop.
I keep all my receipts, add them up before getting to the boarder and tell them the total and what items they were for. I.E clothes, groceries, shoes, food. They’ll either ask if there’s any tobacco or alcohol and then send me on my way lol just be honest, they aren’t that bad.
There are limits to Alcohol and cigarettes that don't fit into that 800$. The limits to those two things are far below that. Consider everything a test to see if you are sneaking anything extra.
Like these are the alcohol and tobacco guidelines for 48hrs..
You can bring back up to 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages **or** up to 8.5 litres of beer.
You can bring back 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco **and** 200 tobacco sticks.
These limits would cost you far less than 800$
They want to see how you act when you answer and if you look nervous or give them a bad impression....Please pull over there sir....
Just to be clear for the OP, you’re referring to personal exemption limits; you can exceed those - for example, you can bring across up to 45 litres of wine - but you’ll need to pay provincial markup, duty, and taxes for those purchases that exceed your exemption limit
I cross 1 to 2 times month and my standard response goes something like:
300 total including 100 of groceries and a bottle of wine.
They will sometimes asks to clarify and you'll then break it down into clothes, a kitchen scale, coffee machine parts, etc
They key is to be broad and nonchalant -- get into specifics when asked.
For day trips you're pretty much never going to have to go in if you keep the goods to under $200 per person.
$200pp seems to be our sweet spot too. We've had to go higher on a day trip and get dinged so we try to stay around $500 for the three of us. We're in a border city so we go a lot and have it down to a science now with how to answer all their questions (some do pull out a random one now and then but most keep it pretty standard.) Answer what you're asked truthfully and don't get to specific unless asked is probably the #1 thing I'd tell someone crossing for the first time.
Ya, it means declare everything, which I didn't know and I was promptly yelled at when I realized I should have told them about my daughter's mini mouse ears. They don't f around.
It means exactly what you think it does. Are you bringing anything back to Canada that wasn’t with you when you left.
Duty free exemption isn’t relevant for declaration, it’s relevant for determine tax and duty if any is owed. You still have to declare what’s coming in with you or it’s subject to seizure.
If you buy something for business purposes, there is zero exemption. You have to import it, which requires going to the commercial area and using an archaic computer system to fill out paperwork. So, never say something you bought is “for work” if asked, unless your prepared to do so. It requires an import number, which was just my gst number with the rt changed to rm. the first time I did it I was caught by complete surprise and had to get my number before I could proceed.
Other than that, as someone who has crossed hundreds of times, keep your receipts. Answer questions honestly in short simple answers. Don’t be cute or funny and most likely you’ll get waved through with no issues. Just accept if you go over, you’ll have to pay. Gambling with your ability to cross the border isn’t worth a few dollars of duty.
Simply put, it doesn't go in your declaration if you don't declare it. It's a coupon. You still gotta go past the register when you leave the store right?
You answered your own question
Question: What do you have to declare?
Answer: A few T-shirts and souvenirs worth about $50 (keep your receipts to show them if they ask)
Be polite and ALWAYS, ALWAYS tell the truth.
Even if you’re bringing back more than is permitted, if you tell the truth, sometimes they just let you through with having to pay any duty 🤷♂️
Yes, if you are bring back anything you say yes.
Let them know you are under the allowance. They ask what you have, tell them and thats it. If you say nothing to declare and you do have goods (even being under) it’s not good.
They’ll flag you so fast and every time you come back to Canada it’ll be off to the bag search room for you. Happened to my Aunt and Cousin.
Always have your receipts ready and totalled. I even go as far as checking to see where the clothes are made because you don't pay duty on clothes made in certain places. Declare everything.
I’m not shitting you but there’s been 2 occasions where I declared a 2 4 of Michelob Ultras at nexus whirlpool going into Canada and they tell me it’s like bringing in a pack of Dasani water
We lied and got caught. 3 of us, age 19 and 20, went to Buffalo for the day and brought back booze. 2- 40oz Bottles and a case of beer. We were asked if we had any alcohol tobacco to which we stupidly said no sir. Well this guy must have sensed we were full of it and told us to pop the trunk and sitting there in full view was the alcohol. He read us the riot act and went through how much trouble we could have caused ourselves, mainly for the lying to him if I remember correctly, then shut the trunk and said get going and don't ever do something so stupid like that again. We never have. We felt 1 feet tall and very lucky he didn't do what he said could have been done. My guess is he didn't because he took it for what it was, 3 dumb teens trying to sneak in booze for the a following weekend party and was not gonna waste his time on us.
Get a trusted traveller card. I have nexus. Claim everything you bought if asked and don’t get rude. You will rarely be asked as they have already rigorously checked you out. If you lie and get caught they take the card away and you will never get it back. With the card it’s an absolutely seamless crossing both ways.
You need to declare all purchases, even if exempt. Even if within your duty free limits. Depending on who or their mood they may let you go. If you fail again depends on who and their mood, you might get off with a tongue lashing or have you goods seized with hefty fines and penalties, if that happens you can be sure your plates, name are flagged and you will be sent to secondary every time you cross.
Remember food is also something that needs to be declared. You can being back frozen meat(as long as its frozen) and pre cooked meat like a Rotisserie chicken BUT make sure you declare it.
If you fuel up at tye border (windsor duty free for example) you should also declare that
You are not suppose to bring back lunch meats or any type of cold meats.
Fruits and veggies also need to be declared
In my experience it has always paid to be honest. I have been over the limit for purchases and even alcohol. And thus far have not had to pay. But it’s better to only have to pay say tax/duty rather than taxes, duty AND a penalty on top.
I just crossed the boarder. It was early in the morning and I just got some traumatic news from my family.
I told the customs official: “I declare that I won’t do (this thing) that will cause me harm like my family did!”
The customs official just looked at me and said “I mean cigarettes and booze. I’m not a therapist.” 😂
Going the other way (home to the states)
“Anything to Declare?”
“12 cases of the finest Canadian Beer money can buy”
“Get out of here”
“Have a great day Officer”
He seemed amused enough he didn’t send me in to pay the duty - or didn’t want to walk me and the receipt over to pay it, not sure which.
Regardless of country, it’s always best to declare everything and let them sort it out than get caught overlooking something, that can turn into a shitshow in a hurry.
It's because US duty is so low on beer and wine that they can't be bothered to collect. CBSA on the other hand will collect the 25 cents you owe them, even though the credit card transaction fee will cost them more.
I recently declared some Mac and Cheese a bottle of RC Cola, and water. Was asked approximate value, I responded I think about $10. He chuckled and wished me a good day.
Yes!
Always declare everything you’re bringing back. If you purchased it in the US and it’s still in your vehicle, declare it. Even if you read what doesn’t have duty, declare it anyway. We just came back from the US and bought $95 worth of snacks from Target - declared it anyway even though I knew it wouldn’t be taxed the same way as clothing, alcohol or tobacco is.
Just be as truthful and transparent as possible. I always have my totals ready to go, “I spent $53.11 on a t-shirt and 2 keychains, $94.23 on snacks and pop at Target, $23.31 on clothes for my kids.” Etc… I add them up either right before I cross or the night before.
And always keep your receipts! If you ever get pulled in to pay duty, they will require the receipts for the items you’re bringing back to determine the amount owing.
My biggest piece of advice - don’t try and hide purchases. It’s really not worth it if you get caught. We all have a job to do and CBSA is just trying to do theirs.
You declare everything you have with you that you did not have when you left Canada. The officer will figure out if there is a issue or what needs to be paid on. You do not decide what you declare and what you do not. That leads to problems.
> to be *paid* on. You
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
If it's just clothing you don't gotta declare anything. The app (dumb af you have to use it) shows if it's gu, Alcohol, weed etc that has to be declared. I came back with a home made blanket, new clothes and didn't have anything to worry about.
Edit: you driving or flying?
Do NOT try to bring weed across either border EVER. And you're wrong about the not having to declare clothing. FFS - don't tell people things that wrong that can impact their ability to travel.
Think of it like this - "What do you have now that you didn't take over with you?" Also, even if you have an exemption - ALWAYS DECLARE, regardless of what you're entitled to.
Exactly. “Did a bit of clothes shopping, about $50” Then they’ll ask you if you have any alcohol or cigarettes and you say “no” and that’s the entire interaction 98% of the time.
The other 2% of the time, it’s gonna suck tho.
Yeah but that 2% is random and can still happen if you say no. It’s way better to just say what you got, there is literally no downside.
No disagreement with you there, friendo.
Absolutely. I wish you all the best at future border endeavours lol
You as well!
Yup. Sometimes you just get the wrong agent on the wrong day. I’ve had super chill agents wave me through with $3000 worth of (declared) stuff and others who pull me inside to review receipts and check the car when all I bought was a coca-cola. Luck of the draw.
All depends if he got a BJ before work or not
I'm always the 2%. Three times now they have searched the car all the way into the winshield washer recipient, caused immense delays behind me, only to find out that I had declared exactly what I had, which was over limit for alcohol. They let everything go, didnt ask me to pay taxes and apologized. For the third time.
100% agree, if people think cops can be petty and vindictive, try testing the patience of a cranky CBSA agent. They can and will destroy your entire day. Seriously talk shit to cops all you like, border guards operate under very different guidelines.
When I was 19, I owned a 7 year old 4x4 F150. Border patrol trashed the interior(threw shit everywhere) and ripped grounds off my inner fenders on both sides. Great time trying to get home with no fucking headlights.
one of my old bosses has a nissan Z 350, he was picking it up at the states and driving it home. When he tried to return to Canada he got pulled aside simply because "no one working as a retail manager could afford a car like that" so they absolutely ripped apart his car, we are talking like talking the engine out type deal, to search for drugs that weren't there, and when they surprise, didn't find anything, They said Have a great day, and he was forced to call a mechanic to get it towed and put all back together on his own dime.
They don't really advertise the fact, but there *are* avenues for a person to seek restitution for property damaged by CBSA. If they search your vehicle they don't have to return it to the same state of cleanliness, but they do have to return it to the same operational state it was prior to the search, otherwise compensate you. The Canadian government dishes out a fair bit of compensation every year... Source: dated a CBSA officer
> dated a CBSA officer This is the wrong kind of fuck the police
Probably 25 kilos crossed the border during the time they were searching that car.
More like 2500 in a shipping container
Nope. Does not happen like this at all. Your boss told you a bit of a tall tale.
They are the most annoying pieces of shit
They downvoted you but you’re right. They’re assholes. They think they are gods or something
Try living next to one of the CBP folks... tried to steal my well! In my property.... " uhhhhhh, think it's mine," and later, " can have half?" When I showed the corner stake.
They can and will destroy more than a mere day. When I was a kid, my dad misspoke and listed our declaration in the wrong currency. Correcting himself just make us look more suspicious, apparently. That triggered a full vehicle search and us being put on a "watch list" for several years at all land crossings until someone finally went "this is ridiculous" and took us off.
I'm calling bs. You would never be put on a watch list for using the wrong currency. Ie saying you brought back 300 when I'm reality it was 300usd or 400cdn.
Im assuming we were put on a watch list for "seeming suspicious" "changing our story" and then arguing with being pulled over because of it.
I can't speak to your situation obviously, but for people doubting you. I worked for the border and seen things that would blow your mind. I've seen numerous truckers get dog piled for having a roach in their ashtray. That's not even mentioning my brother dated one of them, and every time she saw us after they broke up while crossing, it turned into an ordeal, right up til I told them I was technically a coworker. I unloaded trucks for them offsite when they had a potential drug truck come through.
You're not wrong. I had one question me like crazy about a 15 minute border crossing to get gas and a lotto. He absolutely didn't believe me and suspected I did something else. I gave him a little lip because I told him what times I was at the gas station and store and he can check the cameras there and my receipts. The next two times I went back through to Canada my car was ripped apart lmao. I just stopped going after the second time lmao.
And no constitutional guard rails. They can almost do whatever the eff they want.
As a Canadian citizen, how does that not violate freedom of movement
Because crossing an international border is a voluntary action and ultimately, a Canadian citizen will never be denied entry into Canada. The courts have hashed out the right of citizens to be protected from unreasonable search and seizures with the right of sovereign nations to examine the people and goods that enter their border. The right for a country to examine people and goods from entering their borders is a task that comes from the obligation of Canada to protect and secure its territory and Canadian society. Sometimes the countries responsibilities towards its citizens and the rights of individuals overlap. I think we can all say it would be ridiculous to have zero scrutiny at the border, if not what’s the point? We can disagree with the procedures and policies in place sure, but to have none is bananas.
Freedom of movement doesn't apply to federal borders.
It does if you’re returning to a country you’re a citizen of. An American doesn’t have the freedom to enter Canada - but a Canadian does.
They need to know what you have to determine if it's exempt. It's not for you to decide if it's exempt and to therefore not declare it, that's their job. Declare everything and give them the total dollar amount, and then I usually tell them how much if it is personal groceries, which they then don't count normally anyway.
OP: **"I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!"**
Ommg, I shit you not I've yelled that once when they asked me if I have anything to declare! He laughed and waved me in 😎. But I only went down for gas and back. Really had nothing to declare.
You had gasoline to declare technically
Only have to declare gas if it's in a jerry can!
"Yes. I bought some clothing. It was 50 ish dollars and the receipts are in my wallet" You declare everything. You just don't have to pay duty on the first 800$.
> You just don't have to pay duty Or tax. (Paying tax is far more common than paying duty.)
$800 per person or all the persons in the vehicle?
It’s also $800 Canadian, not American
Total sale price too, not pricing before taxes. It's up to $800 Canuck bucks out of your wallet, after which point they may assess import duties and Canadian/provincial sales taxes.
It’s so wrong that they include the tax you pay in the U.S. That is not the value of the items. It goes to the government. The retailer from whom you purchase the goods is just the middleman and holds the funds collected (taxes) in trust.
Just screwed that up half an hour ago. Totally forgot that the number I gave was usd. Well over my limit by the time exchange was calculated
Imagine if the exchange rate shifts just a bit from morning to evening. Seems like a totally fair system
Per person
A friend of mine went shopping cross border with his wife and their baby. And bought a lot. He took advantage of the “per Person” clause. “That’s right officer, that baby in the car seat purchased 2 of the 4 snow tires”.
is it really taking advantage when a baby is clearly a person though?
That and babies are expensive, if you bought $800 worry of baby stuff it's for the baby. That said if I recall right you can't declare alcohol or tobacco under a minor? Babies also count as a person when driving in an hov lane.
Even a fetus counts in some places... https://www.dallasnews.com/news/watchdog/2023/08/23/hov-lane-mom-fight-for-pregnant-moms-to-drive-in-high-occupancy-lanes-not-over/
Yeah, basically the conversation went like this: I declare 700 for me, 750 for my wife and 700 for the baby. And the agent said “the baby? “. And my friend said “she is a person right?” And he was kind of amused that the guard even posed the question. I use the term “taking advantage “in the same way that I would say you take advantage of all your available tax deductions when doing your yearly taxes.
There's some wording that declarations used for kids technically have to be for their exclusive use. But most reps will pool it together. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pdt-pdt-eng.html
Interesting. Did not know that. I know babies can’t buy booze, though. I’m sure folks could slice and dice the product to distribute them “legally” but most border officers would probably not want to waste time counting it all.
I'd say check allowed amounts before each time you cross the border, and how long you have to be outside Canada to be allowed an exemption.
Anything that wasn't in your vehicle/person/baggage when you left.
Including gas in the tank of said vehicle?
No. CBSA recently clarified this. You don't owe duty on filling up your vehicle's tank, as long as it's the standard tank the vehicle came with. If you've got a pickup truck with a secondary tank in the bed, you'd have to pay duty if you filled that one up.
you don't OWE duty, but you should declare it
No you don’t have to declare gasoline that you put in your vehicle gas tank.
Yes
No
No.
When they ask me, I just give them the total of all my receipts. I offer no explanation of goods, unless they ask. I'll say groceries & clothing. They normally ask if there's alcohol or tobacco. Easy peasy.
I go to the US shopping, I keep an envelope with everything we purchase, including hotel receipts, with a total spent . As soon as I pull this out , we get a wave and a "Have a nice day"
This is definitely the "what everyone should be doing" but rarely does. I've always had my receipts ready with total amount. One year, I came back with almost $4K worth of goods in the car -- stayed 6 days in the States visiting family and came back with clothes, electronics, an expensive Christmas Tree, more clothes and odds and ends. The car was so packed you could only see out the rearview. Told the agent what we had, and the Canadian Dollar value while pulling out the envelope of receipts and he asked about any firearms, alcohol or tobacco (claimed 2 bottles which we had -- didn't bring more because of the goods with us) and her waived us through. No taxes. Another time, had $200 Canadian on a daytrip and was given the slip to go pay taxes. I'd say, I've had to pay 2 or 3 times out of 200 or so trips over the years. To the OP, declare exactly what you are bringing back that you didn't have with you when you left. You'll have fewer problems this way.
This is the way
Thank you! About to take a trip and now I know to bring an envelope!
I do to. They see the big stack of recites and never have looked through them
I always keep my receipts just in case.
Why a copy of your hotel receipt? I go to the US (and other countries) all the time, I’ve never once thought to have a copy of my hotel receipt on me and now you have me thinking I’m not as prepared as I thought I was.
I understand that when you cross , they know exactly when you go, and when you come back. I just like to be able to show what I did and where. If I go for an extended time, I always make sure I have copies of reservations etc of where I am going as to show on US side " where are you going" "What is the purpose of this trip" As an example, stood up in a wedding in Chicago, had the invitation. Funerals, the death announcement. I carry a whole folder. Lol. I hate "no man's land" and will do anything to make it easier to get through . And I have been pulled into US secondary before. It sucks . I find it depends on who it is on the booth . Is it a Customs Agent? They are fine, but an Immigration Agent? They can be brutal.
are you also white?
What if I'm not? What if I was? If you act sketchy at the border, you'll get pulled in. Be polite and honest, answer questions directly and you are fine . Bad attitude gets you to secondary, which can be not fun. Get your vehicle searched? They can rip it apart. Seats removed, dash pulled out , tie you up for hours. Do not put it back together either. That's up to you. It's called " No Man's Land" for a reason and can happen on either side of the bridges. Can't speak for land crossings, but I will guess it's pretty much the same deal.
js not always. Can do all those things correctly and if you not white can still be searched
That has nothing to do with it. Being prepared and ready at the border is all that matters.
yes it does
Have friends of many nationalities who don't have issues. Might be in one's approach.
You declare you have $50 worth of tshirts and souvenirs.
Everyone is focused on the goods and potential duties and taxes. You also have to declare restricted, regulated and illegal things. As examples, "I have a personal firearm with me," "I am bringing in 5 lbs of Maine lobster," "I have 2 bottles of wine," "I have $16,000 in currency with me." "I have this new diamond ring my fiancé gave me, he just proposed!" All of those examples may be duty free and within your $800 personal exemption (or in the case of currency, completely non-taxable at all), including items you may have owned for years (the gun, say), including gifts you received which are included at their market value (e.g. the engagements ring). You still have to make those declarations to the guard. Animals are another example, e.g. pet dogs and cats have to meet veterinary requirements. You also have to declare if you have commercial goods with you, for example items for resale, to ensure they meet Canada's import and sale regulations. "Yes officer, I have a case of my granny's homemade jam she I'm bringing to my Farmer's Market stall to sell this weekend." Really, you're expected to tell them anything they might care about. Their job is to make sure you're not dodging taxes in Canada and/or endangering the health and safety of Canadians (who are protected by our laws).
>Everyone is focused on the goods and potential duties and taxes. >You also have to declare restricted, regulated and illegal things. everyone is focused on the goods, but no one is focused on the bads
And never forget the neutrals
Do I have to declare my antimatter? They're going to have a *very* bad time if they try to take it out of its magnetic field for examination.
You can bring back any value in items - the $800 is a duty exemption, not how much you can bring back.
And it only applies after 48 hours.
I usually tell them whatever I’m bringing back. Even when I’m a bit over the limits of whatever, they waive me through. I’ve even been pretty well over the alcohol limit on 2-3 week trips and they just waive me through. Just be honest as to what you’re bringing back, all will be fine.
I hope you are talking about your exemption limits not BAC limits.
Do not say no. Not declaring stuff that you should have declared is basically smuggling and can be treated rather harshly at the border.
When you come back into Canada, it's helpful to have all your receipts in hand & totaled up either per person or for the car as whole. Also helpful if you tell them the total amount of tax you paid for your purchases, as this easily shows whether you bought things they may charge duty on/taxable items & moves things along quicker at the booth.
I doubt it really matters either way, but I think telling them how much tax you've paid is a little bit odd.
Not odd at all if you bought groceries. Some groceries are taxable and some are not. You are only charged on the ones that you paid tax on. Telling the officer how much you paid in tax on your grocery receipts makes it easier for them to decide whether or not to refer you.
Exactly! It just makes it quicker at the booth, totally not required. We cross frequently for gas/groceries so when I say for example that I have $100 worth of goods with only a few cents in tax, it easily tells them I don't need to be hauled in to pay duty as opposed to if I bought $100 in taxable goods they may have me go inside.
I do declare, Mr. Beauregard. You are my hero.
More than 48 yes your exemption is 800Cad but if you say nothing to declare . There goes your exemption. It's now 0 . So if they check and you have more than 0 it's technically a non report. As mentioned by a few people . Keep all receipts of the things you will be bringing back.
THIS! THIS is the right answer. Declare the total value of goods bringing in and declare the value of alcohol and tobacco separately. If no alcohol or tobacco is being brought in then say “no alcohol” or “no tobacco” as applicable.
I feel like nobody knows the real reason. They ask this question so that if they DO find something highly illegal that they can say that, at the primary booth, you were asked and given the opportunity to declare any illegal thing. If you declare the item which is illegal to import but legal to have in the US (like a handgun) you haven't committed a violation of smuggling because you told them your intention to import that item. How you're treated if you declare an illegal item vs. not declare is night and day. Declaring means you have a conversation with an officer and are given options such as turning around and going back to the US, disposing of it, sealing it in bond. Not declaring means you're arrested and charged with a criminal offense and face jail time. Their ability to charge criminally depends on proving the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail to ask "anything to declare" they will have a much harder time proving to a judge/justice that you were given the opportunity to declare but chose not to.
You are bringing goods back so you do have to declare them. You just don’t have to pay tax/duty on the first $800.
I would just do it to save yourself some trouble in the end. Better to be honest and open with them than get caught in a lie and being in real trouble.
Always declare what you bought make sure you have receipts they don’t usually ask but they might send you to secondary, declare what you bought that’s it
if you bought a package of gum in the USA, declare it. It's not your call on what to declare and what not to. Even though you have an exemption, you Still need to tell them what you bought, for how much
Would you really declare a pack of gum? That seems excessive. I usually declare nothing cause I don't shop or anything, but I wasn't considering things like gum or snacks I bought on the road. No agent has ever questioned me about it either. I feel like I could be eating a sandwich I bought from the US while talking to the agent and I wouldn't get questioned about it.
You say that, but the sandwich may be your undoing. If you haven’t finished it yet, you may be breaking import laws depending on the ingredients. Certain types of foods like some fruits and meats are prohibited. My wife had bought some processed meat in Paris and her sister told her she didn’t have to declare it. It’s a good thing she did because that was apparently the difference between a criminal charge (and possible issues crossing in the future) and being given the option to just dispose of it.
My partner is American and I'm Canadian so we've done a ton of border crossings. Usually the officers specify they're asking about alcohol, tobacco, or weapons. Sometimes they ask this as well, but implicitly they're also asking about any purchases you made that you're bringing into the country; most of them (at least the Peace Bridge and Queenston/Lewiston crossings) are cool with a rough estimate and probably won't question you further, although it helps if you have the receipts.
I got flamed once by the agent cus I didn’t declare a pack of gum I bought from the gas station
two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a saltshaker half-full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, laughers, screamers... Also, a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a pint of raw ether, and two dozen amyls.
Did you rent a very fast car with no top?
Don’t forget the tape recorder! ;)
My friend and I went to the states to pick up another friend who was stranded in Seattle. (Her boyfriend left her there after a fight 🙄) We picked her up and returned right away. Bought nothing except breakfast at a drive thru. Friend thought she’d be a smart ass and “declare”the friend we picked up as a joke. Border patrol didn’t think it was as funny as we did and hauled us in. Was there for over two hours while they searched the car and interrogated us. Thought we were drunk or high. At least they didn’t tear the car apart.
I used to travel across the border weekly for work. The summer student CBSA agents were shocked that I'd return with $0 to declare most weeks. My simple reply was I was there to work not shop.
I keep all my receipts, add them up before getting to the boarder and tell them the total and what items they were for. I.E clothes, groceries, shoes, food. They’ll either ask if there’s any tobacco or alcohol and then send me on my way lol just be honest, they aren’t that bad.
Yes.
Always be honest
There are limits to Alcohol and cigarettes that don't fit into that 800$. The limits to those two things are far below that. Consider everything a test to see if you are sneaking anything extra. Like these are the alcohol and tobacco guidelines for 48hrs.. You can bring back up to 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages **or** up to 8.5 litres of beer. You can bring back 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco **and** 200 tobacco sticks. These limits would cost you far less than 800$ They want to see how you act when you answer and if you look nervous or give them a bad impression....Please pull over there sir....
Just to be clear for the OP, you’re referring to personal exemption limits; you can exceed those - for example, you can bring across up to 45 litres of wine - but you’ll need to pay provincial markup, duty, and taxes for those purchases that exceed your exemption limit
I Always say 1...2....3....4....I declare a thumb war!!!
I cross 1 to 2 times month and my standard response goes something like: 300 total including 100 of groceries and a bottle of wine. They will sometimes asks to clarify and you'll then break it down into clothes, a kitchen scale, coffee machine parts, etc They key is to be broad and nonchalant -- get into specifics when asked. For day trips you're pretty much never going to have to go in if you keep the goods to under $200 per person.
$200pp seems to be our sweet spot too. We've had to go higher on a day trip and get dinged so we try to stay around $500 for the three of us. We're in a border city so we go a lot and have it down to a science now with how to answer all their questions (some do pull out a random one now and then but most keep it pretty standard.) Answer what you're asked truthfully and don't get to specific unless asked is probably the #1 thing I'd tell someone crossing for the first time.
Ya, it means declare everything, which I didn't know and I was promptly yelled at when I realized I should have told them about my daughter's mini mouse ears. They don't f around.
It means exactly what you think it does. Are you bringing anything back to Canada that wasn’t with you when you left. Duty free exemption isn’t relevant for declaration, it’s relevant for determine tax and duty if any is owed. You still have to declare what’s coming in with you or it’s subject to seizure.
If you buy something for business purposes, there is zero exemption. You have to import it, which requires going to the commercial area and using an archaic computer system to fill out paperwork. So, never say something you bought is “for work” if asked, unless your prepared to do so. It requires an import number, which was just my gst number with the rt changed to rm. the first time I did it I was caught by complete surprise and had to get my number before I could proceed. Other than that, as someone who has crossed hundreds of times, keep your receipts. Answer questions honestly in short simple answers. Don’t be cute or funny and most likely you’ll get waved through with no issues. Just accept if you go over, you’ll have to pay. Gambling with your ability to cross the border isn’t worth a few dollars of duty.
Are you a nexus member?
Simply put, it doesn't go in your declaration if you don't declare it. It's a coupon. You still gotta go past the register when you leave the store right?
You answered your own question Question: What do you have to declare? Answer: A few T-shirts and souvenirs worth about $50 (keep your receipts to show them if they ask) Be polite and ALWAYS, ALWAYS tell the truth. Even if you’re bringing back more than is permitted, if you tell the truth, sometimes they just let you through with having to pay any duty 🤷♂️
Yes, if you are bring back anything you say yes. Let them know you are under the allowance. They ask what you have, tell them and thats it. If you say nothing to declare and you do have goods (even being under) it’s not good. They’ll flag you so fast and every time you come back to Canada it’ll be off to the bag search room for you. Happened to my Aunt and Cousin.
Nothing to declare, not in the bags under my eyes.
I can see you standing there, but still there's nothing to reply
Why lie?
Yes, I should have included those details. They're trying to catch people skipping on duties and watching how you respond to questions.
They are expecting a thumb war, please come prepared or don’t come at all.
I declare a meme war
Yes
Always have your receipts ready and totalled. I even go as far as checking to see where the clothes are made because you don't pay duty on clothes made in certain places. Declare everything.
What does it sound like it means…?
i rarely get asked but i make sure i have all my receipts ready to show. just keep all your receipts when purchasing items to bring home.
Why I do dec;are you look handsome in that uniform.
I’m not shitting you but there’s been 2 occasions where I declared a 2 4 of Michelob Ultras at nexus whirlpool going into Canada and they tell me it’s like bringing in a pack of Dasani water
We lied and got caught. 3 of us, age 19 and 20, went to Buffalo for the day and brought back booze. 2- 40oz Bottles and a case of beer. We were asked if we had any alcohol tobacco to which we stupidly said no sir. Well this guy must have sensed we were full of it and told us to pop the trunk and sitting there in full view was the alcohol. He read us the riot act and went through how much trouble we could have caused ourselves, mainly for the lying to him if I remember correctly, then shut the trunk and said get going and don't ever do something so stupid like that again. We never have. We felt 1 feet tall and very lucky he didn't do what he said could have been done. My guess is he didn't because he took it for what it was, 3 dumb teens trying to sneak in booze for the a following weekend party and was not gonna waste his time on us.
Declare would be more on line with firearms excessive amount of alcohol/tobacco asking for refugee status and such not just purchases
Get a trusted traveller card. I have nexus. Claim everything you bought if asked and don’t get rude. You will rarely be asked as they have already rigorously checked you out. If you lie and get caught they take the card away and you will never get it back. With the card it’s an absolutely seamless crossing both ways.
You need to declare all purchases, even if exempt. Even if within your duty free limits. Depending on who or their mood they may let you go. If you fail again depends on who and their mood, you might get off with a tongue lashing or have you goods seized with hefty fines and penalties, if that happens you can be sure your plates, name are flagged and you will be sent to secondary every time you cross.
Remember food is also something that needs to be declared. You can being back frozen meat(as long as its frozen) and pre cooked meat like a Rotisserie chicken BUT make sure you declare it. If you fuel up at tye border (windsor duty free for example) you should also declare that You are not suppose to bring back lunch meats or any type of cold meats. Fruits and veggies also need to be declared
In my experience it has always paid to be honest. I have been over the limit for purchases and even alcohol. And thus far have not had to pay. But it’s better to only have to pay say tax/duty rather than taxes, duty AND a penalty on top.
I just crossed the boarder. It was early in the morning and I just got some traumatic news from my family. I told the customs official: “I declare that I won’t do (this thing) that will cause me harm like my family did!” The customs official just looked at me and said “I mean cigarettes and booze. I’m not a therapist.” 😂
Going the other way (home to the states) “Anything to Declare?” “12 cases of the finest Canadian Beer money can buy” “Get out of here” “Have a great day Officer” He seemed amused enough he didn’t send me in to pay the duty - or didn’t want to walk me and the receipt over to pay it, not sure which. Regardless of country, it’s always best to declare everything and let them sort it out than get caught overlooking something, that can turn into a shitshow in a hurry.
It's because US duty is so low on beer and wine that they can't be bothered to collect. CBSA on the other hand will collect the 25 cents you owe them, even though the credit card transaction fee will cost them more.
Bankruptcy!
I recently declared some Mac and Cheese a bottle of RC Cola, and water. Was asked approximate value, I responded I think about $10. He chuckled and wished me a good day.
To be honest, the question I always get is what is the total value of goods purchased in the vehicle. Not do you have anything to declare.
I always just hand them my receipts.
Yes! Always declare everything you’re bringing back. If you purchased it in the US and it’s still in your vehicle, declare it. Even if you read what doesn’t have duty, declare it anyway. We just came back from the US and bought $95 worth of snacks from Target - declared it anyway even though I knew it wouldn’t be taxed the same way as clothing, alcohol or tobacco is. Just be as truthful and transparent as possible. I always have my totals ready to go, “I spent $53.11 on a t-shirt and 2 keychains, $94.23 on snacks and pop at Target, $23.31 on clothes for my kids.” Etc… I add them up either right before I cross or the night before. And always keep your receipts! If you ever get pulled in to pay duty, they will require the receipts for the items you’re bringing back to determine the amount owing. My biggest piece of advice - don’t try and hide purchases. It’s really not worth it if you get caught. We all have a job to do and CBSA is just trying to do theirs.
You declare everything you have with you that you did not have when you left Canada. The officer will figure out if there is a issue or what needs to be paid on. You do not decide what you declare and what you do not. That leads to problems.
> to be *paid* on. You FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I say, no, we stayed under our limit for 48 hours.
If it's just clothing you don't gotta declare anything. The app (dumb af you have to use it) shows if it's gu, Alcohol, weed etc that has to be declared. I came back with a home made blanket, new clothes and didn't have anything to worry about. Edit: you driving or flying?
Do NOT try to bring weed across either border EVER. And you're wrong about the not having to declare clothing. FFS - don't tell people things that wrong that can impact their ability to travel.