What can I import to Canada by Mail?
Importing by Mail
If you are importing by mail where the product value does not exceed $20.00 CAD, under the Postal Imports Remission order certain goods may qualify for remission of duties and taxes while being processed by CBSA through designated customs mail centers.
The Postal Imports Remission order applies to both commercial and personal importations through the regular post; however, there are certain exceptions. Items that do not qualify for the exemption include:
- Tobacco
- Books
- Periodicals
- Magazines
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Goods ordered through a Canadian post office box or a Canadian intermediary
Once CBSA determines that the mail item does not exceed a value for duty of $20.00 CAD and does not fall under any of the exceptions, the goods will be exempted from goods and services tax (GST), harmonized sales tax (HST), provincial sales tax (PST) and customs duties. The package will be immediately released and continue onto the final destination.
* Please note that mail items requiring special documentation such as permits, licenses or inspection involving other government departments will not be released under the Postal Imports Remission Order until the mandatory other government department requirements are fulfilled.
To read the full Memorandum D8-2-2 click the link below:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-2-eng.html
Receiving Gifts by Mail
If a friend or relative sends a gift to you personally by mail, in order for it to qualify for the duty and tax exemption under the Postal Imports Remission Order, the gift must:
Not exceed $60.00 CAD,
Be clearly marked as a gift or include a card
Not contain any of the following items:
- Tobacco
- Alcoholic beverages
- Advertising material
- Items sent by a business