Importing into Canada: Prohibited and restricted goods

Importers ship a wide variety of in-demand goods to consumers across Canada, including products that are restricted under Canadian import law. Incorrectly importing prohibited or restricted goods can lead to serious consequences. Getting compliance right can help you trade restricted - but profitable - goods seamlessly.

Some types of goods seem like obvious candidates for banned imports, like weapons and counterfeit products. Other types of imports that seem relatively harmless, such as simple agricultural products, can be prohibited or heavily restricted in Canada. Knowing how to import restricted goods properly can provide access to valuable trade opportunities.

What happens to prohibited imports found by the CBSA?

Prohibited goods aren’t allowed to be imported into Canada under regular circumstances. These goods will be seized at the border, and violators may face fines and penalties enforced by customs and trade regulations enforcement agencies. In a worst-case scenario, bringing prohibited goods across the border could result in criminal charges.

The importer is responsible for ensuring that their cargo complies with all government regulations, including prohibited or restricted goods. Similarly to other legal concerns, accidental ignorance of regulations isn’t an excuse under the Customs Act or any other Government act that regulates importations—and, in extreme cases, in a court of criminal law.

What are the restricted goods that can be imported into Canada?

While prohibited goods cannot be imported into Canada, restricted goods can be imported across the border as long as the importer acquires the necessary licenses and permits.

There are multiple categories of restricted goods, ranging from weapons to food imports. Each category has its own set of regulations that must be followed before being released by customs.

If an importer fails to meet specific requirements, their restricted goods may be held by customs at the border. Depending on the rules and regulations that govern the goods, the importer could face fines or significant delays at the border.

Examples of prohibited and restricted Canadian imports

For the most part, prohibited goods can’t be imported into Canada as a safeguard for all Canadian citizens and visitors. Additional prohibitions on imported goods exist to protect human rights and the environment, such as bans on goods made by forced labour.

Examples of prohibited goods to import into Canada include:

• Firewood and soil, to prevent the accidental importation of invasive species
• Weapons such as brass knuckles, certain firearms and knives, pepper spray, and tasers
• Aquatics invasive species (AIS), like Asian carp, quagga mussels, or zebra mussels
• Obscene material and hate propaganda
• Counterfeit banknotes, coins, and brands

• Food items, such as dried foods, grains, seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Non-prohibited firearms and weapons, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns
• Vehicles, including cars, trucks, watercraft, and aircraft
• Cannabis importation across the Canadian border without a permit

Ensure compliance with Canadian import rules

The CBSA may seize your goods or subject you to an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMPS) in the case of false or incomplete declarations, or failure to declare restricted goods as required. In some cases, the CBSA could return your goods after you pay a simple fine.

However, some goods, such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages, weapons, and firearms, won't be returned if they aren't properly declared. CBSA officers could also seize vehicles used to import goods illegally. In this scenario, importers might have to pay a fine before the vehicle is released.

As an experienced broker, Cole knows the best way to interact with agencies and solve challenges quickly and efficiently. We provide valuable guidance and support for importers, ranging from customs and compliance to audits and verifications. Connect with one of our experienced leaders now.

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