MONTREAL, Nov. 27, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sees a substantial increase in international mail items crossing the border during the holiday season. Because a lot of gifts, chocolates and other food products come into the country at this time, and to facilitate the processing of as many items as possible, the CBSA has a few tips for anyone expecting to receive international mail items.
Checking mail items
- When an item is mailed to Canada from abroad, a customs declaration form must be completed, indicating the name and address of the recipient, description of the contents, and the value of the goods.
- Upon arrival in Canada, all international mail items are presented to the CBSA to be verified.
- CBSA officers inspect each piece of mail to determine its admissibility and confirm whether it contains dutiable or taxable goods.
- A further inspection of the item may also be conducted.
- Any gift to someone living in Canada is duty- and tax-free, provided its value is CDN$60 or less. For a gift of over CDN$60, applicable duties and taxes will be collected on the difference between the value of the gift and CDN$60.
Prohibited and Controlled Goods
You cannot import goods such as the following: child pornography; obscene material or hate propaganda; illegal drugs; prohibited weapons; animals belonging to endangered species, including parts of such animals and all products made from their fur, skin, feathers, or bones; drugs regulated by Health Canada; and animals, plants and foods regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Here are some examples of goods that are inadmissible in mail items: commercial quantities of tobacco products; firearms (including imitation and replica firearms); replica or inert munitions; intoxicating beverages; drugs and other controlled substances; medical materials and biological samples; perishable items; animals; dangerous goods.
If prohibited goods are discovered, they will be disposed of and the importer may face penalties.
If controlled goods are discovered, the CBSA will hold the items and inform you by mail that you need the proper import documents before the Agency can release them.
Additional information on importing is available in the I Declare guide on the CBSA Web site (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or by contacting the Border Information Service, an automated telephone service that is accessible at all times and provides general information on border services (calls within Canada: 1-800-959-2036).
Photos available upon request
SOURCE: CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY
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