How much can I bring from the U.S. into Canada without paying duty?

Question

I'm visiting Canada soon and I want to bring some gifts to a Canadian friend. How much can I spend without having to pay duty at the border?

Answer 1

I see you have asked 2 questions for crossing the boarder each way. I am not sure if one is a mistake, or if you are just busy with a lot of gift buying for lots of people.

Canadian customs allows gifts as long as each is less than $60 Canadian. No limit of the number of gifts is given. Alcohol and tobacco don't fit in this category.

Not declaring them as suggested in the other answer runs the risk loosing it, plus just going through extra hassles. If you are flying, the question is specifically asked on your declaration card.

Answer 2

You don't have to pay duty on gifts you bring INTO Canada, so long as the cost of each gift is under $60 CAN.

For more information:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/formspubs/clientgroup/travel/visitors_canada-e.html

Answer 3

This really only applies to Canadian citizens returning to Canada from the United States.

As long as your an American citizen, and you purchased the items in the United States, there should be no probem. They don't ask going into Canada .. they will ask you coming back to the United States what you bought in Canada though.

If they did ask, just say it's yours and your bringing it with you on your trip. As long as it's nothing oversized, or something illegal (fireworks ect) then they won't ask.

People who send items by mail to Canada from the US as a gift do not have to pay anything at all. It's sort of the same situation.

Answer 4

My answer to your previous question covers this as well. Just remember to convert from US to Cdn dollars when you declare the value of the goods.
Enjoy!

Answer 5

Just bring the stuff, and say it's yours if they ask. How much could you possibly be bringing....