How much can I spend and still avoid paying duty when crossing from Canada to the U.S.?

Question

I'm visiting Canada soon and I know I'll want to bring some of my favorite Canadian products back to the U.S. How much can I spend and still not have to pay duty at the border?

Answer 1

After 24 hrs it's $50cdn. After 48 hrs $200cdn. After 7 days or more it's $750cdn. To calculate the number of days you have been away do not include the day you leave, but include the day you return.

Tobacco & alcohol products can be included in your 48hr($200) stay or 7 day or longer($700) but not in your 24 hr($50).

Answer 2

Hi Drshortly: This is one answer to your two questions, covering crossing the border both to and from the US.
Check with customs in Canada, and in the US, before you leave, to find out exactly how much goods you can bring across the border without having to pay duty. It's a lot easier to know in advance than to be taken by surprise at the border!
Just a suggestion -- when you talk to Canada customs, if they tell you, you can bring $200 worth of goods into the country duty free, just remember that this is $200 Canadian, and if you bought $200 US worth of goods, you will have to pay tax on the difference, which will be based on whatever the exchange rate is for that day. Similarly, if you buy $200 Cdn and take it across the border into the US, and they tell you the limit is $200US, you could have brought more. So keep a close eye on the exchange rate and factor that in to whatever the respective customs offices tell you.
Enjoy your visit.

Answer 3

Usually $US800 per person if you are gone over 48 hours. Watch for stuff specifically listed with specific regulations. Like alcohol and tobacco is always treated different