Welcome to G.E.M Relocations
Moving to Canada | Shipping to Canada | Relocating to Canada
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Work Permit (if applicable)
Inventory (in English or French) giving a detailed list of appliances and electronics with make, model, serial number, etc.
Customs Manifest (Form A8A)
Previous airport or United States/Canada Border Declaration
Importers Declaration for Customs
Immigration papers for immigrants
Landed Immigrant Application (if applicable)
Letter of Undertaking (not always necessary)
Returning Canadians will also need to provide the following documents:
Proof of Residency outside of Canada
Monthly statements, letter from employer, rent receipts, Income Tax, etc.
CUSTOMER AND/OR SPOUSE MUST BE PRESENT AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE (FAILURE TO APPEAR IMMEDIATELY WILL RESULT IN BONDED STORAGE AT CUSTOMER'S EXPENSE)
Used household goods and personal effects may be duty-free if Customer was a resident of Canada returning after an absence of at least one year or was a former resident who has been a resident of another country for at least one year.
All shipments are subject to inspection
If Customer has been residing outside Canada for at least a year, but less than five years, household goods and personal effects must have been in Customer's ownership, possession and use for at least six months (Bill of Sale and Registration documents required to prove age)
Items must not be sold or lent within one year of importation
Air shipments must be cleared within 48 hours to avoid storage charges
Importation of alcohol requires a detailed list (giving type, size, and quantity) and an Import Permit
Provincial and federal duties and taxes will be assessed
DO NOT ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid possibility of freezing
Tobacco products
Foodstuffs in reasonable quantities are permitted
Meat
Authorization must be granted before import
Pornographic materials
Commercial quantities of anything pay duties
New items (Customer must supply Bill of Sale for any new item which may be questioned by the Customs office)
Radio equipment (CB's and walkie-talkies)
Office equipment (even if used)
Handguns require a permit (but are very seldom granted)
Pistols, revolvers or fully automatic firearms are not permitted for sporting purposes and require a Police Permit
Hunting rifles or shotguns for sporting purposes (that are not adapted) are not restricted
No restrictions apply on air pistols or air rifles provided the muzzle velocity does not exceed 500 feet per second
Any one item valued at $10,000 or over is dutiable
Weapons (except as stated above), explosives, fireworks and all ammunition
Narcotic drugs
Animal products on the endangered species list
Plants, sand and other related matter require a Phytosanitary Certificate and Import Permit issued in advance by the Department of Agriculture
Some fruits and vegetables are prohibited
NOTE: INCLUSION OF ANY OF THE ABOVE ITEMS IN THE SHIPMENT WILL DELAY CUSTOMS AND RESULT IN ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE CUSTOMER
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission control regulations apply
Vehicles over 15 years old are subject to different regulations and costly modifications may be required
Vehicle must bear the "Statement of Compliance" label affixed by the manufacturer
Vehicle may be subject to local taxes but are duty-free
Form K-22, immediate registration and licensing is required for exemption from duties
Documents required:
Registration
Proof of ownership
All pets require an International Health and Inoculation Certificate and Inspection by the Department of Agriculture
Dogs, birds, livestock, and horses three months old or older from the United States can be imported provided they are accompanied by a certificate signed and dated by a veterinarian, showing that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within the last year. Pets must be vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry.
The certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, sex, color, and any distinguishing marks
Quarantine will be required for some types of animals
Length depends on the type of animal and country of origin