CBSA Form BSF186 (formerly B4): Any settler moving to Canada must complete **Form BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document)** to declare their household goods and clear them duty-free.
Canada Duty-Free Eligibility Checker
Evaluate if your shipment qualifies for tax-free Canadian customs clearance:
The Six-Month Ownership Rule
Under Canadian customs regulations, settlers can import their personal and household effects duty- and tax-free if the items have been owned, possessed, and used by them abroad for **at least 6 months** prior to their arrival.
- Unused/New Items: Items owned for less than 6 months (such as newly purchased electronics or furniture) do not qualify and are subject to standard Canadian duties and GST/HST.
- Single-use exception: There is a lifetime limit of $10,000 CAD per item for duty-free entry. Jewelry and high-value items must be detailed.
CRITICAL: The "Goods to Follow" (BSF186a) Process
If you are shipping items that will arrive in Canada at a later date, you **MUST** register them on your initial entry:
- Initial Declaration: When you cross the border/land to activate your PR or work permit, present two copies of a detailed list of all items "to follow" (Form BSF186a).
- Consular Stamp: The border officer will stamp and return one copy of your BSF186a list. Keep this document safe!
- Future Clearance: When your later container or boxes arrive, you must present this stamped BSF186a list to the customs clearance office to release the goods duty-free. If you fail to declare them during your initial landing, they will be heavily taxed upon arrival.
Importing Vehicles & Pets to Canada
Importing cars or animals into Canada has strict compliance pipelines:
- Motor Vehicles: Must comply with Transport Canada guidelines. Vehicles imported from the U.S. must be registered through the **Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)**, pass a safety inspection, and pay the RIV fee. Vehicles from outside the U.S./Canada are generally not allowed unless they are 15+ years old.
- Pets (Dogs & Cats): Canada is rabies-free/regulated. Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian (in English or French). No quarantine is required for pets arriving with valid vaccination certificates from most countries.