Canada Customs
Information for Shipping Household Goods
from the UK

Canada Customs Information for Shipping Household Goods from the UK

Relocating from the United Kingdom to Canada is an exciting step, whether you are moving for work, family, or a new lifestyle. However, one of the most important parts of any international move is understanding Canada customs regulations for household goods. Without the correct documentation and preparation, delays, unexpected costs, or even shipment holds can occur.

At Reloux® International Removals & Overseas Moving Specialists UK, we manage the entire customs process for your move to Canada, ensuring your household goods are shipped compliantly, cleared efficiently, and delivered safely to your new home.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about shipping household goods to Canada from the UK, including customs clearance requirements, duty-free eligibility, documentation, restricted items, and how the process works from start to finish.

Understanding Canada Customs for International Moves

Canada has a well-structured and regulated customs system designed to control the import of goods while facilitating smooth entry for individuals relocating to the country.

When moving to Canada from the UK, your shipment is typically processed under the “settler’s effects” category. This allows eligible individuals to import their used household goods duty-free, provided certain conditions are met.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the authority responsible for overseeing customs clearance, inspections, and import regulations.

Understanding how CBSA operates and what they require is essential to avoid delays and ensure your goods are released quickly upon arrival.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Copy of passport (photo page only)
Proof of residency abroad for at least 12 months (bank statements, utilities, rent receipts, income tax statement, etc. for first and last month of 12-month period) (returning citizens)
Detailed inventory / packing list in English or French
- Owner of goods should be prepared to provide a valued inventory if requested.
Receipts for new items
Personal effects accounting document (form BSF186 formerly known as form B4)
Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
Liquor permit, if applicable
Immigration papers, if applicable
Work permit / student visa holders, if applicable
Proof of residence in Canada (copy of deed / sales agreement / lease agreement) (seasonal residents)
Copy of death certificate (import of inheritance items)
Copy of will or letter from the executor of an estate (import of inheritance items)
Obligation for privilege from the Canadian Ministry of External Affairs (diplomats)

Specific Information

The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance, or use a licensed Customs broker to handle the clearance on their behalf.
Returning Canadians may import household goods and personal effects duty free under the following conditions:
- The goods were owned and used by the owner of the goods for at least 6 months prior to importation.
- The owner of the goods lived abroad for a minimum of 12 months.
  - If the owner of the goods lived abroad for a period greater than 5 years, the owner of the goods is exempt from the 6-month ownership rule.
- The goods must still be owned and used and the shipment does not include goods that are for resale or otherwise disposed of within 12 months of importation.
Shipments must be declared to Customs at the port of entry (POE) (airport/U.S-Canada border) when the owner of the goods arrives in Canada.
- Customs will then issue documents needed for Customs clearance:
  - BSF186 personal effects accounting document
  - BSF715 casual goods accounting document.
- The owner of the goods must present a list of items to be imported.
- It is recommended that a copy of the packing list / inventory be hand carried for presentation to Customs.
- Customs may request a value on the shipment (returning citizens).
For immigrants and holders of work / students visas, the goods must be owned and used prior to importation and the shipment must not include goods that are to be sold or otherwise disposed of 12 months after importation for duty-free import.
Any single item of household goods or personal effects, including automobiles, that were acquired after March 31, 1977, and are valued at more than $10,000 are subject to regular duty and taxes on the excess amount.
- Seasonal residents may import household items and personal effects duty free under the following conditions:
  - The shipment can include household furniture and furnishings for a seasonal residence, excluding construction, materials, electrical fixtures or other goods permanently attached to or incorporated into a seasonal residence and tools and equipment for the maintenance of a seasonal residence.
  - The goods must have been owned and used prior to arrival.
  - The goods cannot be sold for at least 12 months.
  - The goods are for the personal use of the owner of the goods or their family and are not for any commercial, industrial or occupational purpose.
  - Proof of purchase or a copy of a lease agreement is required for any person who is not a resident of Canada but owns a residential property or has leased a residence for at least 3 years for personal use.
  - Only one shipment of this type is allowed.
The copy of the will or letter from the executor of an estate must state that the owner of the goods is the beneficiary of the named items for duty-free import (duty-free inheritances).
Diplomats can import household goods and personal effects duty and tax free.
The Canadian Government adopted ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15) Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM-15) to standardize the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
ISPM -15 requires that wood packaging either be heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked with the internationally recognized International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) mark, or in lieu of the mark, the consignment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate specifying the treatment used.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

Copy of passport (photo page only)
Original proof of ownership (can be sent with the vehicle)
OBL
Previous registration
Proof of insurance
Must pass Canadian safety and pollution standards test

Specific Information

The car must comply with Canadian standards.
All vehicles are inspected by the Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency upon arrival into Canada.
The vehicle must be owned and used for more than 6 months in order to qualify for tax and duty relief.
For returning residents, a tax and duty exemption applied to the first $10,000 of the vehicle’s value.
- Anything in excess of $10,000 will be charged applicable duty and taxes.
For work permit / student visa holders, duty and tax will be waived for the duration of the permit.
- The vehicle will be imported on a temporary basis for the duration of the work permit / student visa must be re-exported upon departure from Canada.
All cars / motorbikes should be clean on arrival and free of any soil or containments.
It is recommended to include proof of cleaning (receipts) with the shipping documents.
- Steam cleaning may be required.
The vehicle cannot contain household goods and personal effects items.
Motor vehicles imported into Canada cannot be licensed in Canada unless cleared through Canadian Customs.

Pets

Documents Required

Vaccination record
Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

The veterinary health record certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, gender and color.
Check with agent for specific information prior to import.

Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings

No documents are required if the items are part of the household effects shipment.
Proof of age will be required if item is over 100 years old.
The items are permitted duty-free entry if the following conditions are met:
- The works of art are part of a bona fide household removal.
- The works of art are not for sale or other disposal.
Antiques and works or art imported into Canada for resale, are subject to different regulations.

Wedding Trousseau / Gifts

Wedding "trousseau" means goods acquired for use in the household of a newly married couple, but does not include vehicles, vessels or aircraft; wedding "gifts" means goods of a non-commercial nature received by a person as personal gifts in consideration of that person's recent marriage or the anticipated marriage of that person within three months of the person's return to Canada.
Wedding trousseau and gifts may be imported duty and tax free providing:
- A bride's trousseau / gifts owned by, in the possession of, and imported by a recently married person or a bride-to-be whose anticipated marriage is to take place within 3 months of the date of her return to Canada or has taken place no more than 3 months prior to arrival in Canada.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

Alcohol (a detailed list including type, size, and quantity is required and an import permit must be obtained prior to importation; duties and taxes apply)
- Import permit must be obtained from the Provincial Liquor Control Board.
Do not ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid the possibility of freezing.
Tobacco products are subject to duties and taxes.
Foodstuffs can cause extensive delays / additional charges (importation is discouraged)
Meat (authorization is required; importation is discouraged)
Pornographic materials
New items (a bill of sale may be required by Customs)
Hunting trophies (restrictions apply, especially for endangered species; a CITES Certificate may be required; check with agent before shipping).
Firearms (strict regulations apply; check with agent for details)
Any one item valued at $10,000 or over is subject to duties and taxes.

Prohibited Items

Live plants
Narcotics, drugs, incitements
Fruits and vegetables
Live ammunition and explosives

The Canada Customs Clearance Process Explained

Understanding how customs clearance works will help you plan your move more effectively and avoid surprises.

Step 1: Shipment Arrival in Canada

Your goods arrive at the destination port, such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.

Step 2: Documentation Submission

Your documents are submitted to customs authorities via our destination agent.

Step 3: Customs Review

CBSA reviews your shipment details and verifies your eligibility for duty-free import.

Step 4: Inspection (if required)

Some shipments are selected for inspection. This may be random or based on documentation.

Step 5: Clearance Approval

Once approved, your shipment is released for delivery.

Step 6: Final Delivery

Your goods are delivered to your residence, unpacked, and debris removed as part of our full door-to-door service.

Frequently Asked Questions – Canada Customs

Do I have to pay customs duty when moving to Canada?

Most household goods are duty-free if you qualify under settler’s effects and meet the eligibility criteria.

Can I ship new items to Canada?

New items may be subject to duties and taxes, depending on their value and use.

How strict is Canada customs?

Canada customs is thorough but efficient when documentation is correct.

Can I pack my own items?

Owner-packed shipments are not recommended, as they often lead to inspections and delays.

How long does customs clearance take in Canada?

Typically 2–5 working days, depending on documentation and inspection requirements.

Start Your Move to Canada with Confidence

Shipping household goods to Canada from the UK requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and expert handling. With Reloux, you benefit from a professional, fully managed service that ensures your move is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

If you are planning an international move to Canada, contact Reloux today to arrange a free survey and receive a tailored quotation.

Let us handle the logistics while you focus on your new beginning in Canada.

NOTE - Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The customs information provided is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to each destination country and is being provided for general guidance. We are not liable for any costs, damage, delays, duties, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, errors or omissions. Customers should always check full requirements with the local embassy or consulate.