Canada Customs Declaration Card (E311): What Newcomers Must Declare
In this guide
What is the Canadian customs declaration card? The Customs Declaration Card (Form E311) is how most air travellers tell the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) what they are bringing in. If you are moving to Canada, the card is only part of the paperwork: you also bring written lists of your personal goods. The CBSA takes false or missing declarations seriously.
Quick answer
- On a commercial aircraft, complete Form E311 before landing. The CBSA says the card is also used at some train, boat and bus entries.
- Declare all food, plant and animal products.
- Declare currency or monetary instruments totalling CAN$10,000 or more, in any combination of currencies.
- If you are an immigrant, show your goods lists separately; do not list personal or household goods on the card.
What should new immigrants carry?
IRCC’s guide to crossing the border lists these documents:
- A Canadian immigrant visa (if applicable), your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and a valid passport or travel document for each family member travelling with you.
- Two typed copies of your personal goods list, showing each item’s value, make, model and serial number (if any), divided into goods arriving with you and goods arriving later. You can complete form BSF186, Personal Effects Accounting Documents, before you travel.
- Official vaccination records for you and your family. Children need them to enrol in school.
- Marriage, birth, adoption or divorce papers, a driver’s licence and International Driver’s Permit, and school records and professional certificates. Keep photocopies separate from originals.
Read the moving abroad checklist for the rest of the paperwork.
What do you declare on the card?
IRCC says to use the card to declare items subject to duty (such as gifts, alcohol and tobacco), funds over CAN$10,000, business goods, plants, food, animals and firearms. The CBSA also says to declare all goods acquired abroad, including purchases, gifts and prizes. If unsure, declare the item to the officer.
What are the duty-free allowances for returning residents?
The CBSA lists these allowances for returning residents. They do not apply to goods you are importing as a new settler, so treat the table as a guide to how the system works.
| Time abroad | Personal exemption (CAN$) |
|---|---|
| Under 24 hours | None |
| Over 24 hours | Goods up to $200; no tobacco or alcohol |
| Over 48 hours | Goods up to $800; alcohol and tobacco within limits |
| Over 7 days | Goods up to $800; tobacco and alcohol must be with you |
Exemptions cannot be combined or transferred. Goods above your exemption are subject to duty and taxes.
What is the CAN$10,000 rule?
There is no limit on the amount you can carry, but you must declare currency or monetary instruments (such as stocks, bonds or cheques) totalling CAN$10,000 or more. You can declare on Form E311, at an Automated Border Clearance kiosk or a Primary Inspection Kiosk, or verbally to an officer. Undeclared funds may lead to a fine and seizure. When leaving by air with $10,000 or more, report to the CBSA office in the airport before security.
Food, plants and animal products
All food, plant, animal and related products must be declared. Failure can lead to confiscation, a fine or prosecution. Some items are prohibited or regulated, so check the CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System. Firewood cannot be imported without a permit, and goods contaminated with soil are usually refused entry. Newcomers often pack home foods; see the comparable US rules in our guide to bringing food into the US.
What are the penalties?
- Undeclared or falsely declared goods can be seized. You may lose them permanently or pay a penalty of 25% to 70% of their value to recover them.
- Tobacco and alcohol are seized permanently if not properly declared.
- An infraction record can lead to more detailed examinations and ineligibility for NEXUS and CANPASS.
- Seizures can be appealed within 90 days of the seizure date.
- Some infractions are criminal offences.
IRCC adds that false statements are a serious offence and may prevent you from staying in Canada.
What happens at the border?
IRCC describes two interviews. In the first, a CBSA officer checks your documents and asks about your health, family, length of stay, funds and any prior visits. In the second, you declare your goods, present your declaration card and both goods lists, and answer questions about items such as plants, animals, firearms and food. The officer may inspect your luggage.
Common mistakes
- Putting household goods on the card instead of the separate lists.
- Forgetting a snack or fruit in your bag.
- Carrying cash over CAN$10,000 without declaring it.
- Packing the goods lists in checked luggage.
FAQ
Is the E311 card still used?
The CBSA’s declare page still describes Form E311 for commercial aircraft and mentions kiosks for currency declarations. Follow the instructions you receive at the airport.
Can I bring my car?
IRCC lists a car registration if you are importing a vehicle. For rules on the vehicle itself, check the CBSA.
Key takeaways
- Declare food, plants, animals and CAN$10,000 or more.
- Carry two typed copies of your goods lists in hand luggage.
- When in doubt, declare it.
Related guides
- NEXUS card from Canada
- Canada PR card renew and replace
- Bringing food into the US
- Moving abroad checklist
- Your first 90 days in a new country
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Allowances and rules change; confirm with the CBSA.
Sources
- Canada Border Services Agency: I Declare, a guide for residents returning to Canada
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Crossing the border, documents you need