Chapter 11 · Topic 11.1 · Arriving & moving in
CBP & CBSA: importing personal effects — Canadians in Florida
What you can bring across the Canada–US border duty-free, what must be declared, what is restricted or prohibited, and how currency rules work at both CBP and CBSA.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
Every cross-border trip involves two declarations: CBP (entering the US) and CBSA (returning to Canada). Key rules: (1) CBP entry — personal effects for personal use enter duty-free; cash/monetary instruments over US $10,000 must be declared; fresh fruit, vegetables, and unprocessed meat are restricted; (2) CBSA return — CAD $800 exemption after 48 h abroad, $200 after 24 h; alcohol and tobacco allowed within limits; (3) Household goods — new immigrants can use CBP Form 3299 for duty-free entry of goods owned ≥1 year; (4) Restricted always: weapons without proper permits, controlled substances, counterfeit goods, certain food items without documentation.
Acronyms used in this guide
- CBP — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- CBSA — Canada Border Services Agency
- USDA — U.S. Department of Agriculture (regulates food/plant imports)
- CFIA — Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Entering the US (CBP)
Personal effects — duty-free
Goods you bring for your own personal use — clothing, electronics, toiletries, sports equipment, tools of your trade — enter the US duty-free as long as they are not for sale or commercial use. There is no dollar limit on personal effects used abroad.
Purchases made abroad — $800 exemption
If you are a US resident returning, you have an $800 USD duty-free exemption on goods purchased abroad (once every 31 days). Canadians visiting on B-2 status do not qualify for this resident exemption, but personal effects (not new purchases for sale) are still duty-free.
Currency and monetary instruments
- Over US $10,000 in cash, traveller's cheques, money orders, or negotiable instruments: must declare on CBP Form 6059B or FinCEN 105. Failure to declare = seizure risk.
- No limit on amount you can bring — only the declaration requirement.
Restricted and prohibited items
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruits & vegetables | Restricted — USDA APHIS permits required. Packaged/processed OK in most cases. |
| Fresh/unprocessed meat | Generally prohibited without USDA inspection certificate |
| Canned/commercially packaged food | Generally permitted |
| Plants with soil | Restricted — USDA permit required |
| Flowers (commercial, sealed) | Usually permitted with phytosanitary certificate |
| Firearms | Permitted but must declare; ATF requirements apply |
| Prescription medications | Personal use quantities allowed; carry original labels + prescription |
| Alcohol | Personal use amounts duty-free; one litre free from abroad |
Pets
Dogs require proof of rabies vaccination. Cats have no specific federal vaccination requirement. See the pets guide.
Returning to Canada (CBSA)
Personal exemptions
| Time abroad | Duty-free exemption (CAD) | Alcohol allowed | Tobacco allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–47 hours | $200 | None | None |
| 48+ hours | $800 | 1.14 L spirits or 1.5 L wine or 8.5 L beer | 200 cigarettes + 50 cigars |
Exemptions apply per person (not per household). Goods must accompany you. Gifts included in the exemption limit.
Goods over the exemption limit
Goods above your exemption are subject to Canadian customs duties and applicable provincial/federal taxes (HST/GST). Keep receipts from Florida to verify values.
Restricted items entering Canada
- Fresh fruit and vegetables: from the US, most are permitted; CFIA rules apply for certain items.
- Meat: commercially produced and packaged US meat is generally permitted. Homemade or uninspected meat products may be restricted.
- Firearms: Canadians returning with firearms they took abroad must have their PAL and must declare. Handguns brought to the US require specific documentation.
- Currency over CAD $10,000: declare on CBSA Form E311.
Importing household goods (permanent move)
If you are a new US immigrant or LPR on first entry, you may import household and personal effects duty-free using CBP Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles), provided:
- Items have been owned and used for ≥1 year (not new).
- Items are not for sale.
- You submit the form to CBP at your port of entry.
For a full permanent relocation, see the permanent relocation guide.
Practical tips
- Keep receipts for major purchases made in Florida — CBSA may ask for proof of value.
- Separate personal effects from new purchases when packing. Carry worn/used items in personal luggage; new items in checked bags (for easier declaration).
- NEXUS card: expedited processing at designated crossings. Still must declare goods truthfully.
- ArriveCAN: as of 2024, not required for land or air entry to Canada.
- Use the CBSA mobile app (or eDeclaration kiosk at airports) to pre-fill your customs declaration.
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date.
- CBP — Know Before You Go. cbp.gov/know-before-you-go
- CBSA — I Declare. cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/i-declare
- USDA APHIS — Travelers. aphis.usda.gov/travelers
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. Figures, rules, and procedures are sourced from public sources as of the date shown and may change.
For any concrete decision, consult the relevant official agencies and, if needed, a licensed professional (attorney, accountant, insurance broker).