Moving To Canada


Your Peace of Mind, Is Our Priority

Customs Regulations for 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 must be present at time of customs clearance
  • 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)
  • Plants, sand and other related matter require a Phytosanitary Certificate and Import Permit issued in advance by the Department of Agriculture
  • 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
  • Explosives, fireworks and all ammunition
  • Narcotic drugs
  • Animal products on the endangered species list
  • Some fruits and vegetables are prohibited
  • 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 (The certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, sex, color, and any distinguishing marks)
  • 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
  • Quarantine will be required for some types of animals (Length depends on the type of animal and country of origin)

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to Canada


When you are moving to Canada, an International Moving Expert will monitor the entire process to make it seamless and bring the most suitable moving options for you depending on your requirements. Your criteria may include:

  • Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in Canada? Should you ship your goods via air or sea freight?
  • Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying a home?
  • Your fragile items. Do you require packing or custom crating
  • Your family/household size. Are you moving alone or with family? For business or personal reasons?
  • Your cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

How Much Does a Move to Canada Cost?


Cost is always a crucial factor when planning your overseas move. Start by scheduling a home survey with International Sea & Air Shipping to receive an estimate to ship your goods to Canada. One of our trained moving specialists will visit your home to assess your belongings and determine the cubic footage of your shipment. You will then receive a free quote for the international moving services you need!


Ultimately, the cost of your overseas move to Canada will vary based on the cubic footage of your shipment, your preferred method of shipping (air vs. sea freight) the services you require (such as packing and custom crating), and many other factors.

About Canada


The second largest country in the world after Russia, Canada is bordered by both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, earning it the motto “from sea to sea”. A land of vast and exquisite natural beauty, festivals, adventure, and exotic cuisines, Canada has a little something for everyone. Enjoy various events such as fine art festivals, live music festivals, and stunning hot-air balloon festivals. Outdoor sports more your thing? Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, skiing, and hiking are all popular recreational activities enjoyed in Canada’s beautiful terrain.

Canada is one of the world’s wealthiest nations, with a high per-capital income after the USA, Germany, Brazil, and Spain, and is the world’s largest suppliers of agricultural products. . The largest foreign importers of Canadian goods are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Canada’s leading emigrating countries are China, the Philippines and India followed by France, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy and the Netherlands.

Canada International Moving Services


Do you need overseas shipping services for your international move to Canada? While moving overseas is not only exciting, it also requires extensive research and planning-and most importantly, a professional, reliable and skilled international moving company to ship your house goods safely to your new country. If you are planning an overseas move to Canada, let International Sea & Air Shipping assist you with every aspect of your relocation to ensure it is seamless and stress-free.