Shipping Gifts to Canada

Gifts sent to Canada may qualify for special customs treatment, but simply declaring an item as a gift does not automatically make it duty- and tax-free.

To qualify for Canada’s gift exemption, the item must generally be:

• sent personally by a friend or relative outside Canada
• sent to an individual in Canada
• accompanied by a card or other notice indicating that it is a gift
• valued at CAD 60 or less per gift

Items sent by a business do not qualify for the gift exemption.

What is the CAD 60 gift exemption?

A qualifying gift valued at CAD 60 or less may be imported into Canada without duty or tax.

If the gift is worth more than CAD 60, applicable duties and taxes are generally assessed on the amount over CAD 60.

For example:

Gift value: CAD 200
Gift exemption: CAD 60
Amount potentially subject to applicable duties and taxes: CAD 140

Can I send more than one gift in the same package?

Yes.

If multiple gifts are shipped in the same package, each gift may qualify separately for the CAD 60 exemption, provided each one is clearly identified as a separate gift and meets the other eligibility requirements.

CBSA specifically states that this can apply regardless of whether there is one recipient or several recipients.

For example:

• Cotton sweater – CAD 50 – Gift
• Toy building set – CAD 45 – Gift
• Cookbook – CAD 30 – Gift

Each item should be clearly identified and valued separately on the customs documentation.

Do gifts need to be individually wrapped?

CBSA requires each gift in a multi-gift shipment to be clearly identifiable as a separate gift.

The official rule does not require every gift to be individually wrapped, so I would not make wrapping a mandatory statement in the article.

What does not qualify for the gift exemption?

The CAD 60 gift exemption does not apply to:

• tobacco products
• alcoholic beverages
• advertising material
• items sent by a business

It also cannot be combined with Canada’s separate CAD 20 low-value exemption.

What information should I provide for a gift shipment?

Provide clear and accurate customs information for the actual goods being shipped.

This can include:

• a specific description of each item
• accurate value
• quantity
• country of origin
• sender information
• recipient information
• any additional information required by the selected courier

It is also helpful to include a note or card identifying the shipment as a gift.

Avoid using “gift” as the product description by itself.

Instead of:

Gift – CAD 50

use:

Men’s cotton sweater – CAD 50 – Gift

Are HS Codes required for gifts?

Customs classification requirements depend on the goods, courier, and customs process.

Declaring a shipment as a gift does not automatically remove all classification or documentation requirements.

If ShipTime requests an HS Code for the shipment, enter the appropriate classification for the actual product.

Do personal gift recipients need to register in CARM?

Usually, personal gift shipments are treated as casual imports rather than commercial imports.

CARM is primarily used for the accounting and payment of duties and taxes on commercial goods. CBSA has separate procedures for casual goods imported for personal use.

For that reason, I would remove the old section saying that recipients of gifts over CAD 60 may need to register in CARM. Exceeding the CAD 60 gift exemption by itself does not automatically turn a personal gift into a commercial import.

Can food be sent as a gift to Canada?

Sometimes, but the gift exemption does not override food-import rules.

Food, plant, and animal products can be subject to separate Canadian Food Inspection Agency requirements depending on:

• the type of product
• the country of origin
• the quantity
• whether the goods are imported for personal or commercial use

CFIA maintains specific personal-use limits and restrictions for food entering Canada.

What food items may have restrictions?

Requirements vary significantly by product and origin.

Examples that may have additional restrictions include:

• meat and poultry
• eggs and egg products
• dairy products
• fresh fruits and vegetables
• seeds and plant products
• certain fish or animal products

For example, some meat products cannot be imported into Canada by mail or courier even when intended for personal use.

Do not assume that commercially packaged or shelf-stable food is automatically admissible simply because its value is below CAD 60.

Do alcohol and tobacco qualify for the gift exemption?

No.

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are specifically excluded from the CAD 60 gift exemption. They may also be subject to additional federal, provincial, or territorial requirements and charges.

Can brokerage or clearance fees still apply?

Yes.

The CAD 60 gift exemption relates to applicable customs duties and taxes. It does not necessarily eliminate all courier or customs-clearance service charges.

Depending on the courier and service:

• customs clearance may be included
• a brokerage or clearance fee may be charged separately
• other customs-related service fees may apply

Do not assume that every qualifying gift will automatically be free of all additional charges.

Best practices for shipping gifts to Canada

Before shipping:

• confirm that the shipment is a genuine personal gift
• make sure it is sent by a friend or relative, not a business
• include a card or notice identifying it as a gift
• provide accurate descriptions and values
• clearly identify each separate gift in a multi-gift shipment
• enter the correct country of origin
• provide accurate recipient contact details
• check CFIA requirements for food, plants, animals, or related products
• confirm that the goods are permitted for import into Canada

Summary

If you have questions about preparing a gift shipment to Canada through ShipTime, contact our Heroic Support™ team and we can help review the information required in the platform.

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