News Release

National 2010

The Canada Border Services Agency advises you to accurately declare value of goods

Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 14, 2010 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travellers to accurately declare all goods and their value when returning to Canada. Making false statements about the true value of goods is a criminal offence under the Customs Act and may lead to serious financial and/or legal consequences.

Travellers should be aware that if they understate the value of goods, the items may be seized and they may lose the goods permanently or pay a penalty to get them back. In addition, their vehicle may also be subject to seizure action. Depending on the type of goods and the circumstances involved, the penalty imposed may range from 25% to 70% of the value of the seized goods. If the amount of the evasion is significant enough, individuals are subject to arrest under the Customs Act. There will be a criminal investigation and charges could be laid against the individuals. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for undervaluing goods that are imported into Canada is five years imprisonment and/or a $500,000.00 fine.

A record of infractions is kept in the CBSA system and you may have to undergo a more detailed examination on future trips across the border.

The CBSA offers a number of options to access valuable traveller information. Brochures such as I Declare, Importing a Vehicle into Canada, NEXUS, and Importing Non-Commercial Goods by Mail can simplify your cross-border shopping. The Importer's Valuation Guide has a section on how to determine the customs value for duty of your goods. The brochures are available at any border crossing or online.

Travellers can also call the CBSA 24-hour Business line for more information at 1-800-461-9999 (toll-free in Canada).

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For media information and interviews contact:
Laurie Gillmore, Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 902-426-0900
Cell: 902-802-1824