For new immigrants arriving in Canada, one of the critical initial steps at the port of entry is dealing with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in relation to goods declaration. The CBSA plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all goods brought into Canada by new permanent residents are declared, recorded, and where necessary, assessed for duties or taxes. This process is essential for maintaining the country’s security, economic interests, and compliance with laws governing the importation of goods. Understanding how the CBSA’s examination and goods declaration process works will help newcomers avoid complications and ensure a smooth entry into their new life in Canada. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the goods declaration process, including what to declare, how to complete the necessary forms, what to expect during examination, and tips for a seamless experience with the CBSA as a new immigrant.
Who Is Considered a New Immigrant?
In the context of CBSA procedures, a new immigrant refers to anyone entering Canada with a permanent resident visa and landing for the first time to begin their permanent residence. This could include individuals approved through family sponsorship, economic immigration programs, or as refugees. These individuals are subject to specific CBSA inspection and declaration procedures distinct from those of visitors, temporary foreign workers, or returning residents. As part of their arrival process, new immigrants must declare all goods they are bringing into Canada immediately and any goods that will follow later. The CBSA uses this information to determine duty-free eligibility, track shipments, and monitor compliance with Canadian laws.
Why the Goods Declaration Process Is Important
The goods declaration process serves several key functions. It enables the CBSA to:
- Track items entering the country for public safety and regulatory compliance
- Assess applicable duties or taxes for imported goods
- Enforce laws around prohibited or restricted items such as firearms, food, plants, and animal products
- Ensure proper documentation for goods arriving later (also known as “goods to follow”)
Failing to declare goods or providing incomplete or inaccurate information can result in delays, seizure of goods, fines, or future complications with immigration status. That’s why it’s vital for all new immigrants to understand the declaration process and adhere to CBSA’s regulations.
The Role of the CBSA at Port of Entry
When new immigrants land in Canada, their first point of contact is typically an immigration officer from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), followed by an inspection from a CBSA officer. The CBSA officer’s role is to verify:
- Immigration documents and landing status
- The personal goods the individual is bringing into Canada
- Whether the immigrant is transporting any controlled or restricted items
- The correct completion of forms such as the BSF186 and BSF186A for goods declaration
The CBSA is responsible for enforcing over 90 Acts of Parliament, including customs, immigration, food safety, and public health laws. As such, the agency operates under strict protocols and has the authority to detain individuals, inspect baggage, and seize undeclared or prohibited items.
Documents and Forms Required
The key forms involved in the goods declaration process for new immigrants are:
BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document
This is the primary form used to declare all personal items being brought into Canada. The form should include detailed descriptions, approximate values, and quantities of items. It is critical for new immigrants to present this form in duplicate upon arrival.
BSF186A – Goods to Follow List
If the immigrant is expecting additional goods to arrive in Canada after landing, they must also complete a BSF186A form listing those items. This helps the CBSA process and clear future shipments without charging duties, as long as the form was submitted during the first landing.
These forms can be downloaded and completed in advance from the CBSA’s official website. Completing them beforehand ensures a quicker and more efficient entry process.
What Goods Must Be Declared
New immigrants must declare all goods being brought into Canada. This includes both accompanied and unaccompanied items. Common categories include:
- Clothing, electronics, furniture, and household goods
- Jewelry, watches, and personal items of high value
- Automobiles and recreational vehicles
- Gifts, souvenirs, and food products
- Tools of the trade (if applicable)
Goods considered duty-free must be for personal use and not intended for sale or commercial purposes. Any items not declared at the time of landing may be subject to duties and taxes later or could be permanently seized. Immigrants should also declare any money or monetary instruments valued at over CAD 10,000 as required by Canadian law.
Restricted and Prohibited Goods
Certain items are restricted or prohibited from being imported into Canada. Immigrants should familiarize themselves with CBSA’s list of controlled goods prior to arrival. These include:
- Firearms and ammunition: Must be declared and may require permits
- Alcohol and tobacco: Limited duty-free quantities allowed
- Food, plants, and animal products: Subject to inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Cultural property, endangered species, and explosives: Require special permits
Attempting to bring in prohibited goods without proper declaration or permits can lead to serious legal consequences, including deportation.
The CBSA Examination Process
Upon arrival, the new immigrant’s goods may be subject to physical examination by a CBSA officer. This process may include:
- X-ray or visual inspection of checked baggage
- Opening of suitcases or boxes
- Verification of forms BSF186 and BSF186A
- Assessment of declared values and eligibility for duty-free import
- Random inspections based on CBSA risk analysis protocols
The CBSA examination is not a punitive process but a legal requirement to ensure compliance. Officers are trained to carry out inspections respectfully and professionally. However, individuals are expected to cooperate fully and answer all questions truthfully.
Duty-Free Entitlements for New Immigrants
New immigrants to Canada are entitled to import certain goods duty- and tax-free, provided they meet specific criteria:
- The goods must be owned and used by the immigrant prior to arrival
- The goods must be for personal use only
- The immigrant must declare the goods at the first point of entry
Examples of duty-free items include:
- Personal clothing and footwear
- Furniture and household furnishings
- Kitchenware and appliances
- Musical instruments and computers
- Vehicles (with conditions and provincial registration requirements)
Goods to follow must be declared at the port of entry using BSF186A. Failure to do so may result in duties being applied when the goods arrive later.
Importing a Vehicle to Canada
Bringing a car into Canada as a new immigrant involves a specific set of requirements. Vehicles must comply with Canadian safety and emission standards. The process includes:
- Declaring the vehicle on BSF186 or BSF186A
- Providing proof of ownership and usage prior to immigration
- Meeting requirements of Transport Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles
- Paying any applicable taxes if the vehicle is not duty-free
Not all vehicles from foreign countries are eligible for import. New immigrants should consult the RIV program before attempting to import a car to ensure compliance.
Post-Arrival Clearance of Goods to Follow
If you declared goods to follow at your initial entry and submitted BSF186A, those goods can enter Canada duty-free at a later date. When the shipment arrives:
- Visit a CBSA office (inland or at the entry port) with your landing documents
- Present your stamped BSF186A form
- Provide shipping waybills or inventory lists from your shipping company
- Undergo inspection if requested
As long as the goods match the original declaration and arrive within a reasonable period, they will typically be released without additional fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New immigrants often make avoidable mistakes during the CBSA goods declaration process. These include:
- Not completing BSF186 and BSF186A in advance
- Underestimating or omitting the value of high-value items
- Bringing prohibited goods without permits
- Failing to declare money or goods over the duty-free threshold
- Assuming oral declarations are sufficient
To ensure a successful landing, it is recommended that newcomers prepare comprehensive itemized lists with estimated values, receipts if available, and clear documentation.
Tips for a Smooth CBSA Inspection Experience
- Prepare your documents ahead of time: Complete BSF186 and BSF186A and carry multiple copies
- Be honest and transparent: Always declare all goods, even gifts or used items
- Organize your luggage: Clearly separate goods for personal use, gifts, and goods to follow
- Keep receipts for high-value items: This helps with value verification
- Don’t pack prohibited items: Check the CBSA’s latest list of banned and restricted goods
- Stay calm and cooperative: CBSA officers are professionals doing their job, and respectful behavior facilitates a smoother process
What Happens If You Fail to Declare Goods?
Failing to declare goods, especially intentionally, can lead to serious consequences. These include:
- Confiscation of the undeclared items
- Fines and penalties
- A permanent record in CBSA’s traveler database
- Possible inadmissibility for future entries into Canada
- Denial of duty-free privileges on future imports
CBSA has robust systems in place for detecting undeclared goods, including canine units, X-ray machines, and data analytics. It is always better to over-declare than to under-declare.
CBSA Resources and Assistance
For more information or assistance, new immigrants can refer to official CBSA resources:
- CBSA Personal Exemptions Guide
- Importing Goods by New Residents
- Contact CBSA for local office information
CBSA officers are also available at major ports of entry to provide real-time guidance to new immigrants during their landing process.
Conclusion
Navigating the CBSA examination and goods declaration process is a critical step in the journey of a new immigrant to Canada. By understanding your responsibilities, completing the necessary forms accurately, and cooperating with border officers, you can ensure that your personal belongings are cleared smoothly and you enter Canada without complications. Canada welcomes immigrants with an organized and transparent border process, but it also demands compliance and honesty. With the right preparation, the CBSA process can be a straightforward part of your transition into a new life.
