WHAT YOU CAN BRING BACK
For U.S. Citizens returning to the United States:
U.S. residents returning to the United States after 48 hours can take back $800 U.S. worth of merchandise, duty free, every 30 days.
This may include:
- One litre (33.8 ounces) of alcohol (provided the resident is 21 years or over)
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars that are not of Cuban origin
Members of a family travelling together may combine their personal exemptions.
After a visit of less than 48 hours, or if the $800 allowance or part of it has been used within the previous 30 days, an exemption of $200 U.S. is allowed (may not be combined by family members), including 150 mL (4 ounces) of alcohol, 150 mL of perfume and no more than 50 cigarettes or 10 cigars, not of Cuban origin. Articles brought back into the U.S. as part of an exemption must be for personal or household use. They must be brought with the person and properly declared. They must not include prohibited or restricted items.
Duty charged varies according to the country the article was made in and the type of article. More information about entering or re-entering the U.S. is available through U.S. Customs.
For more information about shopping in Windsor, Essex County & Pelee Island:
www.visitwindsor.com/shopping
WHAT YOU CAN BRING INTO CANADA
For U.S. Citizens coming into Canada:
Alcoholic Beverages
Visitors arriving in Ontario who are 19 years of age or older may import, duty and tax free, for personal use, either 1.5 litres (52.7 ounces) of wine or 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor or spirits; or 24 x 355 mL (12 ounce) cans or bottles of beer, ale, or their equivalent. Visitors can import more alcoholic beverages (up to 45 litres or 11.9 U.S. gallons), if they are willing to pay the Ontario fees and taxes in addition to the duties that apply.
Tobacco Products
Visitors arriving in Ontario who are 19 years of age or older may import, duty and tax-free:
- 200 cigarettes
- 50 cigars
- 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco
and
- 200 tobacco sticks
If visitors bring in more tobacco products, they will have to pay the Ontario taxes and duties that apply, as specified by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
For Canadian Citizens returning to Canada:
The following duty-free allowances (in Canadian dollars) apply:
Goods (souvenirs, etc.)
After a minimum 24-hour absence:
- $50 (excluding alcohol and tobacco) any number of times per year
After a minimum 48-hour absence:
- As announced in Budget 2007, the value of goods that may be imported duty and tax-free by returning Canadian residents after a 48-hour absence will double from $200 to $400. This change will take effect on March 20, 2007.
- $750 after a minimum 7 days absence (excluding day of departure)
Alcoholic Beverages
You are allowed to import only one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:
- 1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
- 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor;
- a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
- 24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounce) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.
Tobacco Products
- 200 cigarettes
- 50 cigars or cigarillos
- 200 tobacco sticks
and
- 200 grams of manufactured tobacco
Note: Minimum age requirement for tobacco is that of the province where the traveller clears Customs. Tobacco and alcohol must be included in the total dollar allowance and must be carried in-hand or checked baggage.