CBSA Reminds Canadians of Cannabis Border Laws
Argo Customs Brokers is dedicated to maintaining clear communication with their customers and those who wish to keep themselves informed about important importing and exporting regulations. As such, we present pertinent points from a news release issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The news release titled CBSA reminds Canadians of cannabis border laws, was published on May 9, 2022 by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding Canadians that even though cannabis is legal and regulated in their country, it is still against the law to bring cannabis or products made from cannabis into or out of Canada, even if it is a gift or for personal use. Make sure you buy cannabis online from a registered Canadian store. If you don’t, you could face delays, an enforcement action, or even criminal charges.
All goods that come into Canada must be reported to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Depending on how they come in (by mail, air, sea, land, or rail), they may be subject to a more thorough inspection. The Canada Border Services Agency enforces more than 100 acts of Parliament at the border where they apply (CBSA). Officers of the CBSA are allowed to check cargo coming into as well as leaving the country.
The Customs Act applies to all types of shipments, including those that are commercial, personal, sent by mail or courier, and commercial. All of these types of shipments can be searched for illegal goods, including cannabis and cannabis products.
According to the Cannabis Act, it is still against the law to bring cannabis or cannabis products into or out of Canada without a valid permit or exemption from the Canadian government. This includes CBD products made from either hemp or cannabis.
| The CBSA advises, “Avoid seizures, fines or arrest. Don’t bring it into Canada. Don’t take it out of Canada.” |
When entering Canada, people who try to hide the fact that they have cannabis in their possession risk having it seized, being arrested, or having to pay a fine. The level of the punishment will depend on the severity of the infraction, what kind of rule it was, and how many times it was broken.
The mission of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is to provide integrated border services that strike a balance between the need to support national security and public safety priorities and the need to make it easy for legitimate travelers and goods to cross the border. This year (2022), the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has taken 16,498 kg of cannabis from 22,779 people. Note that travelers going to or coming back from Canada can help the border crossing go smoothly if they know and follow the rules at the Canadian border.
Key Takeaways
- Goods entering Canada from any mode of transportation, including air, sea, land, and railway, must be reported to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and may be subject to an additional examination.
- The CBSA enacts hundreds of laws for the benefit of Canadians.
- You must declare any personal, mail, couriered, or commercial shipments at Customs. They may examine them for banned items, such as cannabis and cannabis products.
- It remains illegal under the Cannabis Act for Canadians to bring cannabis or cannabis products into Canada, or to export them out of Canada, unless they’re permitted to do so.
- If you don’t declare your cannabis when entering Canada, you could be subject to fines, arrests, and/or seizures.
Associated Links
Cannabis Act: Cannabis Act (S.C. 2018, c.16)
Customs Act: Customs Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. 1 (2nd Supp.)
Travellers: Cannabis at the border
Penalties for cannabis-related offences
Cannabis in the provinces and territories
Argo Customs Brokers is Available for Consultation
If you are an individual who needs information about how these acts affect you, make sure to read the above notifications from the Canada Border Services Agency and the associated links regarding the regulations thoroughly. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions about importing and exporting and can help you to understand the effect that this information may have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.