Before moving to Quebec, it's a good idea to find out which products are allowed in Canada and which are not. Here's a brief overview.
The products listed below are authorized in Canada and Quebec up to the limit indicated:
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks for passengers over 18;
- Alcohol: 1.14 liters of spirits or 1.5 liters of wine or 24 bottles of beer (8.5 liters) for passengers over 18;
- Perfume: reasonable quantity.
Dangerous products in Quebec
Bringing firearms into Quebec is subject to strict regulations. Non-residents must declare their firearms upon entering Canada and provide a valid reason for doing so. Some weapons are prohibited, regardless of having a valid permit. You can check the list of prohibited weapons in Canada on this page.
The importation of explosives, certain ammunition, and pyrotechnics is also strictly regulated. You can consult the law on explosives and find out about import permits here.
Obscene material, hate propaganda, and child pornography are prohibited.
Plant and animal products in Quebec
Import quantity limits are in force, however. For example, you can bring in up to 20 kg of cheese per person, and up to 20 kg of shelf-stable meat, cooked, prepared, and sterilized in airtight packaging. Note to the French: this does not include sausage, which is raw, dried meat and therefore prohibited. For more information, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. To check a particular food, use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
If you're coming from outside the US, there are restrictions on bringing meat, milk, or soil into Canada. Nevertheless, you are allowed to bring in items such as sand from a seashore, cheese, confectionery, bakery products, dried, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables, dried or cut flowers and herbs, spices, and bark-free wooden souvenirs. Import quantity limits apply, though. For example, each person can bring up to 20 kg of cheese and up to 20 kg of shelf-stable meat, cooked, prepared, and sterilized in airtight packaging. It's important to note that raw, dried meat like sausage is prohibited. For more details, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. To check the import regulations for a specific food item, use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
Consult the Canadian embassy in your country about importing pets into Canada – animals from certain countries must undergo quarantine. Find out more on the Canadian government website.
Consumer products in Quebec
Some consumer products, such as car seats, beds, children's clothing, and toys, are regulated. Others are prohibited. You can find out more on this page.
Used or second-hand mattresses must be accompanied by a letter proving that the item has been cleaned and disinfected by fumigation.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
