Moving to Canada from Argentina? Moving household goods overseas requires special skills and careful planning. From packing your belongings, to loading the container, to unpacking and setting up your new home, Universal Cargo takes care of every step of the way. Universal Cargo also offers furniture storage in major Canadian cities such as Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary.

Customs information

• The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance, or use a licensed Customs broker to handle the clearance on their behalf.

Returning Canadians may import household goods and personal effects duty free under the following conditions:

• The goods were owned and used by the owner of the goods for at least 6 months prior to importation.
• The owner of the goods lived abroad for a minimum of 12 months.
• If the owner of the goods lived abroad for a period greater than 5 years, the owner of the goods is exempt from the 6-month ownership rule.
• The goods must still be owned and used and the shipment does not include goods that are for resale or otherwise disposed of within 12 months of importation.
• Shipments must be declared to Customs at the port of entry (POE) (airport/U.S-Canada border) when the owner of the goods arrives in Canada.

Customs will then issue documents needed for Customs clearance:

• BSF186 personal effects accounting document.
• BSF715 casual goods accounting document.
• The owner of the goods must present a list of items to be imported.
• It is recommended that a copy of the packing list / inventory be hand carried for presentation to Customs.
• Customs may request a value on the shipment (returning citizens).
• For immigrants and holders of work / students visas, the goods must be owned and used prior to importation and the shipment must not include goods that are to be sold or otherwise disposed of 12 months after importation for duty-free import.
• Any single item of household goods or personal effects, including automobiles, that were acquired after March 31, 1977, and are valued at more than $10,000 are subject to regular duty and taxes on the excess amount.

Seasonal residents may import household items and personal effects duty free under the following conditions:

• The shipment can include household furniture and furnishings for a seasonal residence, excluding construction, materials, electrical fixtures or other goods permanently attached to or incorporated into a seasonal residence and tools and equipment for the maintenance of a seasonal residence.
• The goods must have been owned and used prior to arrival.
• The goods cannot be sold for at least 12 months.
• The goods are for the personal use of the owner of the goods or their family and are not for any commercial, industrial or occupational purpose.
• Diplomats can import household goods and personal effects duty and tax free.
• The Canadian Government adopted ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15) Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM-15) to standardize the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• ISPM -15 requires that wood packaging either be heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked with the internationally recognized International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) mark, or in lieu of the mark, the consignment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate specifying the treatment used.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record.
• Veterinary health certificate.

Specific Information

The veterinary health record certificate must identify the animal by breed, age, gender and color.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Alcohol (a detailed list including type, size, and quantity is required and an import permit must be obtained prior to importation; duties and taxes apply)
• Import permit must be obtained from the Provincial Liquor Control Board.
• Do not ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid the possibility of freezing.
• Tobacco products are subject to duties and taxes.
• Foodstuffs can cause extensive delays / additional charges (importation is discouraged)
• Pornographic materials.
• New items (a bill of sale may be required by Customs)
• Hunting trophies (restrictions apply, especially for endangered species; a CITES Certificate may be required; check with agent before shipping).
• Firearms (strict regulations apply; check with agent for details)
• Any one item valued at $10,000 or over is subject to duties and taxes.

Prohibited Items

• Live plants.
• Narcotics, drugs, incitements.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Live ammunition and explosives.