Are there shopping limits in the US for Canadians? Here’s a closer look

Planning a trip south of the border for deals on groceries, clothing, or electronics? You’re not alone, with plenty of Canadians frequently crossing into the US to take advantage of lower prices and a wider selection of products.

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand what you can bring back to Canada—and how Wise can help you save on currency exchange with better rates and lower fees. Let's dive in!

What are the Canada-US shopping limits for personal use?

If you're popping down to the States for a little retail therapy, it's important to know how much you can bring back without getting hit with extra fees. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sets duty-free limits based on how long you've been away. These rules apply whether you're shopping in person or online and having items shipped to your Canadian address.

Duty-free exemptions based on your time outside Canada

The longer you stay in the US, the more you can bring back duty-free. But there are rules, and if you go over your limit, you’ll need to declare everything and may have to pay duty and tax. Here's a quick breakdown of what you can bring home and when:

CBSA Personal Duty-Free Exemptions

It's important to note that goods intended for commercial use² or for another person do not qualify for these personal exemptions and are subject to applicable duties and taxes.​

What happens if you exceed your shopping limit?

If you end up getting carried away and your cross-border haul goes beyond your duty-free exemption, don’t worry. You can still bring your items home, but you’ll need to declare them and be prepared to pay a bit extra.

GST/HST on re-entry: You’ll need to pay the standard GST or HST on the full value of goods that exceed your exemption. This applies even if you’re just a few dollars over.

Duty rates: Duty depends on the type of items you’re bringing back and where they were made. You can check estimated rates using the CBSA’s Customs Duty Calculator.

Declaring at the border: Be honest and declare all goods, even if you’re unsure whether they’re dutiable. Border officers may ask for receipts, and failing to declare could mean more than just a tax bill.

Failing to declare: If you don’t declare your purchases or try to underreport them, you risk fines ranging from 25% to 80% of the value of the goods³, seizure of goods, and possibly being flagged for future travel.

How do commercial shopping limits apply?

If you're heading to the US for a business supply run or considering reselling goods you buy across the border, you should know that commercial imports follow a different set of rules than personal shopping trips.

Can Canadians buy goods in the US for resale?

Yes, but there are clear rules. If you’re bringing goods into Canada with the intention of reselling them, they’re considered commercial imports, even if they are just a few items.

That means personal duty-free exemptions don’t apply, and you’ll need to declare the items properly when you return to Canada.

Here’s what you may need to do, according to the CBSA’s guide to importing:

• Declare all commercial goods: Always tell the border officer that the goods are for resale, even if you’re unsure of the exact quantity or value.
• Register for a business number (BN): You’ll need a BN with an import/export account from the CRA⁴ if you plan to import for commercial purposes regularly.
• Pay duties and GST/HST: The full value of commercial goods is taxable, and duty rates depend on product type and country of origin. Use the CBSA’s tariff tool to check rates ahead of time.
• Provide invoices and proof of intent: You should be ready to show commercial invoices and documents that support your business use, such as terms of sale.

Canada - US shopping limits — what does this mean in USD?

While Canada’s duty-free shopping limits are set in CAD, most purchases made in the US will be priced in USD. It’s helpful to know what your exemption looks like when converted at the current exchange rate if you want to stay within limits.

Items that are restricted or have extra limits

If you’re shopping in the US, it’s important to remember that not everything can cross the border freely. Even if your total spend is within the duty-free allowance, certain items are restricted, prohibited, or have specific import limits. Your safest option is to declare everything, as failing to do so can result in fines or your items being confiscated.

What goods can’t you bring back freely?

Here are some of the most common categories that are subject to restrictions or special rules when entering Canada:

Firearms and weapons

Canada has strict regulations on bringing in firearms, ammunition, and weapons like pepper spray, tasers, or certain knives with many prohibited entirely. Firearms that are allowed must be declared, properly stored, and accompanied by the correct permits.

Alcohol and tobacco

You’re allowed to bring back limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco as part of your personal exemption only if you’ve been outside Canada for 48 hours or more. Anything over the limit is subject to duties and taxes.

Food, plants, and animals

Bringing food, plants, seeds, and animal products into Canada is heavily regulated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Some fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products are prohibited. You must declare all these items, and it's best to check what's allowed before travelling.

Currency over $10,000

If you carry over 10,000 CAD⁵ (or the equivalent in USD or any other currency), you must also declare it at the border (this applies whether you're travelling for business or pleasure.)

Tips to stay within your shopping limits

A little preparation can go a long way to ensure your shopping trip goes smoothly. Here are a few easy tips to help you stay within your duty-free limits and avoid unexpected charges at the border:

Know how long you’ll be away for

Your duty-free exemption depends on the length of your trip. There’s no exemption for same-day trips, so you’ll need to be outside Canada for at least 24 hours to bring anything back duty-free and 48+ hours for the full 800 CAD allowance.

Keep your receipts

Hold onto all your receipts for any purchases made while abroad. CBSA officers may ask for proof of what you bought and how much you spent, especially if your goods are close to the exemption limit.

Fill out ArriveCAN

ArriveCAN is a mobile app by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that lets travellers submit travel documents and customs information electronically before arrival. You can make your customs and immigration declaration using Advance Declaration in the app before you fly into one of Canada's participating airports.

Travel with family or friends

Each traveller has their own personal exemption, so a group trip can make things more cost-effective.

Just remember — exemptions can't be pooled unless you're entering Canada as a family unit, and each person must carry their own goods to qualify.

Paying in USD? How Wise helps with cross-border shopping

If you're shopping online from US retailers or heading across the border in person, Wise can help you spend smarter. With a Wise account, you can hold and convert Canadian dollars to USD using the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups, just low, transparent fees.

With Wise, you can:

• Get USD currency with your own US account details (including routing and account numbers) so you can pay like a local.
• Convert CAD to USD at the real exchange rate, with fees starting from just 0.48%⁶.
• Pay online or in-store with your Wise card, which automatically pulls from your USD when spending in the US.
• Avoid foreign transaction fees that regular banks typically charge for spending in another currency.
• Gain more control when shopping across the border by tracking spending and managing currencies all in one place.

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Final Thoughts

Cross-border shopping can be a savvy way to save, but only if you’re clear on what you can bring back. Sticking to the rules, understanding your duty-free allowance, keeping receipts, and declaring purchases properly can save you time, stress, and unexpected fees.

If you’re spending in USD, planning ahead and using Wise is a smart way to manage your money abroad, helping you avoid hidden charges and get the best possible exchange rate.

Sources:

1. Personal exemptions mini guide - Travel.gc.ca
2. Travellers - Bring Goods Across the Border
3. What you can bring to Canada - Travel.gc.ca
4. How to register for a business number or Canada Revenue Agency program accounts
5. What you can bring to Canada - Travel.gc.ca
6. Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use