Carrying wine into Canada

[Craig95005]

We're getting ready to cross from Maine to New Brunswick in our motorhome and plan to stay 10-14 days. We have 20 or 25 bottles of wine stored under our bed. We don't plan to drink many of them during our stay. Obviously didn't plan this very well.

I suspect we may have to pay duty on them even though most of them will still be unopened when we leave. Any idea what the duty is on wine and hard liquor over what's allowed? Any of you had experience with carrying alcohol into Canada? Or can you give me any insights about what crossing the border into New Brunswick is like in terms of documents required and declarations made? Haven't gone into Canada in six years or so and it was easy then but could be different now.

[JaxDad]

CA Traveler wrote:
JaxDad, Good to know and it sounds like a update to the in-transient policy that I posted about.

Perhaps someone knows the restrictions/limits for this policy.

It’s not an ‘update’, its been in effect for decades. In order to be able to transit “in bond” you must be a bonded commercial carrier.

Basically it’s ‘personal use’ non-commercial quantities. It’s meant for exactly the OP’s situation, a private citizen passing through Canada and will likely be leaving with at least some of what they’re entering with.

Most people don’t realize that all sorts of taxes and duties are refundable upon exiting Canada. The same applies for us Canucks heading back north.

The only caveat is that if you get a refund on a purchase, not on something you imported then leave with again, you of course have to declare it on the other side.

[Orion]

JackD wrote:

Quebec Providence

Providence ????

Well, I guess it's better than 'Quebec State'! 😉

[CA_Traveler]

JaxDad, Good to know and it sounds like a update to the in-transient policy that I posted about.

Perhaps someone knows the restrictions/limits for this policy.

[JaxDad]

romore wrote:
I overheard a conversationat at a duty free store, a lady wanted to cross into Canada with more than the allowable amount. She was told the excess would be taxed at 3X the value.

We are talking about taxes and duties, not penalties. I believe what you overheard was what it would cost you if you DIDNT declare it. The taxes and duties are the same for everyone, so you would just be ‘playing catch up’ to make your costs the same as anyone else importing the same stuff.

BTW, if you tell them you’re leaving with it, they can set you up for a ‘casual importer refund’. They document what you are bringing in, then on the way out with it you apply for the refund.

Casual Import Refund

[JackD]

Quebec Providence

Providence ????

[chris3403]

We donated $110 to Quebec Providence a couple of years ago. Believe we had 6 bottles of wine and 2 cartons of cigarettes more than we were allowed.

[obgraham]

Whatever amount of wine you end up taking into Canada, make sure and tell them it is "for personal consumption". If it is a gift, or being left in Canada, it's all taxable.
In my experience the border agents have "helped me" with this issue.

[bob213]

Where is the first campground you plan on staying when you leave Canada? Call them and ask if you can ship it there. I don't know if that would be economically feasable but just a thought.

[CA_Traveler]

romore wrote:
I overheard a conversationat at a duty free store, a lady wanted to cross into Canada with more than the allowable amount. She was told the excess would be taxed at 3X the value.

If correct that would be a substantial increase from several years ago.

[romore]

I overheard a conversationat at a duty free store, a lady wanted to cross into Canada with more than the allowable amount. She was told the excess would be taxed at 3X the value.

[Ralph_Cramden]

I would pull over somewhere just before the border and sit there while I guzzled it all down, then head on over...........Doh!

[Orion]

There does seem to be a bit of flexibility with regard to the official duty free limits when it comes to both boats and RVs. I have often heard a term similar to 'Usual bar amounts for the RV/boat' I've heard this personally and also on the TV 'Border' series.
I don't know if that many bottles would qualify for this though?

[MDKMDK]

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
Sounds like you may be hosting a party today.

Good answer. :B

[noteven]

Storage in the US would be the best option in this writer’s opinion. Minor nuisance would be you need to backtrack to retrieve it vs exploring a totally new road. Or ship it to another US location if it’s the good stuff and worth doing that.

Canada’s tax is high on beer wine and spirits.