Advertisement

Border woes: 5 items that could get you in trouble at the Canada-U.S. border

(Submitted by Nora Fitzgerald/CBC)
(Submitted by Nora Fitzgerald/CBC)

Nora Fitzgerald had no idea when she tried to cross the border to the U.S. that her seal-skin purse, an accessory that was drawing many compliments, would be confiscated. Since seals are on the endangered list, U.S. customs seized the piece, slapped her with a $250 fine and a threat that she could be denied future entry unless she paid up.

According to the U.S. Department of State, 300,000 people cross the border between Canada and America every day, and while basic travel rules are familiar to most, there are a few lesser-known restrictions on common items that could cause unexpected trouble at the border.

 

With a gem like this, you'd definitely need proof of purchase. But it's true for tiny items, too. (Reuters)
With a gem like this, you'd definitely need proof of purchase. But it's true for tiny items, too. (Reuters)

Jewelery

You may be heading south for a fancy event or wedding, but Canadian Border Services Agency suggests travelling with as little jewelery as possible. The pieces are small, can be hard to identify and it's often difficult to prove that you didn't purchase them while away.

In order to avoid a hassle, the agency suggests preparing documentation before you leave the country. Have a signed appraisal report from a jeweller, insurance agent, or a receipt to prove you owned the items before you left.

Can't prove you had that laptop when you entered the country? You may face a fee. (WSJ)
Can't prove you had that laptop when you entered the country? You may face a fee. (WSJ)

Laptops and other gadgets

Many travellers take devices with them across the border, but if they were manufactured in, for example, Japan, you could be forced to pay duty and taxes upon each return. While it's unlikely you'll be nabbed, you should carry a proof of purchase verifying that you owned the goods before the trip, just in case you're questioned.

Bringing a mattress across the border has the potential for bringing bugs with it. (CP)
Bringing a mattress across the border has the potential for bringing bugs with it. (CP)

Used or second-hand mattresses

While it may not be the hot item to carry across the border, the Canadian government has strict rules that state foams brought into the country are accompanied by a signed piece of documentation that proves they have been cleaned and fumigated.

Any baby item, even small items like soothers, are strictly regulated. (Reuters)
Any baby item, even small items like soothers, are strictly regulated. (Reuters)

Baby items

You may be aware that products such as walkers, strollers and booster seats must comply to Canada's regulations, but even small items like teethers, pacifiers and certain baby bottles can pose a health risk.

Any item that can be placed in the mouth of a baby, contains a filling with a viable microrganism, or acts as a device that allows infants to feed themselves without adults around could cause choking and is at risk of seizure.

Flying a kite isn't so easy when you want to do it across the border. (Reuters)
Flying a kite isn't so easy when you want to do it across the border. (Reuters)

Kites and yo-yo balls

They seem like harmless toys, but the restrictions on them is very specific to prevent smuggling and injury. Kites must be made of an uninsulated material, adhere to size standards -- nothing in excess of 150mm linearly -- and must not have strings that conduct electricity.

Yo-yo balls are a stretchy plastic toy with a long string and a ring loop at the end. The sticky material of the plastic can wrap around itself and pose a strangulation risk, which is why Health Canada has set a 20-inch length limit.

Before you travel, be sure to check with Canada Border Services page on what you can bring home to Canada and prohibited items.