Canada Imports: Prohibited and Restricted Goods

Last Updated: July 25, 2026

T​he Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) works with other federal departments and agencies to administer import requirements. Depending on the product, requirements may come from the CBSA, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Health Canada, Transport Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Natural Resources Canada, or another government authority.

Understanding whether a product is prohibited, restricted, regulated, or subject to other import controls can help prevent delays, detention, seizure, penalties, and other enforcement action.

Why some goods are prohibited from entering Canada

Canada controls the importation of certain goods to protect public health and safety, the environment, Canadian industries, and national security.

Some products are prohibited from entering Canada under the Customs Tariff or other legislation. Other products can enter if the importer meets specific conditions.

For example, food, plants, animals, and related products may require permits, licences, certificates, or other documentation because they can introduce foreign animal diseases, plant pests, or invasive species. The CBSA’s commercial importing guidance directs importers to check whether their goods are permitted and whether they are subject to permits, restrictions, or other regulations.

The requirements can also change based on the product’s classification, country of origin, destination, end use, and other factors.

What Are Prohibited Goods?

Prohibited goods are goods that Canadian law does not allow an importer to bring into Canada under the applicable tariff item or legislation, unless a specific exception applies.

CBSA’s D9 series on Prohibited Importations covers various categories of prohibited goods.

Examples include:

• Obscene material
• Hate propaganda
• Certain prohibited firearms, weapons, and devices
• Certain counterfeit coins
• Goods manufactured or produced wholly or partly by prison or forced labour
• Certain used or second-hand mattresses and materials
• Other goods covered by specific prohibited-importation provisions

The exact rules depend on the product and the applicable tariff classification. Importers should therefore check the relevant CBSA memorandum and legislation rather than assume that a particular product is prohibited based only on its general description.

Prohibited Weapons

Canada prohibits the importation of many weapons and devices.

CBSA’s current Memorandum D19-13-2 on firearms, weapons and devices, updated June 25, 2026, covers the importation of firearms, firearm parts, weapons, devices, and ammunition.

Examples of prohibited weapons and devices can include:

• Brass knuckles
• Certain stun guns and conducted-energy weapons
• Certain pepper-spray or tear-gas devices designed for use against people
• Certain automatic-opening or centrifugal-opening knives
• Nunchaku
• Shuriken or throwing stars
• Push daggers
• Certain replica firearms

The classification depends on the characteristics and intended design of the item. For example, CBSA distinguishes between pepper spray designed for use against people and certain animal repellents designed exclusively for use against animals.

Importers should verify the classification of a specific weapon or device with the CBSA before shipping it to Canada

Goods Produced by Forced Labour

Canada prohibits the importation of goods produced wholly or partly by forced labour.

The prohibition applies to goods regardless of their country of origin. Importers should consider supply-chain information and applicable customs requirements when determining whether their goods comply with Canada’s forced-labour import prohibition.

CBSA’s D9-1-6 memorandum on goods manufactured or produced by prison or forced labour provides information on the applicable customs provisions.

Used or Second-Hand Mattresses

Canada restricts the importation of used or second-hand mattresses and materials from them under tariff item 9897.00.00.

The CBSA’s current guidance on used or second-hand mattresses provides exceptions for certain circumstances and allows the importation of materials from used mattresses when they meet applicable cleaning, fumigation, and certification requirements.

Importers should review the applicable tariff item and regulations before shipping used mattresses or mattress materials to Canada.

What Are Restricted or Regulated Goods?

Not every controlled product is simply “restricted” in the sense that it needs one general import licence.

Different Canadian laws establish different requirements for different products. Depending on the goods, an importer may need:

• An import permit
• A licence
• A registration
• An authorization
• An inspection certificate
• A health certificate
• Other documentation or approvals

The CBSA’s Reference List for Importers helps importers identify government departments and agencies that regulate particular types of goods.

Importers should check the requirements before shipping because CBSA may not release goods until the applicable requirements have been met.

Restricted Food, Plants, Animals, and Related Products

Food, plants, animals, and related products can face import controls because they can introduce pests, diseases, and other threats to Canada’s agriculture, ecosystems, and public health.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates many of these products. Its commercial importing process directs importers to identify the applicable requirements, obtain any required licence or permit, and submit the necessary import information and documentation.

Food Imports

Many commercial food imports are subject to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).

For many food commodities, importers need a valid Safe Food for Canadians licence. CFIA states that a shipment of food requiring a licence can be denied entry if the importer does not have a valid licence.

Importers should also review applicable preventive control, traceability, labelling, and other requirements.

CFIA’s step-by-step guide to importing food into Canada provides the current requirements for food importers.

Using AIRS to Check Food, Plant, and Animal Requirements

The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) helps importers identify requirements for CFIA-regulated commodities.

Importers can search AIRS using information such as:

• Commodity
• Country of origin
• Destination
• End use

CFIA states that AIRS is a reference tool and that its information is updated frequently. Importers remain responsible for confirming that they meet the requirements applicable at the time of importation.

For this reason, importers should check AIRS before each shipment rather than relying on an old search result or previous shipment requirements.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables can have requirements under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, Food and Drug Regulations, Plant Protection Act, and other legislation.

Some products may require phytosanitary certification, import permits, licences, or other documentation depending on the commodity and origin.

For example, CFIA’s current fresh fruit and vegetable import requirements identify additional requirements for certain commodities and origins.

Restricted Firearms and Weapons

Firearms and weapons have their own Canadian import requirements.

The rules depend on the classification of the firearm or weapon, the type of importer, and whether the goods are being imported commercially or personally.

Commercial Firearm Imports

Businesses importing firearms must meet the applicable requirements under the Firearms Act, Criminal Code, Export and Import Permits Act, and related regulations.

For example, businesses importing non-restricted firearms must have a valid Firearms Business Licence (FBL) that authorizes the applicable activity. CBSA also requires the licence to cover the relevant class of firearms for commercial imports.

The requirements differ for restricted and prohibited firearms.

Newly acquired restricted handguns also require an import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the Export and Import Permits Act.

Importers should verify the exact classification and documentation requirements before arranging shipment.

Restricted Vehicles

Vehicles must meet requirements administered by several Canadian authorities, including the CBSA and Transport Canada.

Transport Canada’s vehicle importation guidance explains the requirements for importing vehicles from the United States, Mexico, and other countries.

For vehicles imported from the United States and Mexico, importers should check the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) compatibility requirements before purchasing or shipping the vehicle.

Transport Canada states that eligible vehicles may need to undergo modifications and an RIV inspection before they can remain in Canada.

Vehicles from countries other than the United States and Mexico face additional restrictions. Transport Canada states that most vehicles manufactured for foreign markets outside the U.S. and Mexico cannot be imported into Canada, although specific exceptions apply, including certain vehicles that are at least 15 years old, non-regulated vehicles, and other qualifying circumstances.

Commercial importers also have access to specific Transport Canada pre-clearance programs for eligible new vehicles.

Soil and Contaminated Goods

Soil can carry invasive species and plant and animal diseases, which makes soil contamination an important border-control issue.

CBSA states that vehicles, equipment, footwear, and other goods arriving at the Canadian border with soil contamination are usually refused entry, although specific circumstances may allow entry.

Importers should ensure that applicable goods are clean and free of soil and related debris before shipping them to Canada.

Firewood

Firewood can carry invasive insects and diseases.

CBSA states that firewood cannot be imported into Canada without a permit. Importers should verify the applicable requirements before shipping firewood or related wood products.

Requirements can vary depending on the product and origin, so importers should check the applicable CFIA requirements before shipment.

What Is the Difference Between Prohibited and Restricted Goods?

The distinction can be summarized as follows:

Prohibited goods generally cannot enter Canada under the applicable prohibition. Some legislation provides specific exceptions, so importers should check the applicable tariff item, legislation, or CBSA memorandum before concluding that a product cannot enter.

Restricted or regulated goods may enter when the importer meets the applicable requirements. Those requirements can include permits, licences, registrations, certificates, inspections, or other authorizations.

The exact requirements depend on the product and the government agency responsible for regulating it.

Importers should therefore avoid treating “restricted” as one broad category with a single set of rules.

What Happens When CBSA Holds or Seizes Goods?

CBSA can detain goods when officers need to determine whether the goods comply with Canadian import requirements or when another government department must review the shipment.

If imported goods violate a prohibition, control, or regulatory requirement, CBSA may take enforcement action.

Depending on the circumstances, enforcement can include:

• Detention
• Seizure
• Administrative monetary penalties
• Other penalties or enforcement measures
• Refusal of release
• Export or disposal of the goods

CBSA’s Master Penalty Document sets out penalties for specific customs contraventions. For example, failing to report controlled or prohibited goods can result in a penalty of $2,000 for a first contravention, $4,000 for a second, and $8,000 for a third and subsequent contravention under contravention C031.

The applicable penalty depends on the specific contravention and circumstances.

For certain goods, another government department may also impose its own enforcement measures.

Steps to Determine Whether Goods Can Enter Canada

Importers should check the admissibility requirements before shipping the goods, rather than waiting until the shipment reaches the border.

1. Identify the Goods

Collect detailed information about the product, including:

• Product description
• Composition and materials
• HS classification
• Country of origin
• Intended use
• Quantity
• Manufacturer or supplier

Accurate product information helps determine which Canadian requirements apply.

2. Determine Whether the Goods Are Permitted

Start with the CBSA’s commercial importing guide and review the D9 series on prohibited importations when applicable.

These resources help identify goods that Canada prohibits from entering under specific customs provisions.

3. Check Other Government Department Requirements

If the goods are regulated by another federal department, determine which permits, licences, certificates, registrations, or other documents you need.

The CBSA’s Reference List for Importers identifies government departments and agencies involved in regulating imported goods.

For food, plants, animals, and related products, consult CFIA’s AIRS and verify the requirements before each shipment.

4. Obtain Required Documentation Before Shipping

Do not wait until the goods reach Canada to obtain a required permit or certificate.

CFIA’s current commercial importing process notes that importers should obtain the required licence, permit, or registration and submit the applicable information early to help avoid border delays.

5. Work With a Customs Broker When Appropriate

A licensed customs broker can assist with customs documentation, release requests, duties and taxes, and communications with CBSA.

However, the importer should understand the requirements that apply to its goods and provide the broker with accurate product information and supporting documents.

Keep Import Requirements Up to Date

Canadian import requirements can change based on legislation, regulations, commodity risks, country of origin, and other factors.

CFIA, for example, states that AIRS is updated frequently and advises importers to check the system regularly.

Importers should also monitor CBSA customs notices, memoranda, and other government guidance that affects their products.

Checking the requirements before every shipment can help identify new permits, restrictions, documentation requirements, or admissibility conditions before the goods reach the Canadian border.

Need Help With Canadian Import Requirements?

Determining whether goods are prohibited, restricted, or subject to another government department’s requirements can involve several regulations and agencies.

If you need help managing Canadian import requirements, contact GHY International to discuss your shipment, customs compliance needs, and available customs brokerage support.