What you need before you start
- Confirm whether CBSA treats you as a settler, former resident, seasonal resident or beneficiary
- Prepare separate goods-accompanying and goods-to-follow lists
- Record descriptions, approximate values in Canadian dollars and serial numbers where relevant
- Keep the completed BSF186 issued by the border officer
- Check food, plants, animal products, vehicles, firearms and other controlled goods separately
Declare goods to follow at your first arrival
Give your personal-effects lists to the border officer at your first point of entry, even if none of the shipment is travelling with you. You may complete Form BSF186 before travelling; CBSA says the officer will complete the form from the list you submit, assign a file number and give you a copy.
Goods arriving later qualify for relief under your entitlement only if they were on the original goods-to-follow list. Keep your completed BSF186: you will need it when claiming eligible unaccompanied goods after they arrive.
Make an inventory customs can use
Avoid descriptions such as “10 boxes of household items”. Group ordinary, lower-value contents sensibly, but identify valuable, controlled or serial-numbered goods separately. BSF186 accepts an additional BSF186A list, a mover’s inventory or another attached list; include values in Canadian dollars and serial numbers where applicable.
- Box or item number
- Clear description and approximate value in Canadian dollars
- Make, model and serial number where applicable
- Whether the item accompanies you or follows later
- Photographs or appraisal details for jewellery and other hard-to-identify valuables
Eligibility depends on your status and the goods
The conditions are not identical for everyone. For example, CBSA’s form applies different ownership and use tests to settlers and former residents. Do not assume that calling a shipment “personal effects” makes it exempt.
Commercial goods are not eligible as personal or household effects. Items imported under the relief can also create duty and tax if they are sold or given away within 12 months. Ask CBSA about your circumstances if the category or ownership history is unclear.
Check regulated items before packing
Food, plants, animal products, vehicles, firearms, alcohol and tobacco follow separate rules. Requirements can depend on the product, origin and how it enters Canada. Use the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s AIRS tool for food, plant and animal products, and confirm any permit before pickup.
Carrier acceptance is a separate check. Batteries, liquids and other dangerous goods may need approval even when Canadian import rules allow them. The exact acceptance decision from Dubai is unknown until the carrier reviews the item and packing details.
Choose courier or freight by shipment size
Courier can suit a few urgent boxes. Air or sea freight may suit furniture or a larger household move. Compare the complete service—not only the transport price—including packing, export handling, destination fees, customs presentation and final delivery.
For a mixed move, one practical option is to send essentials by courier and slower household goods by freight. Request a written scope so you know who will present the BSF186 and arrange delivery in Canada.
Goods-to-follow inventory example
| Field | Useful entry |
|---|---|
| Box | Box 4 of 12 |
| Contents | Used winter clothing and shoes |
| Value | Approx. CAD 450 total |
| Identification | List model and serial number for electronics |
| Arrival | Goods to follow |
Official sources to verify
We use primary government, customs, chamber and carrier sources where available. See our shipping-content review policy.