Border Crossing

Importing Food and Food Products Into Canada

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a service to our visitors and no guarantee is made as to its completeness or correctness. All information should be independently verified with the relevant authorities.

For more specific information, contact Canadian Border Services.

Canada maintains limits on certain food products imported from the United States. Meat and poultry products are among the most stringently controlled food products. The following is a list of some of the quantities that a visitor may bring into the country. Note that this is an incomplete list of Customs Canada's limitations, and that all meat products must be labeled or identified as products of the U.S.

Examples of Products and the maximum amounts that can be imported upon entry to Canada

  • Dairy products (such as cheese, butter or milk): 44 lbs/20 kilo, not to exceed $20 in value
  • Margarine and imitation butter products: 6.6 lbs/3 kilo
  • Eggs: 2 dozen
  • Meat, meat products, poultry or poultry products: 44 lbs/20 kilo

There are separate limits within this category as follows:

Turkey or turkey products: 1 whole turkey, or the 10 kilo of turkey products
Chicken, chicken products: 22 lbs/10 kilo chicken or chicken products
Meat products from cattle, bison, buffalo sheep or goat: 11 lbs/5 kilo
Fruit (temperate, such as those grown in Canada): generally prohibited*
Fruit (tropical): 550 lbs/250 kilo per person
Fruit and vegetables (dried, canned): 44 lb/20 kilo

It is highly recommended for all travelers to verify the import requirements for all food and food products as the requirements are subject to change due to emerging threats.

More Information

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) telephone numbers for customer service:

  • Local: 202-354-1000

  • Toll-free (from US): 1-877-227-5511.

Also see telephone numbers listed under "Ports of Entry". For additional information, please visit either of the following web sites:

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

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