Food Declaration

[julia.a3456]

I would like to know if declaration of food items in customs is applicable to packed chocolate boxes purchased from the duty free?
If yes, what happens exactly when you declare food

 

[foodie69]

I would like to know if declaration of food items in customs is applicable to packed chocolate boxes purchased from the duty free?
If yes, what happens exactly when you declare food

Eat the chocolate before you go through customs, then you have nothing to declare. If this is not possible, declare it.
Customs will determine whether or not you can bring it into Canada.

 

[julia.a3456]

Thank you for the reply. Its not something i can eat all at once. It also has dates which i assume will count as a fruit. Is it a hassle? What are exactly the steps that follow the person’s declaration?

 

[scylla]

I would like to know if declaration of food items in customs is applicable to packed chocolate boxes purchased from the duty free?
If yes, what happens exactly when you declare food

Yes - you must declare it. If you declare it - there should be no issue. If you fail to declare it, expect the chocolate to be seized and you may also be given a fine.

 

[foodie69]

On the declaration form just say that you have food products, go through the red area and tell customs you got food.
They will ask what kind of food and then tell you to either proceed, or to open your suitcase, bag or so for inspection. Let them make the decision.

 

[julia.a3456]

One more question. Is there any issue bringing in dates? They are packed and sealed in the manufacturer’s package.
Is the wait time at customs very long?

 

[julia.a3456]

On the declaration form just say that you have food products, go through the red area and tell customs you got food.
They will ask what kind of food and then tell you to either proceed, or to open your suitcase, bag or so for inspection. Let them make the decision.

One more question. Is there any issue bringing in dates? They are packed and sealed in the manufacturer’s package.
Is the wait time at customs very long?

 

[NetMecca]

This might help answer your questions
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990

 

[Bs65]

One more question. Is there any issue bringing in dates? They are packed and sealed in the manufacturer’s package.
Is the wait time at customs very long?

Any reason why you need to bring dates anyway ? As above if you want to bring them just declare all food especially fruit and let customs decide as you could spend a lifetime going through the regulations and not get a clear answer.

If were me I would go for the easy option and not bother to bring dates but upto you as long as you follow the rules and declare given not declaring can result in a fine if discovered. Some airports sometimes deploy specially trained detector dogs checking out baggage reclaim areas to determine if anyone has food or drugs in their luggage although have not seen myself.

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fpa-apa/menu-eng.html

For immigration and customs just depends on time of day how many international flights arrive at same time. Of the two immigration could take longer to be processed given most people might not have anything to declare to customs so no detailed inspection unless randomly selected.

 

[Eilresh]

I brought dates and camel milk chocolates (both from Duty Free) last month when arrived for permanent landing. The customs officer asked if I'm bringing any foods to Canada and I declared it - no issues whatsoever.

Just make sure that you keep the receipt in case they ask for it!