Guide to the Customs Declaration Card (E311) When

Whether you're arriving in Canada for the first time as a new permanent resident or returning from a trip abroad, you'll need to complete a customs declaration. The E311 Declaration Card has traditionally been the paper form handed out on flights, though Canada has increasingly moved toward electronic declarations. This guide covers both the traditional card and the modern digital options to help you navigate Canadian customs with confidence.

What Is the E311 Customs Declaration Card?

Quick tip: download the official form first, then fill it while following this guide: Download official form (IRCC forms library).

The E311 (BSF311) is the official Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs declaration form that travellers must complete when entering Canada. It collects information about who you are, where you've been, what you're bringing into the country, and the value of goods you're importing. Every person entering Canada must make a declaration—either on paper or electronically.

The form serves multiple purposes: customs duty assessment, immigration processing, agricultural inspection screening, and security screening. Providing accurate information is a legal requirement, and false declarations can result in seizure of goods, fines, or even criminal charges.

Paper Card vs. Digital Declaration

Canada now offers multiple ways to make your customs declaration:

Paper E311 Card

The traditional paper card is distributed on international flights to Canada and is available at ports of entry. One card per family travelling together (living at the same address) is sufficient. You fill it out by hand before arriving at customs.

CBSA Advance Declaration (ArriveCAN successor)

The CBSA has been modernizing its declaration process. Travellers can submit their customs and immigration declaration electronically before arrival using the CBSA Advance Declaration feature. This can speed up processing at airports equipped with Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIKs) or eGates.

Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIKs)

At major Canadian airports (Vancouver, Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Calgary, and others), you can make your declaration at a kiosk instead of using a paper card. The kiosk scans your travel document, takes your photo, and walks you through the declaration questions electronically.

How to Fill Out the E311 Card

If you're using the paper card, here's what each section requires:

Section 1: Personal Information

• Last name and first name: As shown on your passport or travel document
• Date of birth: Day/Month/Year format
• Citizenship: Your country of citizenship
• Home address: Your address in Canada (or your destination address if arriving for the first time)
• Arriving from: The country or countries you're arriving from

Section 2: Travel Details

• Purpose of trip: Check the appropriate box—personal, business, or other
• Arriving by: Air, highway, rail, marine, or other
• Duration of stay abroad: How long you were outside Canada
• Countries visited: List all countries visited on this trip

Section 3: Goods Declaration

This is the most important section. You must declare:

• Whether you're bringing commercial goods (items for sale, samples, tools of trade)
• Whether you have more than CAD $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments
• Whether you're bringing food, plant, or animal products
• Whether you're bringing firearms, weapons, or other restricted items
• The total value of goods purchased or received abroad that you're bringing into Canada
• Whether you're bringing alcohol or tobacco products

Duty-Free Allowances

Canadian residents returning from abroad are entitled to personal duty-free exemptions based on the duration of their trip:

• Less than 24 hours: No personal exemption
• 24 to 48 hours: CAD $200 exemption (must have goods with you; cannot include alcohol or tobacco)
• 48 hours or more: CAD $800 exemption (can include alcohol and tobacco within limits)

For the $800 exemption, you may include:

• Up to 1.5 litres of wine, or 1.14 litres of spirits, or 8.5 litres of beer (or equivalent)
• Up to 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars

You must be of legal drinking age in the province you're entering (19 in BC, 18 in Alberta and Quebec) to bring in alcohol.

Special Rules for New Immigrants

If you're arriving in Canada as a new permanent resident for the first time, you have special customs provisions:

Settler's Effects

New immigrants can bring personal and household goods into Canada duty-free and tax-free under the settler's effects provision. This includes furniture, appliances, clothing, personal items, and other household goods that you've owned and used before moving to Canada. You must complete Form BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Document) to declare these items.

The form has two lists:

• List B - Goods Accompanying You: Items you're bringing with you on arrival
• List C - Goods to Follow: Items being shipped separately that will arrive later

It's crucial to complete both lists accurately at your first entry, even for goods that haven't arrived yet. You generally cannot add items to your settler's effects list after your initial entry.

Vehicle Imports

If you're importing a vehicle, it must meet Canadian safety and emissions standards. You'll need to work with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) and pay applicable fees. Some vehicles from certain countries may not be eligible for import.

What Must Always Be Declared

Regardless of duty-free exemptions, you must always declare:

• Food products: All food, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and baked goods. Canada has strict agricultural import regulations to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
• Currency over $10,000: If you're carrying CAD $10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare it. Failure to declare is a criminal offence and the money can be seized.
• Gifts: Even gifts must be declared and may be subject to duties above your personal exemption.
• Commercial goods: Anything intended for sale or business use.
• Weapons and firearms: All firearms must be declared. Some are prohibited in Canada.
• Plants and plant products: Seeds, soil, flowers, and wood products.
• Animals and animal products: Live animals, animal-derived goods, hunting trophies.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Canada prohibits or restricts the import of many items:

• Certain firearms and weapons
• Obscene material
• Hate propaganda
• Certain food items (e.g., raw meat from some countries)
• Endangered species products (ivory, certain skins)
• Cannabis (even if legal in your country of departure)
• Counterfeit goods

Tips for a Smooth Customs Experience

• Be honest: Always declare everything. Officers are trained to detect deception, and the penalties for not declaring are far worse than any duties you might owe.
• Keep receipts: Have purchase receipts available for items you're bringing in. This helps establish value for duty purposes.
• Complete the form before landing: Fill out the E311 card during your flight or submit your advance declaration before arriving.
• Know your exemptions: Calculate your duty-free allowance before arriving so you know if you owe duties.
• Separate items to declare: Keep items you need to declare easily accessible in your luggage.
• Be polite and patient: Border officers have a difficult job. Being cooperative and respectful will make the process smoother.

What Happens at the Border

After completing your declaration, you'll proceed to a CBSA officer who will review your form and may ask questions. Most travellers are processed quickly. If you're selected for secondary inspection, remain calm—it's routine. Officers may inspect your luggage and verify the items you've declared.

Additional Resources

• CBSA - What Can I Bring Into Canada?
• CBSA - I am Moving to Canada
• CBSA - Duty and Tax Rates
• CFIA - Bringing Food Into Canada

Whether you use the traditional E311 paper card or a digital declaration method, the key to a smooth customs experience is honesty and preparation. Declare everything, know your exemptions, and have your documents ready. Welcome to Canada!

Download This Form

Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download official form (IRCC forms library). Always use the latest version.

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Official external resources

• Download official form (IRCC forms library)
• IRCC forms and guides library
• IRCC document checklists
• CRA forms and publications
• IRCC processing times

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Official Government Sources

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• IRCC Processing Times
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• Canada.ca Immigration and Citizenship Services
• Canadian Citizenship Resources