I drove to Canada and wasn't asked if I had anything to declare. Was I supposed to declare my stuff anyway?
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 26 Jul, 2023
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Yes it is absolutely your responsibility to tell customs of anything you had to declare. However you only need to declare things that are dutiable, not everything you have in your possession. When they asked "What items do you have with you?" you were supposed to tell them then. Even if they didn’t ask you it’s still your responsibility to tell them. Do it as soon as possible. Waiting to see if you get sent to secondary might be considered attempted smuggling ( hoping you won’tget sent for inspection and can then evade payment).
Since you went through secondary inspection and a search without problems it seems they agreed with you that you didn’t have anything that you needed to declare this time. If you do next time you should definitely mention them, or secondary inspection might be much less pleasant.
Was I supposed to declare my stuff anyway?
Yes, they don’t need to ask, it is your responsiblity to declare to the customs official what you are bringing with you into their country (just as it is your responsibility to declare everything you bring back to to your own country that you obtained outside of your own country).
The main function of any customs authority is to collect taxes.
It is for them to decide what needs to be taxed or not.
Not declaring what they (as the sole authority that can determine this) anything that is taxible can lead to charges of tax fraud.
2022-08-29: Visitors to Canada – Making your Declaration
When arriving in Canada you must, by Canadian law, report to a BSO, answer all questions truthfully, and accurately report your goods. This means you must also report any food, plant and animal products in your possession.Have all required identification and travel documents in hand. Be ready to make a full and accurate declaration, including the amount of goods in Canadian dollars you are bringing with you. This will help us get you on your way as quickly as possible.
…
Arriving by land: If you are arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint. A BSO will check your identification and other travel documents and you will answer their questions.
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘
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