We recently were contacted by a person who had his NEXUS pass confiscated because he declared a carton of cigarettes, but did not declare the open package of cigarettes. The CBSA seized the open package of cigarettes and did not give them back.  The CBSA officer also confiscated the traveler’s NEXUS pass.

While the CBSA officer could have used his discretion to allow the person to keep the open package of cigarettes, the CBSA officer for whatever reason chose not to use his discretion.

We are sharing this because most smokers we know do not arrive that the duty free store when they are down to their last cigarette.

Individuals who use their NEXUS passes on a regular basis (and who smoke) should adopt a policy to inform the CBSA of the open package.