The Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) has published a written statement on its website that when the CBSA conducts an examination of electronic devices (e.g., laptops, smart phones, USB keys, etc.) at the Canadian border, CBSA officers must not search electronic documents marked as “solicitor-client”.  The CBSA has published a webpage entitled “Examining digital

We do not usually post blog posts asking the Government of Canada to change the law.  However, we are doing just that today.  Personal Protective Equipment (known as “PPE”) is taxable in Canada. Face masks, surgical masks,  plastic face shields, protective eyewear used in hospitals, protective gowns and garments used in hospitals, surgical and disposable

The Government of Canada has determined that the trusted traveler programs are not essential and have closed NEXUS Processing Centres for an undetermined period of time.  This means that if a Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) officer mistakenly confiscates a NEXUS Card from a traveler and sends it to a NEXUS Processing Centre, the traveler

Are Canadians, residents of Canada and visitors to Canada required to report prescription medications to the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”)? The answer appears to be “YES”. The CBSA takes the position that you must declare all legally prescribed medications to them upon your return to or entry into Canada.  I am not kidding.  I

The August Civic Holiday long week-end will be here soon.  Canadians travel outside Canada to visit friends and family and to shop.  The Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) is on the lookout for contraventions of the Customs Act and other border laws.

Here is our survival guide to make sure the CBSA is happy with

On April 6, 2017, Seth Godin posted “On Pie” on his blog.  I have thought about what Seth Godin wrote in “On Pie” many times when Canada, US or Canada-US trade issues arise, such as the Softwood Lumber AD/CVD Dispute, the 232 Steel Case, the 232 Aluminum Case, the Canadian FISC AD/CVD Case, NAFTA renegotiation,

THESSALONIKI, GREECE - AUGUST 8, 2013: Departures hall at an airport with passengers queuing with their luggage to book in at the airline counters

On April 27, 2016, the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) released Guide BS5156 “What you need to know about Customs Controlled Areas”. In this one page document, the CBSA informs the public that a “customs controlled area” is:

“A designated area where there is a likelihood that domestic employees or domestic origin travellers leaving

Customs StopOn August 16, 2016, the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) posted its revised Code of Conduct, to which all CBSA officers must adhere. The three “values” pillars of the CBSA Code of Conduct are (1) Respect, (2) Integrity and (3) Professionalism.

Respect

The CBSA makes the following statements in the Code of Conduct regarding

Canada

Canadian parliamentOn May 11, 2016, I testified before the Canadian Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, which is currently considering internal trade in Canada.  My testimony is posted on the Senate website.  In my opening presentation, I discussed the Comeau decision, which is one of the most interesting decisions I have read

Customs StopThere is a common dilemma that comes with traveling with other people.  The Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) has the right to examine your vehicle and any good in your possession at the border.  What do you do if you have gifts for people who are traveling with you (e.g., you have Christmas presents in