The Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) is granted the power to examine goods imported by travelers and returning residents. Section 99 of the Customs Act gives CBSA officers the power to examine your suitcase, your purse, your backpack, your briefcase and your electronic devices. The word “goods” is defined in subsection 2(1) of the Customs
Can I get my NEXUS Card back in less than 6 years?
Canada
If the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) confiscates or cancels your NEXUS Card due to an enforcement action (e.g. the CBSA seizes goods because you failed to declare the goods or the value provided to the CBSA was incorrect), your NEXUS Card will be cancelled for 6 years. Normally, you lose your trusted traveler
The Canada Border Services Agency demands to be told of your prescriptions
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
Federal Court of Appeal Finds NEXUS Pass Confiscation Not Justified
On February 8, 2018, the Federal Court of Canada released its decision in Gunwani Sodhi v. The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 2018 FC 145 in which Justice Campbell found that the confiscation of Mr. Sodhi’s NEXUS membership by the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) lacked justification. This is the first Canadian
How will the U.S. Government shutdown affect Canadians?
The U.S. federal government was shut down at midnight this morning after a funding bill did not get 60 votes in the United States Senate. While the politicians work to find a solution before Monday, Canadians are reminded that the last U.S. federal government shut down lasted 16 days and a previous shutdown lasted 27
Don’t Allow The CBSA To Confiscate Your Fois Gras AND Don’t Pay the Reduced Penalty
We have been contacted by clients who have returned to Canada (usually from France) and they have brought a commercially sealed jar or two of “fois gras de canard” or “fois gras de canard entier”. Unfortunately for these clients, they have been sent to the Secondary Inspection Area and the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”)
What Were The Top 10 Reasons For NEXUS Card Cancellations in 2017?
We have worked on a number of NEXUS requests for review (that is appeals) in 2017. We have seen many NEXUS card confiscations and the number of appeals we file increased in 2017 over 2016 (and we filed more appeals in 2016 than in 2015 – there is an upward trend). Our list of reasons
Trump’s New Travel Restrictions May Affect Canadian NEXUS Cardholders From Travel Ban Countries
Canada
On September 24, 2017, President Trump issued “Presidential Proclamation Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats” (the Presidential Proclamation”) which should make Canadian dual-nationals and Canadian permanent residents from Venezuela, Chad (and North Korea, if any) with NEXUS cards nervous. Venezuela, Chad
Gamblers Are Often Stopped By The CBSA Who Ask Questions If Winnings Are Proceeds Of Crime
If you are a Canadian citizen or Canadian resident and have been lucky in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Paradise Island, Macau or other gambling destinations, be prepared to be asked questions by the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) when you return to Canada with your winnings. The CBSA sees a large amount of money and
August Civic Holiday: Survival Guide For Canada-US Cross Border Travel
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