Duty-free purchases as carry-on baggage in Canada

Updated: Jan 09, 2024 | Tags: Duty Free Purchases, Canada Entry Requirements

In most Canadian airports you will be allowed to purchase goods that are free of tax and duties, which makes them cheaper than retail stores on the high street, especially those goods that carry high levels of taxation such as tobacco and alcohol. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority determines what can and cannot be carried onboard a plane, and this may differ from the duty-free allowance in your country, so it is important to understand the rules.

Travelers often find duty-free shopping an attractive option, offering the chance to buy goods without the burden of taxes and duties. However, when it comes to carrying these duty-free purchases as carry-on baggage in Canada, there are several guidelines and considerations to keep in mind. This comprehensive article aims to demystify the process and offer practical advice for travellers.

Duty-free purchases as carry-on baggage in Canada

Understanding Duty-Free Shopping

Concept of Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping allows travellers to purchase items without paying the local import duties and taxes. These shops are typically found in international airports, border towns, and onboard passenger ships.

Benefits of Duty-Free Shopping

• Cost Savings: The primary benefit is the potential cost savings on luxury goods like perfumes, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Exclusive Products: Some duty-free shops offer products that are exclusive or hard to find elsewhere.

Duty-Free Shopping in Canadian Airports

Locations and Availability

• Major Airports: Most major Canadian airports have duty-free shops available in their international terminals.
• Selection: The range of products can vary significantly from one airport to another.

Purchasing and Collection

• Point of Sale: Travelers can make purchases when they are departing from or transiting through Canada.
• Collection Points: In some cases, purchases can be collected at a designated point, often at the boarding gate.

Regulations for Duty-Free Purchases as Carry-On

Restrictions on Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs)

• LAGs Limitations: If you're buying items like perfumes or alcoholic beverages, be mindful of the restrictions on liquids, aerosols, and gels. These items must be in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml each and should fit in a clear, closed, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre.
• Consideration: Purchases in secure, tamper-evident bags from duty-free shops are usually exempt from these restrictions, but only under certain conditions.

Alcohol and Tobacco Quantities

• Limitations: There are specific limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring into Canada duty-free. Exceeding these limits will subject you to taxes and duties.
• Advice: Always check the latest allowances for alcohol and tobacco before making your purchases.

Duty-Free and Airline Baggage Policies

Carry-On Restrictions

Most airlines impose restrictions on the size and number of bags you are allowed to take on board your flight. On Air Canada, for instance, you are allowed one small case or bag, which should fit in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you, and one personal bag such as a purse, laptop or camera bag.

• Size and Weight Limits: Be aware of your airline’s carry-on baggage size and weight restrictions. Duty-free purchases are typically considered part of your carry-on allowance. Aerosols, liquids, and gels are usually allowed up to 100 millilitres or 100 grams but they must be placed in a one-litre clear plastic zip-bag. You can take smaller items, such as lipstick, perfume, hand sanitizer, or toothpaste provided they fit into the bag.
• Packing Considerations: Pack wisely to accommodate your duty-free items along with your other carry-on essentials. Bottles of drinking water cannot be taken through security if they exceed this amount, so it is a good idea to purchase your drink after passing through the screening checkpoint.

Checking In Duty-Free Purchases

There will be limitations of the types of merchandise you can bring with you into Canada as well as to your home country. 

• Option for Bulky Items: For larger duty-free items, consider checking them in, especially if they exceed carry-on restrictions.
• Risk of Damage: Be aware that checked baggage is more susceptible to damage or loss, so pack your items accordingly.

Connecting Flights and Duty-Free Purchases

Security Screening on Connecting Flights

• Re-Screening: If you have a connecting flight, especially in another country, your duty-free purchases will be subject to security screening. This could affect items like liquids, aerosols, and gels.
• Strategy: Plan your duty-free shopping considering your entire journey, especially if it involves multiple flights or layovers in different countries.

International Regulations

• Different Rules: Be aware that duty-free allowances and regulations can vary significantly from country to country.
• Research: It’s advisable to research the duty-free rules for all the countries you'll be traveling through.

Tips for Duty-Free Shopping as Carry-On

Plan Ahead

• Research: Before traveling, look into the duty-free allowances and restrictions for your destination and any transit countries.
• Budgeting: Set a budget for your duty-free shopping to avoid impulsive purchases.

Be Informed

• Currency Exchange Rates: Understand how currency exchange rates may affect the cost of items.
• Product Authenticity: Buy from reputable duty-free shops to ensure the authenticity of the products.

Safety and Security

• Valuables: Keep valuable duty-free purchases like jewellery or electronics with you in your carry-on.
• Receipts and Documentation: Always keep receipts and any related documentation handy for customs or security checks.

What happens when you are air-side?

Once you have passed through security you are free to purchase duty-free goods at any of the airport shops, and you may take these on board your flight. However, you are still governed by the amount you can take into your destination country and if you have a connecting flight you must abide by the rules in that country as well.

Something else to consider is that the official security bags are only valid for 48 hours from the time of purchase, so you may have to re-bag if there is a time-lapse of more than this on your journey.

Can goods be confiscated?

Yes, under certain circumstances you may not be allowed to take some or all of your purchases on board if they exceed the allowable limits or the goods are not permitted to be taken on-board the aircraft. You should check with the airlines regarding restrictions on permitted items. Also, if duty-free items are not being transported in airport and airline approved security bags or if the bag containing duty-free items has been opened before you go through the screening checkpoint, then the items may not be allowed on-board.

If this happens, there are several options available.

• If it is still possible, place the items in your check-in luggage. This will entail retrieving it from baggage handling, which your airline may refuse to do. You could also consider checking in your hand luggage—this may be the best option unless you need the bag onboard.
• Mail the items back home if the airport offers this service.
• Surrender the goods to the security officer, who will dispose of them for you.

Conclusion

Duty-free shopping can be a beneficial and enjoyable part of your travel experience. However, it requires careful consideration of various factors, including airline baggage policies, security regulations, and customs allowances. By being informed and planning ahead, travellers can make the most out of their duty-free purchases while ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey through Canadian airports and beyond. Remember, the key to successful duty-free shopping as carry-on baggage is balancing your desires with practicality and compliance with regulations.