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How to Complete a Traveller Declaration Card
(TDC)
(Canadian Residents Only)
- Each NEXUS member entering Canada at a land border crossing must complete a TDC card to import anything that has been purchased or acquired while outside Canada. Everything you buy or acquire on each trip outside Canada must be declared on a TDC if you wish to use the NEXUS highway lane.
- Each CANPASS Air and NEXUS member arriving in Canada by commercial airline who has exceeded the personal exemption as stated on the E311 card must complete a TDC (if you have not accepted TDC privileges you must see a cashier to pay any overages). Only Canadian residents can use TDCs. Personal exemption allowances are listed at the end of these instructions.
- Each FAST and Commercial Driver Registration Program Driver may also use a TDC when entering Canada at a land border.
You cannot use a TDC if…
You cannot use a TDC if you are bringing back any of the following items. You must use a regular lane when entering at a land border crossing and select the cashier option at the kiosk when arriving by commercial airline.
- cigars (non-duty paid)
- cigarettes (non-duty paid)
- cigarillos
- tobacco sticks
- watches (of more than $50 in value)
- jewellery
How to obtain a TDC
If you wish to have TDC privileges, please visit a NEXUS enrolment centre and a TDC book will be provided to you.
Completing a TDC
Tips and tools
I Declare
For more information concerning your personal exemptions
See the tariff guide stapled to the inside cover of your book to determine the category(ies) for the goods you are importing. If the goods you are bringing back are not listed on the tariff guide, you can identify them as Category 4, "Miscellaneous goods not elsewhere specified." This does not apply to restricted or prohibited goods.
- Make sure the serial number on the front cover matches the serial number on each of the TDC cards in the booklet.
- If the bar code on any page is illegible or marked, please do not use that page.
- Only use a blue or black ink pen. Do not use a pencil, or red or green ink pens. If you make a mistake on the card, please do not try to fix it. A computer reads all TDC cards and scans everything. To ensure accuracy, please complete a new card.
Exemption only - In this field indicate how long you have been out of Canada. You must be away for the full length of time indicated to be eligible for the exemption you are claiming. If you have been away for less than 24 hours, simply leave the “Exemption” circles blank. You cannot combine exemptions.
The goods are valued in - In this field indicate whether the goods you are bringing back are valued in U.S. or Canadian dollars. You may not shade both.
The goods were made in - In this field indicate where the majority of the goods you are importing are from (based on dollar value). For example, if you are importing $100 worth of merchandise and $51 or more of these goods are made in the U.S. and/or Canada, shade the U.S. circle. However if $51 or more of the goods are made elsewhere, you must shade "other."
Dollar Value - In this field indicate the total value of the goods for each applicable category and shade the corresponding circles rounding them up or down to the nearest $5. For example, if you are bringing back $38 worth of groceries simply write $38 on the line beside "Category 3" (Basic Groceries) and shade the "40" circle on the same line.
- For alcohol and tobacco, state the dollar value and quantity, and shade the corresponding circles for both. You have to meet the age requirements set by the province where you enter Canada to import these goods.
- Sign and date the card. Tear off the blue copy, and deposit it in the drop box. You must have the card completed before arriving at the drop box. The yellow copy of the card is yours to keep for your records. (We recommend that you keep your receipts with the yellow copy.)
Notes
- In most cases, the CBSA considers any foreign sales tax added to, or included in the price, to be part of the value.
- You may reside in a province that does not have harmonized sales tax. If so, use Category 6 to declare the total dollar value of provincial sales tax-exempt goods after you have declared them in the appropriate category(ies). For example, if you buy a $50 adult shirt and a PST-exempt $50 children's shirt, you declare $100 in Category 2 (Clothing) and the $50 PST-exempt total in Category 6.
