Prosecutions and Seizures

Greater Toronto Region

CBSA seizes over $78,000 of undeclared goods at the Toronto Pearson International Airport

Mississauga, Ontario, May 15, 2013 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today the seizure of over $78,000 in undeclared luxury goods at the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

On the evening of April 29, 2013, border services officers referred two travellers for secondary examination. The travellers provided inconsistent information and further examination revealed that they falsely declared their goods. The total value for duty exceeded $78,000. Both travellers were charged under the Customs Act for smuggling, making false statements and the evasion of duties and taxes.

"Undeclared or falsely declared goods can be seized permanently or trigger a penalty to secure their release. Penalties can range from 25 to 80 percent of the value of the goods seized and result in a record of the infraction in CBSA systems," said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of the CBSA in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  "A full and honest declaration and payment of any duty and taxes owed is always the way to go."

Know your personal exemptions, including those for alcohol and tobacco. Declare all purchases made (including duty-free purchases), and have your receipts readily available upon your return to Canada. Prior to arriving in Canada by air, all travellers are provided with a declaration form (Form E311). Be sure to fill it out accurately and keep it in an accessible place until a border services officer asks you for it. Consult the I Declare brochure, available at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please call the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.

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For media information

GTA Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
905-803-2800

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