Shopping in the U.S.? You might need to pay more coming home | CBC News

That quick trip across the border you had planned to pick up groceries at Meijer or clothes from Target might now cost you significantly more when you return to Canada.

The Canada Border Services Agency has begun implementing a 25 per cent tariff, or surtax, on a long list of goods from the U.S. in response to the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs against Canadian imports.

“These countermeasures will apply to commercial shipments, goods imported by mail or courier, and goods imported by individual travellers above their personal exemptions,” said Rebecca Purdy, a senior spokesperson for the CBSA.  

“Surtaxes will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its trade-restrictive measures against Canada.”

Items subject to the surtax range from common groceries to cosmetics, clothing and alcohol. 

Personal exemptions for travellers vary depending on how long they’ve been out of the country. For instance, those who have been away for more than 24 hours can bring back up to $200 worth of goods, duty free — but that doesn’t include alcohol or tobacco. 

The list of exemptions and limits can be found here. 

Regardless of exemptions, travellers need to declare all U.S. goods they’re bringing into Canada, the CBSA said. 

Those bringing goods into the country themselves need to pay any duty or surtax at the port of entry, the agency said, while “individuals shipping goods through the mail or courier will pay upon delivery.”

“Travellers can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with their travel documents and receipts in hand prior to arriving at the border,” the CBSA said. “They may also consider completing an Advance Declaration prior to their arrival at the airport. Travellers are encouraged to check border wait times before they leave and plan their journey accordingly.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the countermeasures targeting an initial $30 billion worth of American imports on Tuesday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs against all Canadian goods. 

However, Trump on Wednesday announced a one-month reprieve for the deeply integrated auto sector after speaking with manufacturers and Trudeau. 

In its statement, the CBSA seemed to acknowledge the fluid nature of negotiations.

“The CBSA works in an operating environment that changes on a daily basis and we are ready to respond and adapt as needed,” the agency said.