Two Canadian residents paid a hefty penalty for the return of their vehicle after making false statements to Canada border services officers (BSOs) at the Lansdowne (Thousand Islands) port of entry on April 21, 2015.
The pair claimed to be driving a vehicle registered in the U.S. belonging to their brother after their own vehicle had broken down. During a secondary examination, BSOs determined that the ownership of the U.S. vehicle, valued at Can$26,150, had been transferred to the pair and they were the owners of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle was seized for failing to properly import a vehicle into Canada.
The individuals paid a $14,382.50 penalty for the return of the vehicle. If they had made a truthful declaration, they would have paid $1,307.50 in goods and services tax and $2,902 in provincial sales tax.
Quick Facts
- If you do not declare goods, or if you falsely declare them, BSOs can seize them. This means that you may lose the goods permanently or may have to pay a penalty ranging from 25% to 80% of the value of the seized items to get them back.
- A record of infractions is kept in the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) computer system. If you have an infraction record, you may have to undergo a more detailed examination on future trips.
- Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
Quote
“The CBSA reminds travellers to truthfully declare all purchases and goods received outside of Canada upon their return. Smuggling, undervaluation and other Customs Act offences may lead to seizure and/or prosecution in a court of law and/or penalties that usually exceed the amount of duties and taxes payable had a full declaration been made.”
Lance Markell, CBSA St. Lawrence District Director
Associated Links
Paying duties and taxes
Importing a vehicle into Canada
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Chris Kealey
Canada Border Services Agency
613-991-5197
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