People entering Canada with household effects may need detailed lists of goods arriving now and goods arriving later. Eligibility and relief depend on immigration/residency circumstances, so use current Canada Border Services Agency guidance for your status.

Separate the lists

Create one inventory for goods accompanying you and another for goods to follow. Group items logically but give enough description, quantity, value in Canadian dollars and serial numbers for higher-value goods. Link each entry to box or shipment numbers.

CBSA form requirements and accepted formats can change. Check whether form BSF186/BSF186A or another process applies before travel.

Evidence

Keep passport/status documents, ownership/use evidence where relevant, shipping papers and inventories accessible. Photographs and serial numbers can support identification but do not replace required declarations.

Different arrival statuses

Settlers, former residents, seasonal residents and temporary residents may have different rules. Do not copy another traveller’s list without checking your category, absence period and item eligibility.

FAQs

Which belongings go on goods to follow?

Every household effect that will arrive in a later shipment and for which the process requires declaration, described and valued accurately.

Do returning residents and new arrivals follow identical rules?

No. Check the CBSA category and conditions that match your status.

Suggested component

Use a Canada Household-Goods List Builder that exports an inventory draft but directs users to CBSA for the official form and eligibility.

Related guides

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