OTTAWA — After spending the winter in warmer climates, Canadian snowbirds are being reminded of tariffs upon their return home to Canada.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Snowbird Association have released guidelines amid an ongoing trade war with the United States, helping to ensure a smooth return home for those who’ve spent the winter down south.

In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made goods, Canada has imposed a 25% counter tariff on certain U.S. products brought into Canada. The CBSA is collecting the tariffs on behalf of the Government of Canada in the form of a surtax.

This means Canadians may need to pay a surtax (as well as any applicable duties and taxes) on some of the goods they’ve purchased and are bringing back with them from the U.S.

The lists of these products can be found on the Department of Finance website: products surtaxed as of March 4 and the other as of March 13. The surtax is assessed by the CBSA at the port of entry and must be paid before entering Canada.

The CBSA is also reminding residents of Canada that they have personal exemptions that allow them to bring goods, including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes.

For example, if a Canadian resident is away for 48 hours or more, they can claim goods worth up to Can$800 without paying duties or taxes, including the new surtax. The surtax only applies on the amount of goods that exceeds their personal exemption.

Canadian residents are also reminded to have their receipts readily available for any goods they are bringing with them. For goods that exceed their personal exemption limits, they may be required to provide proof of where the goods were made, produced or originated from (proof of origin).

The CBSA encourages all travellers to have their travel documents handy to help speed up processing times, and to follow its travel tips before arriving at the border.

For a complete guide for residents returning to Canada, click here.