CBSA seizes more than $35,000 in undeclared gold jewellery at Ottawa airport

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport seized more than $35,000 worth of undeclared gold jewellery from a traveller arriving from the United Kingdom. The traveller was also issued a penalty exceeding $19,000.

The CBSA is reminding travellers of the importance of declaring goods when entering Canada and following border requirements. Failure to declare items or making false declarations can result in goods being seized and penalties being imposed.

Depending on the type of goods and the circumstances, penalties can range from 25% to 70% of the value of the seized items. Travellers may permanently lose their goods or have to pay a penalty to recover them.

The agency also keeps records of infractions, which may lead to more detailed examinations during future trips and could affect eligibility for programs such as NEXUS and CANPASS.

CBSA advice for travellers carrying jewellery

The CBSA recommends travelling with as little jewellery as possible. Because jewellery can be valuable and difficult to identify, travellers are advised to prepare documentation before leaving Canada to help establish ownership when returning.

The recommended steps include obtaining an appraisal report and signed, dated photographs of each piece from a recognized Canadian gemologist, jeweller or insurance agent. Travellers should also obtain written certification confirming that the jewellery matches the items described in the appraisal.

These documents and photographs should be taken to a CBSA office for validation before travelling abroad. Travellers should also keep sales receipts for jewellery purchased in Canada and copies of import documents for items previously brought into the country.

The CBSA advises travellers to carry the appraisal reports, certification statements and photographs while travelling outside Canada.

Anyone who disagrees with a seizure decision can contact the CBSA to appeal within 90 days of the seizure date. Details about the process are available through the agency’s appeals and reviews service.