What Cannot Be Shipped Internationally
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. conducts a prohibited items briefing before every international move from Canada to the USA. This guide covers every category of prohibited and restricted item.
Six Categories of Prohibited & Restricted Items
These categories cannot be packed in your international moving shipment or must meet special conditions before shipping.
Hazardous Materials
Propane/butane cylinders, flammable liquids (petrol, lighter fluid, paint thinner), aerosol cans, bleach, pool chemicals, acids, fertilisers, pesticides. Fire extinguishers must be emptied and certified safe before shipping.
Firearms & Weapons
Firearms require ATF import permits and comply with US federal and state law. Ammunition is prohibited on all international ocean and air freight. Tasers, stun guns, and certain blades vary by US destination state.
Perishables & Plants
Fresh fruit and vegetables are prohibited entry into the USA. Meat, poultry, and dairy are subject to USDA restrictions. Live plants and seeds require USDA APHIS phytosanitary certification. Soil and potting mix is restricted.
Alcohol & Tobacco
Alcohol above the CBP duty-free allowance (1 litre per adult) is subject to US import duty and state alcohol laws. Large quantities may require a state permit. Tobacco above CBP limits is dutiable.
Consequences — What Happens When a Prohibited Item Is Found
Prohibited items discovered at the Canadian or US border are seized. Prevention is far less costly than seizure.
Found by CBSA — Leaving Canada
- Item is seized or returned to you before departure
- Shipment may be delayed for full CBSA inspection
- A CBSA administrative penalty may be issued
- Customs documentation must be amended and re-filed
- In serious cases, criminal proceedings may follow
Found by US CBP — Entering USA
- Item is seized — not returned to Canada
- Shipment held pending full US CBP inspection
- US import duties or monetary penalties may apply
- Legal consequences for certain categories (firearms, controlled substances)
- Future import privileges may be affected
Items That Need Special Handling — Not Prohibited, But Require Preparation
These items can be shipped internationally but require advance preparation, specialist packing, or additional documentation. Identify them to your Enveo coordinator at the survey stage.
Key Points
- Pianos & organs — require specialist disassembly and climate-controlled transport
- Pool tables — full disassembly required; slate beds need individual crating
- Antiques & fine art — condition reports, custom crating, and declared values required
- Motor vehicles — drained fuel, removed batteries, EPA/DOT forms, and bill of sale
- Gas appliances — must be disconnected and certified by a licensed technician
- Refrigerators — defrost and dry at least 48 hours before loading
- Prescription medications — carry personally in original pharmacy packaging
- Musical instruments — padded, crated, and routed with climate awareness
Special items packing photo
Enveo packing team review
Enveo's Prohibited Items Process — How We Protect Your Move
Every Enveo move includes a prohibited items briefing. Our crews are trained to identify and flag restricted items before loading.
- Pre-move prohibited items briefing conducted with every client
- Packing crew trained to identify and set aside restricted items on packing day
- CBSA export declaration accurately declares all goods — no hidden items
- Firearms, controlled goods, and currency handled under separate protocols
- Written prohibited items confirmation included in your move documentation
- Any item in question flagged to you before the truck departs
Frequently Asked Questions — Prohibited & Restricted Items
How much does it cost to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
You can ship personal use alcohol up to the CBP duty-free allowance of 1 litre per adult. Quantities above this are subject to US import duty and may require compliance with destination state alcohol laws. Large collections should be discussed with your Enveo coordinator before packing day.
Will I pay US customs duty on my household goods moving from Canada?
Items that cannot be shipped should be sold, donated, or disposed of before packing day. For valuable collections (wine, firearms, certain plants), Enveo can advise on legal alternatives — including shipping firearms through a licensed US FFL dealer.
How long does it take to move household goods from Canada to the USA?
No. Prescription medications should always travel with you personally in their original pharmacy packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Quantities exceeding a 90-day supply may be questioned at the US border. Never pack medications in your household goods shipment.
What items cannot be shipped from Canada to the USA with household goods?
Cannabis and cannabis products are federally prohibited in the USA regardless of Canadian legal status. They cannot be included in any international moving shipment crossing the Canada–US border. Enveo will flag this in your prohibited items briefing.
Do I need to be in the USA when my household goods are delivered?
Enveo conducts a pre-move prohibited items briefing with every client. Our packing crew is trained to identify and set aside any item that appears restricted. Any item in question is flagged to you before the truck departs — the decision to declare, remove, or arrange alternative shipping is always yours.
Can Enveo store my household goods in Canada before they are shipped to the USA?
Ready to Move Your Household Goods from Canada to the USA?
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. provides fully managed household goods moving services from Canada to all 50 US states. Professional packing, cross-border customs clearance, ocean or ground freight, and door-to-door delivery — all under one all-inclusive contract. Contact us today for your free no-obligation quote.
Call Enveo at +1 587-358-2992 — serving Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and all major Canadian cities to all 50 US states.