The holidays often bring an uptick in cross-border shipments, especially when it comes to sending or receiving gift baskets.
Whether you’re shipping to Canada or the United States, it’s important to understand that even a simple gift basket can raise complex import and customs issues.
Shipping Gift Baskets to Canada
If your gift basket contains food items, it falls under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations. Importers must hold a valid Safe Food for Canadians Licence (SFCR), and the shipment must move through the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) commercial stream — even if the shipment is a gift.
Alcoholic beverages are even more restricted. These can only be cleared through the provincial liquor control boards and are subject to significant duties and excise taxes. If your gift includes wine, beer, or spirits, consider purchasing from a Canadian supplier or having a local retailer fulfill the order on your behalf.
To avoid delays, make sure customs clearance is arranged before shipping, and keep detailed documentation for all items included in the basket. If you’re set on sending a gift basket into Canada, it may be easier to focus on non-food items such as candles, mugs, or kitchen accessories, which are less regulated and less likely to be delayed.
Shipping Gift Baskets to the United States
When sending a gift basket from Canada into the U.S., every item must be properly classified — even if shipped together as a single basket. U.S. Customs requires that all components be declared individually with their Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes.
Some products also require reporting to Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) such as:
- FDA – for food, cosmetics, and related goods
- USDA – for plant- or wood-based materials (including baskets made from plant fibres)
- EPA – for items like paints, aerosols, and certain pens or nail polishes
If your basket includes textile goods, they must clearly display the manufacturer’s name and address.
Be mindful of who the items are being sent to.
For formal entries (shipments valued over US$2,500, or over US$250 for items subject to trade remedies), the consignee’s federal identification number is required — an EIN for companies or an SSN for individuals.
Finally, note that goods subject to trade remedies such as Section 232 (national security tariffs) or Section 301 (China-related tariffs) can trigger higher duties, even on shipments that might otherwise seem straightforward.
The bottom line:
Gift baskets crossing borders aren’t as simple as they look. Always verify import regulations before you ship — or better yet, work with a customs professional who can ensure your thoughtful gift doesn’t get stuck at the border.
For more information, contact Ivy Woo, Manager – Customs Consulting Services.
