Overview: Effective Sept 8, a new import restriction prohibits the export of retail-sized alcohol packaging from Canada to the United States. The measure targets over 30 product categories, including spirits like whisky, vodka, and gin, alongside beer and wine varieties. This action follows retaliatory trade measures taken by Canadian officials against nearly $28 billion in U.S. imports.
The Full Story
Trump’s ban bars Canadian exports of more than 30 different alcohol products including packaged beer, sparkling wine, table wines, cider, sake and spirits such as whiskies, vodka and gin. It also barred different whey products, some types of molasses, non-alcoholic beer and some motorcycles. The ban targets retail-sized packaging of alcohol with exemptions for bulk shipments.
On Sept 29, a truck carrying over 1,000 bottles of spirits was denied entry into the U.S. by border officials at the St. Stephen-Calais crossing between New Brunswick and Maine, despite the driver holding a U.S. customs permit. Border officials said then the cargo violated the recently-implemented import restrictions. Most probably, the bottles will be seized and destroyed, with severity depending on declaration status.
International trade lawyer Rambod Behboodi stated that the approach should be to minimize hassle and not take any alcohol with you. The Canadian Snowbird Association advised travellers to keep the ban in mind when crossing the border and to check their vehicles, RVs and luggage. Most Canadian provinces excluding Alberta and Saskatchewan have instituted their own ban on retail stores selling U.S. alcohol.
Brand & Industry History
Canada and the United States have been embroiled in a protracted tariff war after trade talks broke down in late August. On Aug. 21, Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on $28 billion of Canadian goods. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Sept. 29 that trade talks aren’t currently underway, but officials from both countries are still in contact.
What This Means
Regardless of political climate, it’s never worth attempting to flout the law and less so for a bottle of alcohol. The basic rule of thumb is expect stricter, stronger enforcement at the border. An officer may believe that a traveller is acting in good faith if they can prove that a bottle was accidentally brought to the border, but would not actively take a product that is prohibited in the hope that there is a customs officer who will look the other way.
Consumer Takeaway
All food, agricultural products and alcohol must be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If it’s above limits, then duty and taxes that are applicable apply. Travellers purchasing and bringing their own supplies of American-made alcohol into Canada can expect this is OK within limits.
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