Import a controlled good
We control the import of certain goods to support domestic industries, manage trade commitments, protect public safety and meet international obligations.
Whether you need an import permit depends on what you are importing, how it is used and how it enters Canada.
Preferential tariff quotas
Some imports are controlled because Canada has negotiated, through trade agreements, to allow a set quantity of certain goods to be imported to specific destinations at a lower (preferential) rate of duty (tariff rate) charged by the importing country. These quotas can be called tariff rate quotas (TRQs), origin quotas (OQs) and tariff preference levels (TPLs).
The same product can be covered by more than one quota, depending on where it originated. Each quota may have its own rules, application process and allocation method.
Supply-managed tariff rate quotas
Some agricultural products are subject to TRQs because Canada manages domestic production and supply levels.
These TRQs allow limited imports while supporting Canadian producers and fulfilling trade commitments. Importers normally apply for quota allocations in advance and must meet eligibility requirements.
Supply managed products include:
- Dairy products
- Poultry and related products
Other available quotas
Some products are subject to other quotas for trade management reasons but are not part of Canada’s supply-managed system.
They may be controlled for monitoring or other strategic reasons and have different eligibility rules and permit requirements.
Arms and munitions
We control the import of arms and munitions into Canada. These items are controlled as they may pose national security, public safety, or proliferation risks, and to adhere to international treaty obligations.
These goods may include:
- All handguns, firearms and related goods
- Military and strategic goods (weapons of war) such as bombs, torpedoes, rockets and guided or unguided missiles and all components
- Chemical and biological weapons, and their chemical precursors
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