Tips for crossing the U.S. border for Black Friday deals

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has a few reminders for residents planning on crossing the border into the states for Black Friday deals.

Travellers should be mindful of border wait times and are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours.

Early mornings are usually less busy, while the Mondays of holiday long weekends tend to attract the most traffic and have longer border wait times.

It is also important to be knowledgeable of exemption limits. Returning residents planning to make purchases or pick up online purchases across the border should be aware of their personal exemption limits

The CBSA duty and taxes estimator can be used to calculate taxes on goods purchased in the United States and to help make informed decisions when shopping abroad.

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Transporting cannabis products across the border continues to be a main issue. Doing so remains a serious criminal offense subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada.

Residents are required to have a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada and a medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.

And because of the highly pathogenic avian influenza currently affecting products, there are restrictions on imports of raw poultry or poultry by-products.

Canada Border Services does not recommend the importation of raw turkey, eggs, and/or chicken products.

For more information, visit the CBSA website or call 1-800-461-9999.