Duty free shops (2024)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) licenses dutyfree operators, which sell goods to travellers who are about to leave Canada. Dutyfree shops are located at 52 land border and international airport locations across Canada. They sell goods free of certain duty and taxes normally levied on goods sold inCanada.

Dutyfree shops at international airports have been in existence since the s followed by the expansion to land border locations in .

How they work

Dutyfree shops are intended only for customers who are about to leave Canada. Goods purchased at a dutyfree shop must be immediately exported. Apart from selling duty- and tax-free goods, these shops also provide information on duty-free exemption limits for travellers to the United States and for returning residents of Canada.

The CBSA oversees the licensing of dutyfree shops, primarily to ensure duty-free goods are properly accounted for and exported. The CBSA also monitors dutyfree shops to ensure they comply with government requirements and maintains related regulations and policies.

Related documents

Regulations

D-memorandum

Forms

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Duty free shops (2024)

FAQs

What is a duty-free shop? ›

What Does Duty-Free Shopping Mean? Duty-free shopping means shopping without paying duties or taxes. In anywhere you shop, you always pay duties through the things you purchase. At duty-free stores, you can buy the products a lot cheaper.

Can US citizens shop at duty-free? ›

Some countries allow arriving international travelers to use duty-free shops before leaving the airport, but the U.S. does not. Returning U.S. travelers can buy duty-free only at foreign departure airports.

Why are duty-free shops so cheap? ›

When you purchase duty-free, you do not pay those specific taxes, hence the product being cheaper.

Which duty-free is the cheapest? ›

The Points Guy found that overall, the cheapest international airports for duty-free shopping are the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Singapore Changi Airport and the Owen Roberts International Airport in the Cayman Islands.

Is duty-free usually cheaper? ›

Although the tax-free benefit sounds appealing, not every duty-free item is a good deal. The general consensus is that heavily taxed items such as cigarettes and alcohol bring the highest level of savings. The airport can also be a great place to buy luxury items and designer goods.

Who owns duty-free America? ›

Brothers Simon, Jerome and Leon Falic purchased Duty Free Americas in 2001, which has more than 180 stores, according to its website. They also own the distribution license for the Perry Ellis brand of fragrances and cosmetics, the Independent reported in 2015.

How does duty-free work for Americans? ›

Therefore, if you buy something in a duty free shop, you're not paying taxes on it in the country you purchased it. But in some cases, the products could cost more depending on geography (where the duty free store is located) and currency exchange rates.

How much is duty-free for US citizens? ›

In brief, for both alcohol and cigarettes, the quantities eligible for duty-free treatment may be included in your $800 or $1,600 returning resident personal exemption, just as any other purchase should be.

What items are considered duty-free? ›

Duty-free stores are typically located in international terminals, though regular terminals with international flights may also offer duty-free options. Travelers can buy a range of luxury items at these stores, including food, alcohol, tobacco, accessories, fragrances and beauty products.

Where are most duty free shops found? ›

Duty-free shops are often found in the international zone of international airports, sea ports, and train stations but goods can also be bought duty-free on board airplanes and passenger ships.

Do I declare duty-free items? ›

Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the United States. This includes gifts and duty-free purchases. Goods purchased in a duty-free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the United States.

Is duty-free after security? ›

World Duty Free is a Dufry company and it operates many stores in airports all over the world. Vist the Store Locations page for more details. When you reach the airport our duty and tax free stores are typically located after security in the departure lounge or en-route to the gates.

What's best to buy duty-free? ›

What to buy or avoid largely depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. “Liquor and tobacco often provide the best value for money in duty-free shops, as these products tend to have significant price differences versus other stores,” says Safutdinova.

What is the biggest duty-free? ›

Haikou International Duty-Free City Shopping Complex, is the world's biggest stand-alone duty-free store in terms of physical size. Located in Haikou, Hainan, China, the buildings have a total area of 280,000 square meters. Aelia Duty Free – a brand of Lagardère Travel Retail. Comturist – a chain of duty-free stores.

Which country has the cheapest duty-free alcohol? ›

Kiev, Ukraine: The Kiev Borispol International Airport is known for having some of the cheapest duty-free liquor prices in the world. Madrid, Spain: The Madrid Barajas International Airport is another great option for duty-free liquor shopping.

Do you have to declare duty-free at US Customs? ›

All items you receive as gifts while abroad and items you buy to give as gifts must be declared. Gifts may be included in the value of your duty-free personal exemption. Gifts for business or commercial purposes may not be included in your duty-free personal exemption.

Can you bring duty-free through security? ›

You may carry duty free liquids in secure, tamper–evident bags, more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if: The duty free liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.

Is there a limit to how much I can buy in duty-free? ›

As a private individual, there are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when travelling between EU countries as long as the products purchased are for your own use and not for resale. These maximum amounts must be at least : 800 cigarettes. 400 cigarillos (cigars weighing maximum 3 grams each).

Can you pick up duty-free on return? ›

Shopping bag allowance

Spotted something you can't resist? Our Shop Now Collect on Return service means you can buy duty free products before you fly without having to struggle with the extra bags. Simply collect your shopping on your return journey, absolutely free.

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