Canadian Import Advice Help - Tax was 200%!

[beynonm]

Manitoba tobacco tax rates are charged for different forms of tobbacco (I assume something similar happens in other provinces):

• Raw leaf tobacco - 27.5¢ per gram
• Fine cut tobacco - 45.5¢ per gram
• All other tobacco products - 29.0¢ per gram

Does anyone know if flake and broken flake should technically belong to the “all other tobacco products” category?

When I have been charged tax by border services, it’s been at the higher “fine cut tobacco” rate.

(According to the Manitoba Law website:
"fine cut tobacco"means refined loose tobacco that can be formed into a cigarette).

 

[rokerdepipe]

This is helpful!
Thanks!

It’s almost that time of year where I have to start updating the tables for 2025 as the individual provincial tobacco tax information comes out across Canada.

 

[beynonm]

You've about nailed what is going on. And you've wrappted it up in the two paragraphs I copied from your post.

"I was moderately consoled when I realised this was still less in total than I would have paid to purchase it from a local tobacconist."

"Also, I’ve heard it’s a good idea for Canadians to place separate orders for tobacco products on the one hand, and pipes (and other equipment) on the other. Otherwise you run the risk (so I’m told) of getting charged tobacco duty on the pipes as well!"

My suggestion is to buy from cigarchief.com in Ontario; they are a fine native run mail order tobacconist on reserve, have a product selection suitable for pensioners like me, students, and those of modest income; buy a bag of Smoker's Pride Vanillla or Cherry Cavendish ($75 Canadian for a 14 oz bag, and it's good stuff both for starters and seasoned alike), get yourself a couple or three corn cob pipes to rotate (I'd suggest buying them from your local tobacconist to keep them in business) and go from there. Most online have no experience with what we Canadians face (and Australians, and others - they're in the same boat) either in tobacco prices /andor government issues

I had a very similar (almost identical in fact - charged tobacco taxes for a pipe as well) and eventually swallowed it and gave up. My time is worth more than the time it would take to deal with our incompetent bureauocracy. (never could spel that werd). Period.

Best of luck and don't quit the hobby after the initial dose of reality. You'll find a way.

Thanks for the tips and the encouragement Gord!

Yes, I’ve ordered from tobacco chief as well—they are our best bet for sure, although they seem to sell out very quickly of the stuff I like best.

I’ve got a few cavendish-based aromatic blends, but I’m finding myself leaning away from them a bit.

At this point in my journey, I seem to be preferring Virgina-based—so I’ve looked at (but shied away from) the Smokers Pride options, but thanks for the recommendation!

I recently received 2x100g tins of Rattrays Hal O the Wynd (my current favourite) with no duty charged—even though they opened it at the border!

I just ordered 2 more tins and they’re dinging me $169.
Guess it’s hit or miss.

 

[beynonm]

You've about nailed what is going on. And you've wrappted it up in the two paragraphs I copied from your post.

"I was moderately consoled when I realised this was still less in total than I would have paid to purchase it from a local tobacconist."

"Also, I’ve heard it’s a good idea for Canadians to place separate orders for tobacco products on the one hand, and pipes (and other equipment) on the other. Otherwise you run the risk (so I’m told) of getting charged tobacco duty on the pipes as well!" (Gord's Comment: THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY)

My suggestion is to buy from cigarchief.com in Ontario; they are a fine native run mail order tobacconist on reserve, have a product selection suitable for pensioners like me, students, and those of modest income; buy a bag of Smoker's Pride Vanillla or Cherry Cavendish ($75 Canadian for a 14 oz bag, and it's good stuff both for starters and seasoned alike), get yourself a couple or three corn cob pipes to rotate (I'd suggest buying them from your local tobacconist to keep them in business) and go from there. Most online have no experience with what we Canadians face (and Australians, and others - they're in the same boat) either in tobacco prices /andor government issues

I had a very similar (almost identical in fact - charged tobacco taxes for a pipe as well) and eventually swallowed it and gave up. My time is worth more than the time it would take to deal with our incompetent bureauocracy. (never could spel that werd). Period.

Best of luck and don't quit the hobby after the initial dose of reality. You'll find a way.

PS - I still do buy from US Sources, and hope you will, too) - but very selectively and only for specialty tobaccos. If you order a pipe, make sure you order it separately or you will be nailed. Once you're on the data base of the government in Canada (our postal service is national) I guarantee you will have every package of yours scanned. If you do buy certain tobaccos from the US, and I hope you do because our selection is not great, you'll at least know in advance what will be the price to pay the piper.

“If you order a pipe, make sure you order it separately or you will be nailed.”
I learned this one the hard way too. Thanks Gord!

 

[gord]

Manitoba tobacco tax rates are charged for different forms of tobbacco (I assume something similar happens in other provinces):

• Raw leaf tobacco - 27.5¢ per gram
• Fine cut tobacco - 45.5¢ per gram
• All other tobacco products - 29.0¢ per gram

Does anyone know if flake and broken flake should technically belong to the “all other tobacco products” category?

When I have been charged tax by border services, it’s been at the higher “fine cut tobacco” rate.

(According to the Manitoba Law website:
"fine cut tobacco"means refined loose tobacco that can be formed into a cigarette).

No. Each province is different. Alberta is the lowest as far as I know. BC is the highest as far as I know. Native sources are exempt as far as I know. WHAT I DO KNOW IS, AT THIS POINT IN TIME, INTRA-PROVINCIAL SHIPPING IS NOT ALLOWED EXCEPT THROUGH NATIVE SOURCES. Use them. They are true and very special Canadians.

 

[gord]

Thanks for the tips and the encouragement Gord!

Yes, I’ve ordered from tobacco chief as well—they are our best bet for sure, although they seem to sell out very quickly of the stuff I like best.

I’ve got a few cavendish-based aromatic blends, but I’m finding myself leaning away from them a bit.

At this point in my journey, I seem to be preferring Virgina-based—so I’ve looked at (but shied away from) the Smokers Pride options, but thanks for the recommendation!

I recently received 2x100g tins of Rattrays Hal O the Wynd (my current favourite) with no duty charged—even though they opened it at the border!

I just ordered 2 more tins and they’re dinging me $169.
Guess it’s hit or miss.

If they are sold out of something, click on the waiting list, a popup you will get if you press the product button which is a double click on "amount of product" or something like that. You will be notfied by email immediately that it is in. Have to act quickly though. You're name is then removed from the waiting list.

I should note that our American friends can also order from them, but US prices are still much lower, except for certain cigars.

 

[beynonm]

No. Each province is different. Alberta is the lowest as far as I know. BC is the highest as far as I know. Native sources are exempt as far as I know. WHAT I DO KNOW IS, AT THIS POINT IN TIME, INTRA-PROVINCIAL SHIPPING IS NOT ALLOWED EXCEPT THROUGH NATIVE SOURCES. Use them. They are true and very special Canadians.

“They are true and very special Canadians.”
Agreed!

 

[Sea Lord]

I checked out of curiosity last night, and they've almost been completely drained of product. What is interesting though, is two restocked itens. A tin of Carter Hall (14 oz) has increased from $102 and change to $!96.26, and a tin of Prince Albert has gone from $102 and change to $196.26.

I saw that as well. The worst is, even after the dramatic increase to $196, those tubs are still a deal because it makes each 50g (let`s call it 8 of them in total, for 14oz) cost $24.50.

 

[geoffs]

In an odd way Canadian tobacco tax is a terribly regressive tax. If you travel frequently to the US, or you have friends or family who do, you can keep quite well stocked through your personal travel exemptions. 50 cigars and 7 oz of tobacco each time... x2 if you have a travel companion. Let's just say my buddies who travel frequently to their Florida condos don't have to worry about Canadian tobacco tax. Those not lucky (or wealthy) enough to travel frequently are forced to pay the higher prices.
Unintended consequences of the things that are done to "protect" us......

 

[beynonm]

In an odd way Canadian tobacco tax is a terribly regressive tax. If you travel frequently to the US, or you have friends or family who do, you can keep quite well stocked through your personal travel exemptions. 50 cigars and 7 oz of tobacco each time... x2 if you have a travel companion. Let's just say my buddies who travel frequently to their Florida condos don't have to worry about Canadian tobacco tax. Those not lucky (or wealthy) enough to travel frequently are forced to pay the higher prices.
Unintended consequences of the things that are done to "protect" us......

Our government takes their responsibility for the health and well-being of less privileged Canadians very seriously.
They must figure the more affluent are smart enough to know what’s best for themselves.

 

[gord]

Our government takes their responsibility for the health and well-being of less privileged Canadians very seriously.
They must figure the more affluent are smart enough to know what’s best for themselves.

I guess that's why me, a pensioner, has been waited a year to get to see a specialist to find out if I had a hernia which I was right there to see, and have been waiting six months for a hospital appointment to get it done? No, I don't think so.

I gave up prescription medicines eight years ago, researched alternatives, and my numbers from my strokes are waaayyy better, I've fired my doctors, and I've never felt better in my life.

And that's just the medical system. Eat good food, take care of yourself, and smoke a pipe. Better than RX imho.

 

[beynonm]

I guess that's why me, a pensioner, has been waited a year to get to see a specialist to find out if I had a hernia which I was right there to see, and have been waiting six months for a hospital appointment to get it done? No, I don't think so.

Sorry to hear that Gord. Unfortunately, your experience is pretty consistent with what I hear from friends and family across the country.

I’m only in my late 50s & still able to work—at least for a few years, God-willing.
I’m not very optimistic that our situation won’t have deteriorated further by the time I’m in your shoes.

 

[Canadian Piper]

For those in Canada I was happy when on Sept 1, 2025, the Federal Government removed the 25% reciprocal tariff, except for steel, aluminum and auto, on items imported to Canada from the USA.

In trying to determine exactly what I would be charged by Canada Customs when importing a smoking pipe from the USA, I found below site that I found very helpful. Sharing as others may find same.

From what I can gather, importing a briar pipe (stand-alone order; does NOT include any tobacco) incurs zero duty and zero surtax. After conversion, the CND $ value of the smoking pipe is subject to HST, which will be charged and collected by the delivery service.

As a Canadian I found GQ Tobacco in the UK to have a great on-line pipe selection and our UKT trade agreement with the UK includes duty free import of smoking pipes. Their shipping cost was very reasonable and fast as well.

It's unfortunate Canada doesn't have the market or buying power of some other countries, which I believe limits the selection of available pipes. As example, my local B&M carries some Petersons, but was unable to order in the Deluxe System XL5S, yet it is readily available on SP.com from the US. This is going to be my "test" import post Sept 1 from USA...fingers crossed.

Find the tariff applicable for your product | Canada Tariff Finder

Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian importers and exporters to check tariffs for specific goods and markets (focus on countries in a Free Trade Agreement with Canada).

www.tariffinder.ca

 

[seanv]

For those in Canada I was happy when on Sept 1, 2025, the Federal Government removed the 25% reciprocal tariff, except for steel, aluminum and auto, on items imported to Canada from the USA.

In trying to determine exactly what I would be charged by Canada Customs when importing a smoking pipe from the USA, I found below site that I found very helpful. Sharing as others may find same.

From what I can gather, importing a briar pipe (stand-alone order; does NOT include any tobacco) incurs zero duty and zero surtax. After conversion, the CND $ value of the smoking pipe is subject to HST, which will be charged and collected by the delivery service.

As a Canadian I found GQ Tobacco in the UK to have a great on-line pipe selection and our UKT trade agreement with the UK includes duty free import of smoking pipes. Their shipping cost was very reasonable and fast as well.

It's unfortunate Canada doesn't have the market or buying power of some other countries, which I believe limits the selection of available pipes. As example, my local B&M carries some Petersons, but was unable to order in the Deluxe System XL5S, yet it is readily available on SP.com from the US. This is going to be my "test" import post Sept 1 from USA...fingers crossed.

Find the tariff applicable for your product | Canada Tariff Finder

Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian importers and exporters to check tariffs for specific goods and markets (focus on countries in a Free Trade Agreement with Canada).

www.tariffinder.ca

I've ordered 3 pipes in the last 2 months. Duty applied to both boxes.

1 box containing 1 pipe. Value $145 USD
Duty
$0.00
Excise tax
$0.00
GST/HST
$9.30
PST
$0.00
Handling fee Info
$9.95
Total Paid
$19.25

1 box containing 2 pipes. Value also $145 USD
Duty
$13.07
Excise tax
$0.00
GST/HST
$9.99
PST
$0.00
Handling fee Info
$9.95
Total Paid
$33.01

 

[Canadian Piper]

I've ordered 3 pipes in the last 2 months. Duty applied to both boxes.

1 box containing 1 pipe. Value $145 USD
Duty
$0.00
Excise tax
$0.00
GST/HST
$9.30
PST
$0.00
Handling fee Info
$9.95
Total Paid
$19.25

1 box containing 2 pipes. Value also $145 USD
Duty
$13.07
Excise tax
$0.00
GST/HST
$9.99
PST
$0.00
Handling fee Info
$9.95
Total Paid
$33.01

Thanks for sharing. I’ll post how I make out upon delivery.

 

[andrew]

Just a heads up to Canadians keep am eye on the tobacco for sale section here, there's some crazy good deals, one right now, in canada no customs worry.

 

[elvishrunes]

I’ve been getting hit with an average of 30 bucks Canadian per pipe for the last couple years, not that bad, I just pay it. But if it doesn’t line up to the book, you can always file a dispute with customs, and return it to them, takes time tho. Import taxes are partially a scam not based on paper, just the whim of the agent at the time, all over the map…

 

[Cubatogo]

In an odd way Canadian tobacco tax is a terribly regressive tax. If you travel frequently to the US, or you have friends or family who do, you can keep quite well stocked through your personal travel exemptions. 50 cigars and 7 oz of tobacco each time... x2 if you have a travel companion. Let's just say my buddies who travel frequently to their Florida condos don't have to worry about Canadian tobacco tax. Those not lucky (or wealthy) enough to travel frequently are forced to pay the higher prices.
Unintended consequences of the things that are done to "protect" us......

It appears CBSA has changed the rules slightly…whereas before, after 48 hours you could import duty free 50 cigars AND 200 grams of pipe ( manufactured) tobacco…the new rules state 50 cigars OR 200 grams on pipe ( manufactured) tobacco but not both. Slight nuance that could cost you bigly….please correct me if I’m interpreting this wrong…

 

[Canadian Piper]

For those in Canada I was happy when on Sept 1, 2025, the Federal Government removed the 25% reciprocal tariff, except for steel, aluminum and auto, on items imported to Canada from the USA.

In trying to determine exactly what I would be charged by Canada Customs when importing a smoking pipe from the USA, I found below site that I found very helpful. Sharing as others may find same.

From what I can gather, importing a briar pipe (stand-alone order; does NOT include any tobacco) incurs zero duty and zero surtax. After conversion, the CND $ value of the smoking pipe is subject to HST, which will be charged and collected by the delivery service.

As a Canadian I found GQ Tobacco in the UK to have a great on-line pipe selection and our UKT trade agreement with the UK includes duty free import of smoking pipes. Their shipping cost was very reasonable and fast as well.

It's unfortunate Canada doesn't have the market or buying power of some other countries, which I believe limits the selection of available pipes. As example, my local B&M carries some Petersons, but was unable to order in the Deluxe System XL5S, yet it is readily available on SP.com from the US. This is going to be my "test" import post Sept 1 from USA...fingers crossed.

Find the tariff applicable for your product | Canada Tariff Finder

Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian importers and exporters to check tariffs for specific goods and markets (focus on countries in a Free Trade Agreement with Canada).

www.tariffinder.ca

UPDATE: Happy to report that on three imports to Canada of smoking pipes (no tobacco) there was no Duty. Only charge on import was HST (to Ontario). Imported Meer from Turkey and briar from Ireland (SP.eu) and GB (GQtobaccos).

 

[rokerdepipe]

From the interwebs….:

There are no recent, broad changes to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) duty-free allowances for tobacco products for travellers returning to Canada, as of September 2025. Travellers can still bring the standard duty-free amounts, such as 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, as part of their personal exemption, provided the products are stamped "duty paid Canada droit acquitté" or you pay special duties on unstamped products. However, a new surtax announced in April 2025 applies to certain U.S. goods that exceed personal exemptions, but this does not directly impact tobacco import regulations for travellers.

Personal Exemptions for Tobacco
If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more, you can bring the following duty-free amounts of tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks.

Special Duty on Stamped vs. Unstamped Products

• "Duty paid Canada droit acquitté" Stamp:
  Tobacco sold at duty-free shops or Canadian-made products with this mark are exempt from duty and taxes within your personal exemption.
• Unstamped Products:
  If you bring in unstamped tobacco, you will be assessed a special duty rate on the entire amount claimed as part of your exemption, not just the excess over the limit.