OTTAWA, The Frontier Duty Free Association -- which represents Canada's land border duty free industry -- applauds the Government of Canada's decision to harmonize Canada's duty free purchase allowances to United States levels.
The industry appreciates recent government efforts to create and implement policies that will positively impact the future of Canadian border operations. The change announced by Minister Flaherty will reduce border congestion during peak periods, and thereby help improve tourism visits to Canada over the long term.
Under the government announced changes, the new Canadian duty free customs allowances for travellers will be $200.00 for trips after 24 hours and $800.00 after 48 hours. These changes will be effective June 1st, 2012.
The previous two-tiered allowance system had created confusion amongst the travelling public, and was a factor in traffic congestion at our borders. As the FDFA Executive Director, Laurie Karson noted "Today, our industry is grateful for our government's decision to harmonize the allowance system - a positive policy decision that will improve the current border traffic congestion".
The Canadian duty free industry will continue to promote to Canadians that they can shop at Canadian duty free stores before they cross the border to the U.S.
For more information on the Canadian Duty Free Industry and store locations and travelling to the U.S., please refer to the new Canadian Duty Free website:www.dutyfreecanada.com or to the Frontier Duty Free Association website:
