Penalties and fines
Learn about the enforcement tools that the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) uses to discourage non-compliance among travellers who do not meet all import requirements for importing food, plant and animal goods into Canada.
Notice of violation with warning
The CBSA issues warnings or penalties to travellers for violating the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Agri-Food legislation (including the Health of Animals Act and Plant Protection Act).
When the CBSA issues a warning or penalty, we will also provide you with a notice of violation describing the infraction and the penalty incurred. Violations are classified as minor, serious or very serious and carry the following range of penalties for travellers:
- Minor violation: $500 per violation
- Serious violation: $800 per violation
- Very serious violation: $1,300 per violation
Note:
The limits above apply to each violation, and multiple violations can result in a total amount that exceeds these limits.
Your options
If you receive a notice of violation with warning, you have 3 choices.
Accept the warning
No response is necessary. By accepting the warning, you admit to the violation and waive your right to appeal.
Request a Ministerial review
Submit a written request for a review by the Minister of the facts of the violation within 30 days of the date on the notice of violation.
Request a Tribunal review
Submit a written request for a review by the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal of the facts of the violation within 30 days of the date on the notice of violation.
Note:
No extension of these time limitation periods can be granted.
Notice of violation with penalty
If you receive a notice of violation with penalty, you have 3 options.
Make a payment
If you pay within 15 calendar days, the penalty is reduced by 50% of the amount. By paying the penalty, you admit to the violation and waive your right to appeal.
If you make a payment after 15 calendar days, the full penalty amount applies. By paying the penalty, you admit to the violation and waive your right to appeal.
Request a Ministerial review
Submit a written request for a review by the Minister of the facts of the violation within 30 days of the date in the notice of violation.
Request a Tribunal review
Submit a written request for a review by the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal of the facts of the violation within 30 days of the date in the notice of violation.
Note:
No extension of these time limitation periods can be granted.
Making a payment
You can make payment by submitting your Notice of Violation, with the payment in Canadian funds, to:
Canada Border Services Agency
Financial Transactions Processing Centre
105 McGill, 2nd floor
Montreal, QC, H2Y 2E7
866-531-6343
Fax No.: 514-496-0935
All payments are to be made payable to the Receiver General for Canada. Payments can be made in the form of a certified cheque, money order, or bank draft.
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