Tobacco Importers and Manufacturers' Resources
In regard to your questions about the importation of cigarettes into Canada, the Tobacco Control Programme recommends you to familiarize yourself with the following:
Health Canada (HC)
Tobacco Act - the act which regulates all aspects of tobacco including the manufacture, sale, labelling and promotion. This Act is the key component for Health Canada and is the basis for all the associated regulations. While there are numerous regulations you need to read about, the primary ones to look at are:
- Tobacco Products Information Regulations (TPIR) - regarding the labelling of tobacco products for retail sale.
- Tobacco Reporting Regulations (TRR) - regarding the reporting of tobacco products for retail sale.
- Cigarette Ignition Propensity Regulations (CIP) - regarding the testing of cigarettes' burn rates by an accredited lab.
Legislation governing tobacco products
(Look under "Federal Laws" and "Federal Regulations" on the left-hand menu for information and links to all legislation.)
BC Ministry of Health Services (MOHS)
Tobacco Control Act - the act which regulates all aspects of retail sales of tobacco and smoke free areas in BC.
MOHS web site
(For more information and contact information)
BC Ministry of Finance (MOF)
BC Provincial Tobacco Tax will apply.
For retail sale of tobacco products, you may require a Tobacco Retail Authorization (TRA) Certificate.
MOF website
(For more information and contact information)
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
When importing tobacco products into Canada, you will be required to properly report the goods to CBSA.
Duty and taxes may be applicable on your shipments of tobacco products.
CBSA web site
(For more importing information and contact information)
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Taxes are required on tobacco products in Canada and collected by CRA (incl Excise Tax & GST)
CRA web site
(For more information on taxes)
BC Health Authorities
If you have tobacco products for retail sale, you may be subject to regulations set out by the local Health Authority (eg. smoke free areas, display restrictions etc.)
Vancouver Island Health Authority
Phone: 250-360-1450
Web site
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Phone: 604-675-3800
Web site
Fraser Health Authority
Phone: 604-476-7000
Web site
Interior Health Authority
Phone: 250-851-7300
Web site
Northern Health Authority
Phone: 1-800-617-6777
Web site
Health Related Resources
Health Canada's Tobacco Control web site
Tobacco specific information on the Canadian tobacco reduction strategy, smoking statistics, e-quit, and various other resources for both health care professionals and smokers
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society's Smoker's Helpline Online now offers an online program to help you quit (in English and in French).
CTUMS - Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey
Canadian Tobacco Use Statistics conducted annually.
Web site
BC Lung Association
Provides information on tobacco issues and quitting.
Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS)
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) began development of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS). The purpose of the GTSS is to enhance countries' capacity to monitor tobacco use, guide national tobacco prevention, and control programs, and facilitate comparison of tobacco-related data at the national, regional, and global levels.
Quit for Life program
An interactive site that offers realistic, supportive advice and a chat room for teens.
Pregnets - Center of Addiction and Mental Health
Provides accessible services and information on pregnancy and tobacco use.
Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada
Provides information about the effects of tobacco consumption and advocates for smoke-free spaces.
Stop Smoking Center
A website and support community helping those who have recently quit, or those who are thinking about quitting smoking. People can talk to experienced quitters in an expert moderated Support Group, find a Quitting Buddy, or create their own free customized quit program that will track their progress and give them the help when they need it most. There is no cost to participate in the program.
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