Drone Batteries (LiPo) → Canada

Drone Batteries (LiPo) restricted; documentation or permits may apply

Details

Drone Batteries (LiPo) restricted; documentation or permits may apply. Quantity guidance for Canada: ≤100 Wh in carry-on; 101-160 Wh with airline approval; Transport Canada follows IATA DGR; max 20 spare batteries. Documentation: Airline approval for 101-160 Wh batteries; TC RPAS registration certificate if operating drone in Canada. Enforcement in Canada carries fines from CAD 500 to CAD 5,000 under Customs Act R.S.C. 1985 c.1 s.12, s.153 (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Restricted status means compliant carriage is achievable with the right paperwork and quantities; the practical risks are seizure, duty, and delay rather than criminal liability for a good-faith traveller. Arrival checks are carried out by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving Canada with drone batteries (lipo) is a separate question: allowed — Spare drone batteries may be taken out of Canada freely but must travel in cabin baggage under lithium-battery aviation rules.

Quantity limit

≤100 Wh in carry-on; 101-160 Wh with airline approval; Transport Canada follows IATA DGR; max 20 spare batteries

Documentation required

• Airline approval for 101-160 Wh batteries
• TC RPAS registration certificate if operating drone in Canada

Leaving with this item

Spare drone batteries may be taken out of Canada freely but must travel in cabin baggage under lithium-battery aviation rules.

Practical advice

Carry documentation. Declare at customs if required.

Customs authority

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) · https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca