Khat → Canada

Khat prohibited; penalties for import

Details

Khat prohibited; penalties for import. Enforcement in Canada carries fines from CAD 1,000 to CAD 500,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years in aggravated cases under Customs Act s.159, s.160; Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Because khat is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. 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 khat is a separate question: prohibited — Khat is a controlled substance in Canada — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Leaving with this item

Khat is a controlled substance in Canada — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Practical advice

Do not carry khat (Catha edulis), fresh or dried, into Canada. CBSA treats it as a controlled drug; carriage triggers seizure plus possible criminal charge under the local misuse-of-drugs statute. There is no permit pathway for personal use.

Customs authority

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