Shipping Wine to Canada

We like shipping, but we tend to like wine even more.

Some logistical considerations for sending wine to private individuals in Canada, commercial and non-commercial imports, sharing how gift shipments are treated and some outlines on the role of federal customs and provincial liquor authorities.

Import Classifications: Commercial vs. Non-Commercial

All wine entering Canada is legally considered an import, regardless of its purpose or sender. Imports are categorized into two types:

• Commercial Imports: Intended for resale or business use. Requires formal licensing and compliance with federal and provincial regulations.

• Non-Commercial Imports: Intended for personal use, gifts, or private collections. No resale or commercial transaction is involved.

Note that wine sent as a gift, even without any commercial intent, is still treated as a regulated import under Canadian law.

Gift Shipments of Wine – Legal Status

Wine shipped as a gift from an individual or company abroad to a private recipient in Canada is considered a non-commercial import of beverage alcohol.

• It does not qualify for exemption from import restrictions simply because it is a gift.

• Alcohol is a controlled product and cannot be imported freely, even for non-commercial purposes.

• The sender must properly declare the shipment as a gift on the customs documentation.

• The recipient may still be required to pay duties, excise tax, and provincial markups.

In most provinces, gift shipments of wine are not permitted without prior authorization from the respective liquor control authority.

Customs Handling (CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for processing all incoming shipments.

With respect to alcohol:

• CBSA treats all wine as a controlled substance under the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act.

• Gift status does not waive the need for declaration or compliance.

• Shipments flagged as alcohol will be:

  • Held for assessment,

  • Referred to the relevant provincial liquor board for clearance,

  • Subject to applicable duties, taxes, and administrative procedures.

• If proper authorization is not presented, the wine may be returned to sender, seized, or even destroyed.

Provincial Liquor Authorities – Control of Distribution and Importation

Each Canadian province or territory maintains exclusive control over the distribution, importation, and retail sale of alcoholic beverages. The three largest provinces operate as follows:

Ontario – LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario)

• LCBO is the exclusive importer of alcohol into Ontario.

• Direct shipments of wine to consumers are prohibited.

• All wine imports must be handled via:

  • LCBO retail programs,

  • Private ordering through LCBO-approved agents,

  • Or by travellers bringing wine personally under CBSA limits.

Quebec – SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec)

• SAQ has exclusive authority over all alcohol imports.

• Private individuals cannot receive international shipments directly.

• Wine may be imported through:

  • SAQ’s private order program,

  • SAQ-registered agencies,

  • Personal importation (with SAQ pre-authorization and applicable fees).

British Columbia – BC LDB (Liquor Distribution Branch)

• The LDB is the only authorized importer of alcohol into British Columbia.

• Wine must be registered and imported via LDB or an approved agency.

• Direct shipments of alcohol to consumers are not permitted.

Legal Terminology for Reference

To correctly refer to shipments of wine sent for personal use or as gifts, use the following terms in documentation and communication with authorities:

• Non-Commercial Import of Beverage Alcohol: For any wine not intended for resale.

• Gift Shipment of Wine: Non-commercial shipment declared as a gift.

• Personal Importation: Applies to wine brought in personally by travelers.

• Private Ordering Program: A regulated purchase option via a provincial liquor board or agency, used when importing products not sold at retail.

Some Provincial Limitations

Province	Direct Wine Shipments to Private Individuals Allowed?	Required Legal Route
Ontario (LCBO)	❌ Not Allowed	Private order via LCBO or licensed agent
Quebec (SAQ)	❌ Not Allowed	Private order or SAQ-authorized import
BC (BC LDB)	❌ Not Allowed	Registration and import via LDB or agent
Alberta	✅ More flexible	Recipient pays applicable taxes at customs
Manitoba	✅ Limited flexibility	Subject to CBSA and provincial limits

Even in Alberta or Manitoba, shipments may still be delayed or taxed heavily.

Authorization is always recommended.

Legal Alternatives to Gift Shipments

For individuals or companies wishing to send wine to Canada, the following alternatives would be legally compliant:

• Partner with a Licensed Canadian Importer: The shipment is handled by a party authorized to deal with provincial liquor boards.

• Use Private Ordering Channels: Available in most provinces via official agents and boards.

• Send a Gift Card or Wine Club Subscription: From a Canadian-based seller.

• Personal Import by Traveller: Individuals may bring limited quantities (typically up to 1.5L) duty-free when entering Canada, depending on length of absence.

Yes we love to share Portuguese wine across the world.

Wine is a highly regulated import into Canada, subject to federal and provincial laws.

Non-commercial shipments — including gifts — are not exempt from these laws and must be treated with the same compliance requirements as commercial imports.

In most cases, direct-to-consumer shipments of wine from outside Canada are not legally permitted, and attempting to bypass official channels may result in seizure, return, or fines.

Companies and individuals are advised to plan wine shipments with the involvement of a licensed importer or via private ordering systems offered by provincial liquor authorities.

Please note that this is shared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, regulatory guidance, or a substitute for professional consultation.

Wine importation is subject to change based on federal and provincial legislation, and specific cases may require consultation with customs brokers, legal counsel, or provincial liquor authorities.

Always verify requirements with the appropriate authorities before proceeding with any shipment.

Cheers.

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MBE Gaia Wordwide Wine Shipping Program