Can You Bring Beef Jerky into Canada? A Guide for Travelers

Beef jerky is a popular snack for travelers. It’s lightweight non-perishable and packed with protein. But can you actually bring beef jerky into Canada? The answer is not straightforward. There are restrictions around importing meat products into Canada that aim to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. This article will explain if and how you can bring beef jerky into Canada.

Overview of Import Rules

In general fresh, dried and cured meats are prohibited from being imported into Canada for personal use. This includes beef jerky. However, there are some exceptions for commercially prepared, shelf-stable meat products purchased in sealed containers.

So while regular homemade beef jerky isn’t allowed, some beef jerky that comes in a package may be. Keep reading to understand exactly what the restrictions are.

Beef Jerky Rules If You’re Traveling from the USA

Here are the rules about beef jerky if you are driving from the US to Canada:

• Only commercially prepared beef jerky in sealed packages is permitted. Homemade jerky is prohibited

• The beef jerky must be shelf-stable (non-refrigerated). It cannot require refrigeration before opening.

• The packages must not be opened and have marks that say what they are and that they were made in the USA.

• You must be physically bringing the beef jerky across the border yourself. It cannot be mailed/shipped separately.

• There is a 20 kg (44 lb) personal exemption limit for all meat products combined.

Rules If You’re Traveling from Other Countries

If you’re flying into Canada from any country other than the USA, the rules are more strict.

Beef jerky and any other dried/cured meats are prohibited, no exceptions. Commercially prepared or not, beef jerky cannot be brought into Canada from countries other than the USA.

Only cooked, canned meat products are allowed from outside countries, up to 20 kg.

Tips for Bringing Beef Jerky into Canada

If you want to bring American beef jerky into Canada, follow these tips:

• Stick to well-known national brand names like Jack Links. Avoid niche/local jerkies.

• Keep the original packaging with ingredients, weight, brand, and “Made in USA”.

• Don’t try to exceed the 20 kg personal exemption limit for meats.

• Be prepared to show the beef jerky to border officers for inspection.

• Do not attempt to import any homemade beef jerky.

• If driving from the USA with >20 kg total meat, declare it and be ready to pay duties/taxes.

• Do not mail beef jerky separately or try to courier it. You must carry it across the border.

• Do not try to bring beef jerky from countries other than the USA. It will be confiscated.

Why Are the Rules So Strict?

Canada has strict rules around importing meat products to prevent the introduction of diseases and invasive pests that can severely impact agriculture and food safety.

For example, beef jerky could spread foreign animal diseases like foot and mouth disease, which can devastate livestock populations. Invasive pests like the Khapra beetle can also hitch a ride on dried goods and damage Canadian crops.

While inconvenient for travelers, these import regulations reduce the threats to Canada’s billion dollar agricultural sector and food supply.

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

If you are caught trying to bring prohibited food items like homemade beef jerky into Canada, the consequences can be significant:

• The food will be seized and destroyed by the Canada Border Services Agency.

• You may be fined up to $1300 CAD for a first offense.

• For repeat offenses, fines can exceed $25,000 CAD and you could face prosecution.

• You could be denied entry into Canada if caught repeatedly trying to import prohibited goods.

To avoid penalties, be sure to follow the beef jerky rules carefully when entering Canada.

Other Dried Meats Restricted Besides Beef Jerky

The import regulations apply not just to beef jerky but other dried and cured meat products too. Here are some other common meat snacks that face restrictions:

• Pork jerky
• Turkey jerky
• Salami sticks
• Slim Jims
• Pepperoni sticks
• Summer sausage
• Beef sticks
• Prosciutto

Any dried or cured meat product faces the same limitations as beef jerky when entering Canada. Exceptions are only made for commercially prepared meat snacks from the USA.

Can You Bring Jerky Made from Other Meats?

Many jerkies today are made from meats other than beef, like turkey, venison, buffalo, salmon, etc. Unfortunately the same rules apply regardless of the meat source.

Any type of homemade dried meat or fish is prohibited. The only jerky allowed is commercially prepared from the USA.

So jerky made from turkey, salmon, venison, etc. would face the same restrictions around personal import into Canada.

Safe Alternatives to Bring on a Flight

If you’re flying to Canada from a country other than the USA, leave the beef jerky behind. Fortunately, there are other high protein snacks you can safely pack in your carry-on such as:

• Protein bars
• Trail mix/dried fruit
• Peanut butter packets
• Roasted soy nuts
• Protein chips
• Hard boiled eggs

These will travel well and provide protein without facing import restrictions in Canada.

The Bottom Line

Bringing beef jerky into Canada is allowed but only under very specific conditions. Commercially packaged jerky from the USA is permitted in personal exemptions under 20 kg. Homemade beef jerky or any jerky from countries outside the USA is prohibited.

To avoid issues when crossing the border, be aware of the limitations in place and don’t attempt to sneak in any questionable meat products. Safety should be the top priority.