Bringing vitamins/supps across the Border?

For those of you who have gone over to the US for your surgery, did you bring any supplements back with you? I was told there were some good vitamins there for the DS'ers that you could not get here? Also, I am looking into picking up a few cases of the new whey protein tubes, since I can't find them here in Sudbury. Is this going to create a bunch of hassle at the border? Is it worth it? Or does anyone know of a place in Canada where we can get the new whey or Profect proteins delivered to us? Thanks!!!

I would love to get some protein vials too, but I'd hate to get nailed with duty. BAH! How's the weather in Sudbury? It was nice at Xmas when I was there.

It sucks big time! Both of us are big snowmobile fans, and not having snow this late in the year puts a real damper on our season!!!! Oh well, hopefully Mel will be switched and recovering soon anyways!

Mallory, We have the protein vials here in Windsor (Profect) at Nutrition House at our Devonshire Mall if you ever come here. Dawn

I was down for a nutrition appointment today - only over there about 4 hours in total (went to Lane Bryant, Target and Tops)... I bought about $50 in supplements and diet/protein stuff... just was asked what I was bringing into Canada... "groceries"... the value... any tobacco or alcohol... "nope"... GO AHEAD!!! Also, since you will be down for your surgery you are allowed to bring more back duty free: Personal Exemptions Personal exemptions are based on the amount of time you've spent outside Canada. These exemptions apply if: you are a Canadian resident returning from a trip abroad; a former resident of Canada returning to live in this country; or a temporary resident of Canada. For a minimum absence of 24 hours you can claim goods worth up to $50 Canadian (excluding alcohol and tobacco). For 48 hours, it's $200. And for seven days or more, it's $750. Children and infants are also eligible for personal exemptions; parents or guardians can make the declaration on behalf of the child, as long as the item is for the child's use. Except for certain restricted items (such as firearms and explosives) you can bring back any amount of goods. But if the amount is more than that of your personal exemption, you'll have to pay duty and any provincial or territorial assessments that apply. And if you don't qualify for a personal exemption, you'll have to pay duty on the entire amount of the goods you bring in. Prescription drugs If you are importing prescription drugs, make sure they are clearly identified. The drugs should be in the original packaging with a label that specifies what they are and that they are being used under prescription. If this is not possible, carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor. Food products Canada has complex requirements, restrictions and limits on the import of meat, eggs, dairy products, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables and other food from around the world. For example, root crops may be regulated and potatoes are prohibited. You can avoid problems by not bringing these kinds of goods into Canada. You can import certain meat and dairy products from certain states in the United States. Before entering Canada with these products, contact the BIS at one of the numbers listed in the section called "Additional information," or refer to AIRS on the CFIA Web site. The CFIA and International Trade Canada (ITCan) have set limits on the quantity and/or dollar value of certain food products you can bring into Canada duty-free or that you can include in your personal exemption. Unless you have an import permit from ITCan for quantities over and above the established limits, you will have to pay duty ranging from 150% to 300%. The following are some examples of the limits that apply to personal importations of food products from the United States: 2 dozen eggs; 20 kilograms of dairy products not exceeding $20 in value (e.g. cheese and butter); 3 kilograms of margarine or butter substitutes; and 20 kilograms of edible meats and meat products, including turkey and chicken. Within this limit, more CFIA and ITCan restrictions apply as follows: a maximum of one whole turkey or 10 kilograms of turkey products; a maximum of 10 kilograms of chicken; and a maximum of 5 kilograms of edible meats and meat products from cattle, sheep, goat, bison and buffalo. Note All meat and meat products have to be identified as products of the United States. Plants Plants are potential carriers of insects and disease. For this reason, border services officers help the CFIA control the entry into Canada of plants, including the earth, soil, sand or all other related matter in which they are planted or packed. Houseplants are defined as plants commonly known and recognized as such, which are grown or intended to be grown indoors. These do not include bonsai plants. If you are importing houseplants from the continental United States as part of your baggage or household effects, you do not need phytosanitary certificates or import permits. For all other plants from the United States, you may require a phytosanitary certificate from the United States Department of Agriculture and an import permit from the CFIA. To import plants from other parts of the world, you may require an import permit from the CFIA in advance. You may also require a phytosanitary certificate issued by the phytosanitary authorities of the country of origin (e.g. plant protection/quarantine in the country of origin). You need permits to import orchids and cacti controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). For more information, contact the CITES office at one of the coordinates listed in the "Endangered species" section.

Melissa if you are in the states for a certain amount of time you can bring items back across the border and not have to pay duty. after 3 days it is $200 per person i do believe if your down there a week it will be a lot more I am sure. I bought some Christmas gifts ($175) the last nutri appt and didn't have to pay duty. Dannette

Hey Melissa The dry A&D suppliments that you need are not available in Canada as far as I know. You can order them online but I would say it's best to stock up while you are there. the last time I was in Michigan I picked up 6 bottles each of dry D and Dry A&D and 2 bottles of calcium (just because it was on sale there) Each bottle of A&D and D lasts me about a month. I had no problem taking any of my vitamins across the border. Beware of you choose to go with a suppliment with vitamin K in it- some of the americans on the DS forum talk about ADEKs- Vitamin K is available by prescription only in Canada and will be regulated as such if you try to bring it across the border. You don't need the K anyways- just the A&D. The A&D and the D are available at the store next to Dr. Ls office, they are about $5-$6 a bottle so everytime you go to Michigan- for consult, surgery and checkups start stocking up so you don't have to have them shipped. I get the profect vials at GNC- but you can order them by the case online, the only problem with that is you have to order a WHOLE case of just one flavor so if you hate it you're stuck with 48 nasty vials. The vials should be ok to carry back across the border as long as they are in checked luggage and not your carry on. Don't buy too much protein- my sense of taste completely changed after surgery- that and within only a few (maybe 3 or 4 weeks) you won't even need a protein suppliment anymore, you'll be able to eat enough. Cheers Jen

I brought back half a dozen each of the D and A&D. I also brought back a chewable kids vitamin. I had no issue at the border whatsoever. It was a total non-event. Good luck! Dawn

Hi Melissa, You will need to get the dry D and dry A&D as we can't get them in Canada and believe me I tried! Get as many bottles as you can to save yourself another trip over the border. The best place is the Better Health Store right by Dr. L's office. I found some Profect in Ajax at a health club and it was cheaper than the prices in the US on the internet. Dawn posted a website awhile ago with the dealers that carry them in Canada. You can probably find it if you do a search on the internet as well. I had no trouble getting anything across the border however I never didn't divulge anything either. Customs just asked the value and I told them what they wanted to hear and off I went. Good luck, Laurie

Hi Melissa, I think if you are vague with what you are bringing back you are ok. Take care Joyce PS how is Ashton doing in his "big boy" bed