I asked (when I did my Canpass interview) and was told to declare it to Canadian customs. I always check off the commercial box, write in "laptop" next to it, but select the "no" when prompted on the Canpass screen. I agree with the "better safe than sorry" motto. I have the worst luck ever with that stuff, so I don't want to take chances.
Originally Posted by
Machdiamond
In my experience, the Canadians specifically want you to declare your work laptop as commercial merchandise, and the US customs specifically do not want you to bother them with it in your customs declaration. In other words, opposite policies. But it also depends on the phase of the moon, as we all know.
What I recommend is that you declare it as commercial merchandise when you enter Canada in case your belongings are searched and the laptop looks new. All Canada customs care about is that you have declared it and that you will bring it back to the US and they will take your word on it.
If you can show any type of document that you work in the US (like a TN or a return flight to the US), that will be good enough.
Bottom line, when in doubt -> declare.
In any even, do not worry.