Originally Posted by
jetche2004
Not sure about Canada, but I can tell you my experience here in the US.
I go to India at least twice a year and I get back a ton of spices from India. I mostly enter the US either at ORD or JFK. I have the spices in unmarked jars or packets and I do check in the customs declaration form that I have food items in my checked luggage. My bags are screened and I am let go without any issues.
Only once there was a long queue for the baggage screening. So the office informed me that as long as I did not have curry leaves or any natural fruit or vegetables, I can pass through.
I have family in Toronto and they too buy spices from India and it is in their checked luggage. They are also not asked a lot of questions upon arrival in Canada.
On a side note - where in Canada are you flying to? Toronto has a huge Indian population and you can get all the spices there too. Is it really Indian food without the spices?
Well your experience sounds very comfortable to carry these spices. I would be traveling to Kitchener, via Pearson International Airport Toronto. I was aware that there are many places in Toronto where I could buy these spices but I'm not sure if they would be available in Kitchener and these spices are made by my mum so they have their peculiar Indian taste
and yes I agree we can call it just food without the spices lol. Anyways so should I give it a go and carry these spices, would it be alright?