The federal government has begun consultations on a proposal to add duty-free shopping to arrivals at Canada's airports -- in addition to the store you walk through at airports like YVR on your way out.
Under the proposal, air passengers arriving in Canada on an international flight would be able to buy these tax and duty-relieved goods after they get off the airplane but before they reach customs. That means no more nuisance of having to bring purchases to the plane and having to stow them.
The range of goods available in arrivals duty-free shops would be similar to the range of goods currently sold.
The idea was floated before the last budget as a way to generate new sales and airport jobs. But it doesn't mean there's a free-for-all on what you can buy. The proposal sees all items subject to existing limits on the amount of duty and tax-free goods that travellers can import into Canada.
For example, residents returning to Canada after an absence of at least seven days can import $750 worth of goods on a tax- and duty-relieved basis.
Anyone wishing to comment on the possibility of allowing arrivals duty-free shops in Canada's international airports should submit their views in writing by may 5, 2009 to the Department of Finance.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
