How Do I Create A Goods to Follow List for Canada?

When I first prepared my own goods to follow list, I was focused on flights and immigration documents. Like many newcomers, we arrived with suitcases first, then went back and shipped our belongings later. I also remember reaching out to a friend in Canada for guidance. That helped me realize a crucial detail: your “Goods to follow” list (or Form BSF186) may seem like a small task, but it can save you from paying duties and taxes on your belongings later.

If some of your personal belongings will arrive in Canada after you do, you should prepare a goods to follow list before you land using Form BSF186 and, if needed, the continuation sheet BSF186A. This is the list you show at the border, so your later shipment is already recorded.

What is a Goods to Follow List for Canada?

💡A goods to follow list is a record of the things you own that will arrive in Canada after you do. Declaring these items when you first enter Canada can make it easier to bring them in later.

In simple terms, this is the record that tells the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) which belongings are coming later.

Who Needs a Goods to Follow List?

This record is necessary if you are:

• Landing as a permanent resident
• Moving to Canada in stages
• Doing a soft landing
• Arriving with only some of your belongings and sending other items later

That is very common. It was my experience too. A simple question to ask yourself is:

Will any of my belongings arrive in Canada after I land?

If the answer is yes, you should prepare a goods to follow list.

What is the difference between BSF186, BSF186A, and B4?

This is where many newcomers get confused, and honestly, that is understandable. People hear one term from friends, see another term online, and then find a different form name on the official website.

Here is a simple way to understand the different names you may see online and on official forms.

BSF186 vs BSF186A at a Glance

*Access the form Personal Effects Accounting Document (BSF186) also known as Settler’s Effect Lists.

Why Your Goods to Follow List Matters

This step matters because many newcomers do not move everything at once. For example, some people may do a “soft landing”, or return to finish work or family commitments, or wait until they find housing in Canada before shipping larger items. Others cannot manage a full international move in one trip.

A proper goods to follow list can help you:

• Show clearly what is coming later
• Avoid confusion when your shipment arrives
• Keep your belongings tied to your original landing record
• Make the border process smoother

This is one of those tasks that may not feel urgent before you travel, but you’ll be glad you did it properly later.

When Do I Show the Goods to Follow List?

You must show your goods to follow list Canada at your first point of entry. This is usually the first airport where you land or the first land border you cross.

💡Important: Do this even if you aren’t shipping your goods for another six months. If you don’t get your list stamped during your initial landing, it is difficult to add items later.

Many newcomers think that they need to wait until the shipment is on the way. Usually, that is not the best approach. It is better to prepare the list before you travel so you are ready when you arrive. CBSA also explains that you can complete Form BSF186 before you arrive in Canada.

How Do I Create a Goods to Follow List for Canada?

When I prepared mine, I kept it simple but detailed. The goal is to make it easy for the officer to understand what is with you now and what will arrive later. If you are still figuring out the logistics of moving your life across borders, see our complete guide on How to Transfer Money and Ship Goods When Moving to Canada.

1. Make two separate lists

Prepare:

• One list for goods accompanying you
• One list for goods to follow

Keeping them separate makes the process easier and avoids confusion at the border.

2. Describe each item clearly

For each item, include:

• What the item is
• Quantity
• Value in Canadian dollars
• Make and model for expensive items
• Serial number, if there is one

💡What to Put on Your Goods to Follow List
For each item, include a clear description, quantity, and value in Canadian dollars. For expensive items, add the make, model, and serial number if possible. The clearer your list is, the easier it will be later if your shipment is checked against it.

Sample Goods to Follow List for Canada

Here is a simple example of what your list can look like to use as a guide:

3. Group everyday household items together

You do not need to list every spoon, shirt, or towel separately. You can group simple items such as clothes, books, kitchen items, linens, and toys (see table above). This keeps your list practical and readable.

4. List high-value items separately

These items are more likely to raise questions if described too generally. List the following items separately:

• Laptops
• Cameras
• Watches
• Bicycles
• Musical instruments
• Tools
• Collectibles
• Jewellery

Jewellery Needs Extra Care

When I prepared my own list, I took photos of my jewellery and made sure it was listed in detail. That extra effort helped, and I still remember the border officer telling me my list was very detailed and well done.

For jewellery, it is smart to include:

• A clear description
• Type of item
• Metal or stones, if relevant
• Estimated value
• Photos

💡For higher-value items, an appraisal can also help. Even if you do not have appraisals for everything, clear photos and a careful list can make a big difference.

5. Use the current value in Canadian dollars

Do not focus on the original price you paid years ago. Convert the value of your goods to current Canadian dollars before filling out the form to meet IRCC and CBSA requirements. The value does not need to be perfect down to the last dollar. Just be realistic and consistent.

6. Bring two copies

Bring two copies of your lists so one can be stamped and returned to you.

Keep that stamped copy in a safe place.

What Can You Put on the List?

You can usually include personal and household items such as:

• Clothing
• Books
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Kitchen items
• Children’s items
• Jewellery
• Bicycles

💡Tip: Check out the CBSA site for other specifications that apply to jewellery, wedding gifts, and value limitations. For example, for personal and household items that are worth more than CAN$10,000, you must pay duty and taxes on the amount over CAN$10,000.

Can Goods Arrive in More Than One Shipment?

Yes. This is common for newcomers. For example, you may:

• Arrive with luggage first
• Ship a few boxes later
• Send larger furniture once you have housing
• Ask family to send more personal belongings later

The important thing is that the items were listed on your original stamped goods to follow list.

Can I Add Items Later?

Usually, you should assume no.

That is why it is so important to prepare your list as carefully as you can before you land. Many newcomers think they can add something later if they forget it, but that is not something you should rely on.

If there is any item you may ship later, it is better to include it now.

Try to include everything you may send later.

What Does Not Belong on the BSF186 Form?

You do not need to include the following documents on your BSF186 form:

• University transcripts
• Educational certificates
• Resumes
• Reference letters
• Professional licences

While these settlement documents are important, they are not personal goods for customs purposes.

Keep these documents with your important travel and immigration papers, but do not include them on your customs list. For that separate settlement prep, read our guide, Documents to Carry to Canada for PR.

What Happens When Your Goods Arrive?

When your shipment reaches the border, having a stamped goods to follow list Canada will ensure you don’t pay unnecessary duties.

The moving company or shipping company will contact you. You will need to present your stamped copy of the BSF186 to “clear” customs. To ensure your boxes are packed and labeled correctly for this process, review our checklist, Shipping Household Goods and Personal Items.

💡Tip: Keep your stamped copy in a safe place with your passport and COPR. It is one of the most important documents you will have during your first year in Canada!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This is where many newcomers get caught, especially when they are already busy with travel plans and landing documents.

Checklist Before You Travel

Before you leave for Canada, make sure you have:

• Two printed copies of the Goods Accompanying list.
• Two printed copies of the Goods to Follow list.
• Values in Canadian dollars.
• Serial numbers for electronics and photos for jewellery.

This is one of those small steps that can make a big difference later. If you are already managing a lot before your move, you are not alone. Many newcomers find this confusing at first. But once your goods to follow list is done, you will feel much more prepared.

💡 Moving Tip: Custom forms like the BSF186 protect your belongings, but what about your health? Most newcomers face a 3-month gap before provincial health coverage kicks in. Read our guide on Travel Medical Health Insurance for Newcomers to stay protected during your move.

Final Thoughts

A goods to follow list Canada is a record of personal or household belongings that will arrive after you land. Newcomers should prepare one list for the items they bring with them and another for the items arriving later. Use the main form BSF186, and BSF186A if you need more space. The goods should be listed at first entry and should have been owned and used before landing.

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