Bringing gas (jerry cans) over the border

[ilvtofu]

Did a bit of a search and found this thread but it didn't really answer my question. Found a few threads on RFD as well but they weren't particularly useful either

I've had my Nexus for 4 years and have been going down to the states to pick up parcels/get gas every 1-2 weeks with some regularity over those 4 years. Today is the first time I got hassled over bringing jerry cans back so I'm trying to find some clarification. For the record I brought back 2 jerry cans, 20L each. (off topic but the savings is about 25-30c/L for premium so with the jerry cans and the amount of gas in my car's tank, it's about a $20-25 savings each time)

What the CBSA officer said:
- The amount in the jerry cans must be declared in liters/dollar value, it is taxable (no issue there)
- The max I can bring back is 4 containers (she didn't specify what the volume was)
- Since I'm driving back to Vancouver, I can't drive through the Massey tunnel with jerry cans and must take the Alex Fraser. Otherwise if I'm pulled over it would give me issues as I'm carrying "prohibited goods" (in her words)

It's with this last point that I'm confused about and finding it difficult to get a clear answer on. A few things I found but I'm not sure if they directly relate to my issue:

- Transport Canada: exempt from Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations if under 150kg and carried in an approved means of containment.
- Transportation Act: Tunnel Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulation. Specifically points out Massey Tunnel as a prohibited area for transporting means of containment without placard required under s.4.15 of TDG Act
- TDG Act S.4.15 talks about large means of containment and doesn't seem to be applicable to my situation (or most people's situation when discussing jerry cans)

Wondering if anyone has experience with this or can pick the brain of a CBSA/PO that is more familiar with the topic

[cdizzle]

After reading the links first two links you provided, I'm guessing the CBSA officer had this in mind:

The BC Transportation Act (Tunnel Transportation) refers to the Canadian TDG regulations with regards to the definition of containment (and it seems that that each 20L jerry can is within regulations); however the BC Transportation act seems to supercede it by stating "a person must not transport any means of containment in a prohibited area (Massey tunnel) at any time" unless you have the permit.

[Simplex123]

But did you drive through the Massey Tunnel afterwards anyway

[smoothie.]

150kg is the exemption, almost any jerry can is good to go.

sounds like shes new and just read the transport rules.

waste of time imo. I declare $100-300 worth of packages all the time through nexus and they dont bother taxing me.

[TypeRNammer]

When I crossed the border from my previous experiences, I only got pulled in once, only to get taxed on 4 Jerry cans of gas.

All the other times I'm very broad with my declarations by only saying groceries and gas followed by the declared value.

Each can had a 25 litre capacity.

EDIT: This is with a Nexus pass

[ilvtofu]

Originally Posted by smoothie.

150kg is the exemption, almost any jerry can is good to go.

sounds like shes new and just read the transport rules.

waste of time imo. I declare $100-300 worth of packages all the time through nexus and they dont bother taxing me.

Originally Posted by TypeRNammer

When I crossed the border from my previous experiences, I only got pulled in once, only to get taxed on 4 Jerry cans of gas.

All the other times I'm very broad with my declarations by only saying groceries and gas followed by the declared value.

Each can had a 25 litre capacity.

EDIT: This is with a Nexus pass

Hmm i didnt get taxed but she just felt the need to point it out I guess. 40L is probably not worth their time to tax either.

Shes definitely not new though, middle aged blonde lady at the Boundary Bay CBSA, but I can back up the statements made with the audio from my dashcam.

[a00755836]

that's not as bad as one cbsa officer told me, "you're going to EXPLODE man!".

in my mind, i was thinking...you haven't talked to anyone who brought over a jerry can before?

[Gh0stRider]

I've never been questioned for the amount of gas i bought back in jerry cans. One time, the officer said i must have it secured in the trunk via bungee cords. Nexus lane as well and 2 20L.

[Cillu]

This also happened to me once where CBSA told me that I'm prohibited from going through the Massey Tunnel while bringing back gas in a jerry can. Just say you're going via a different route and you'll be fine.