Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians can now import wine from other provinces

Nova Scotians can now import Canadian-produced wine from outside the province under a new law and regulations that begin today.

New law that allows the importing of Canadian wine for personal use in Nova Scotia starts today

Nova Scotia becomes the third province to update its import laws, along with British Columbia and Manitoba. (Joao Andrew O. Dias)

Nova Scotians can now import Canadian-produced wine for personal use, thanks to a new law that starts Thursday. 

Diana Whalen, the minister responsible for the Liquor Control Act, announced that it is no longer a requirement to order wine through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. 

The new law was initially proposed three years ago. 

In a statement, Whalen said opening provincial borders and loosening regulations was a good thing for businesses and consumers alike. 

The law, however, does come with a few stipulations. Anyone in Nova Scotia can personally import wine from another province if:

  • The winery is licensed and legally permitted to produce and sell wine
  • At least 85 per cent of the wine's contents is from agricultural products grown in the province where the wine was produced
  • The consumer buys the wine from the producer, and not through a third party

Nova Scotia becomes the third province to update its import laws, after British Columbia and Manitoba.