New Duty Free Limit Means More Money For Western New York

Starting this Friday, Canadian citizens who stay in the US for more than 24 hours will be able to bring $200 in merchandise back across the border, duty free. That's up from the current limit of just $50 in goods.

If they stay more than 48 hours, they can bring back $800 in  merchandise without paying additional taxes. The old rule limited purchases to $400 for those staying one week.

Last year, more than 12.6 million people drove across the Canadian border via Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Another 729,403 Canadians entered the United States by bus.

Retailers and restaurants that expect to benefit from more Canadian visits and higher spending, hoteliers are expected to benefit from the new limits.