I have been trying to think of ways to get stuff across the border. I do know a couple of areas to get things across by bypassing the border all together though. One in Quebec and a couple in Ontario.

Unfortunately, at the border crossing now they have machines that scan your entire vehicle and let them know what you have inside so it makes it harder to try to smuggle anything.

Reminds me of the Clipperton Angel smuggling fiasco I was reading about on RC yesterday.

The only thing you can bring back without permits easily are softies - I brought back a powder blue anthelia from New Orleans - declared and all - they customs officer didn't seem to care at all.

I brought it back in a small bag with 100 ml of SW in it, and a metal thermos. Took it out of the thermos for inspection (xray machine) and put it back right after. Made it alive, no problems :)

Although, bringing back SPS is probably more of an issue, and you need permits. although Oceanic Corals seems to get a lot of proze pieces in from the States - maybe they can get what you want?

I posted this on another thread:

Though I haven't tried it, I have heard from many people, including an LFS in Portland (Upscales, I think. The home of the original 'Oregon Tort'), that its easy to take frags accross the border. Simply tell the border gaurd that you have live ornamental coral for your home aquarium, and 9 out of 10 times they'll let you through no problem. The 1 out of 10 times is a guard who has no idea what you're talking about, and tells you to go inside and talk to them. The guys inside can be sticklers and want to make sure the coral is on the CITIES approved list (no, they don't want to see a CITIES certificate). It can be a hassle, and on a rare occasion they might be rejected, but for the dedicated, it's easy enough to do.

Good Luck!