Shipping to Canada: question for Canadians

jcaut

I know this is probably a dumb question, but forgive me as I haven't done this enough to know the answer. I think I know the answer, but I just want to make sure I don't screw it up. Better safe than sorry.

Shipping USPS priority service. When I fill out the customs form, I have to describe the contents, declare a value, etc.; How "accurate" do I need to be and what effect does the info I put down have on the person receiving the package? I've purchased stuff from overseas and it seems that the packages I've received often come marked as a "gift" and I never have to do anything. I'm about to ship a package to joeparaski and I just want to make sure I do it right. I appreciate the help

dorokusai

You need to be accurate n the description of the goods.

The value, if declared will create duties for the recipient so either clear that up with Joe or pack it very well and declare it as $1.00/Gift.

michael_w

USPS is better than other couriers with this but if he is charged it won't just come as a bill in the mail but they will actually hold the box until he pays upfront.

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edited for wrong information from inconsistent experiences with shipping.

phoneisbusy

There is a $60 exemption on gifts with some conditions. There is apparently also a $20 mail exemption.

http://canadaonline.about.com/od/customs/qt/giftstocanada.htm

The value you put on the package can be used to determine the amount of duties and taxes. Too low of a declaration may raise suspicion though and it could be problematic for insurance claims if you put too low a value. Best to check with joe.

From my experience, they do not assess duties for every package. I've had a $200 item pass through with no duties and I've had a $25 package assessed gst/pst + $5.00 Canada Post brokerage fee.

Good luck

Dave

Imperitor

If you are selling the item to him declare the value as what you sold it for. This will keep you out of trouble. You can be fined if you get caught sending something as a gift when it was purchased from you. 'Gift' status means the recipient will not have to pay any taxes or duties on the item.

jcaut

Got it worked out. Thanks.

George Grand

You can also send gifts to New Jersey duty free Jason. I checked it out already. and you're all good to go if you wanted to do that. Minimal paperwork too.

shadowofnight

I just sent him an SL-3000 tweeter today....Put " Used Tweeter " in the description with a value of 1 dollar.

I cant see used drivers from 15 to 20 year old speakers being worth much more then that to the Canadian authorities

Fongolio

Another way is to call it a gift but declare full value and have insurance. I got may kid a used Xbox 360 elite from San Diego at Christmas on ebay. It had a bunch of extra games and extra controlers etc. Total value was $500.00. The seller sent it as a gift but declared the full value. No hit at the border whatsoever. No duty, no gst, nothing. Other times though they will charge $30.00 on a $100.00 item. Kind of hit and miss but USPS is by far the best (not fastest) way to go. UPS is the worst way to send anything to Canada. Stupid brokerage fees, always a customs charge, gst.