Avoiding Taxes/Freight/Brokerage on shipments from US --> Canada (imports)?

[Fandu]

Easiest way to get stuff through customs is to have it declared for under $20can. Be sure to have any packing slips removed, or anything else that lists prices. I haven't had any problems doing that.

 

[Gandu]

Can I do that with a 40 pounder? Remember I am being shipped a whole computer. with real expensive stuff in it like Elsa GF3. 🙂

 

[Sugadaddy]

You ordered a 2000$ computer from the US? Even if things are cheaper there, it's usually not worth it because of duty fees and taxes...

Here are a few tips:

1. Don't order from the US (unless you go pick it up yourself there). Try to buy online from another province, this way you don't have to pay provincial taxes. ( I live in QC, so it saves me 7-8%, which is better than nothing)

2. If you do buy something expensive, buy it through borderfree.com. This way you know exactly what you'll be paying. Also, NEVER have anything shipped with UPS. They are the only company that charge brokerage fees ON TOP of the duty fees and taxes. (not to mention they basically break everything they touch...)

3. You could try marking the item's value to less than 40$, but this is hard to do with retailers. Also, the problem with doing this is that if they break or lose your package, than it's insured for the amount you declared, so you're screwed.

4. Marking items as gifts used to work, but not anymore. I guess they noticed people were abusing this, so they don't care anymore, they charge you anyways. And it's even worse if you don't put any value because they'll open it and evaluate it themselves. ( I once paid 40$ in taxes for an 80mm computer fan)


Sorry to tell you this, but you'll probably end up paying more than you would've if you had bought your computer in Canada.

 

[Gandu]

I would like to know more details on the companies that at the border accept your package for a fee? Anybody know anything about them?

 

[Shazam]

<< Can I do that with a 40 pounder? Remember I am being shipped a whole computer. with real expensive stuff in it like Elsa GF3. 🙂 >>

Probably not. I've shipped over items with no prices at all on them. Good old Customs PUT a price on items - using MSRP. I wasn't very happy.

 

[T2T III]

You could have the system builder apply a &quot;286&quot; label on the case. If Customs opened the box and evaluated the computer, they would only be able to hit you with fees based on a old 286 computer - should be $50, or less.

Then again, you are looking for ways to get around a mechanism that has been put in place to keep things legal and ensuring that proper taxes and duties are paid. Like others have indicated, you'll probably pay more than if you had purchased the items from a local shop.

 

[Gandu]

Nobody gave me any input on sending the package to a business address like, some sales shop and they will sell it. I hear they don't get taxed. Will that work? Just curious to know any before time, before he ships it out. 🙁

 

[Fandu]

Customs has never put prices on anything I've shipped across. They'll always call the sender and have them fax a packing slip in with prices on it. The only reason they open packages is to verify what is on the customs decleration. Just make sure to write down all the items in the box and put like $10 on each.

 

[Gandu]

Will they go about opening the tower and count each individual part in the case? And I still didn't get any input on shipping the Box to a businees/businnes address declaring it to be a commercial package which the store will sell to its customers, will that method avoid taxes?

 

[Shazam]

<< And I still didn't get any input on shipping the Box to a businees/businnes address declaring it to be a commercial package which the store will sell to its customers, will that method avoid taxes? >>

It depends. Commercial items are taxed. But, the list is different. Good luck 🙂

 

[Gandu]

<< It depends. Commercial items are taxed. But, the list is different. Good luck 🙂 >>



Are they? when I was charged for the speakers, I contacted UPS and they said since my package wasn't commercial I had to pay GST and PST; hense if the package is commercial then I don't. Just wondering if it is.😕

 

[Noriaki]

Try www.borderfree.com

You order stuff from the US through them, and they get it shipped en mass to Canada.

Doesn't eliminate border crossing fees but minimizes them, and you know what they will be up front.

You won't ever get away without GST unless it's sent as a Gift.