Customs question: Shipping to Canada from US.

[Salvador]

Hi,

I'm looking to send a few things to a friend of mine in Vancouver, BC from Chicago. I'm wondering what would be the cheapest way to do this, so my friend can pay minimal duty fees.

I'm asking because I shipped something a while ago via UPS and didn't know that UPS had some sort of brokerage deal, which ended up costing a friend a bundle. I will only ship USPS now, but don't know exactly what to say on my customs form, if you know what I mean.

TIA,

Sal

 

[FoBoT]

gift
value $10

 

[Gunslinger08]

If you send it by UPS, and declare the total value at under $30 US, your friend won't pay any duties.

Josh

 

[Salvador]

Thanks. I guess my question is about insurance and being covered if the package gets lost. What if I declare it for under $30 on the customs form, but insure it for its actual value of around $100? Do those two departments talk to each other?

Thanks again.

Sal

 

[melly]

first of all,

depends on what the gift is. as a general rule of thumb, you must include a card saying "gift" and the value must be up to $20 CDN. exempt items include: books, alcohol, tobacco...

i don't think the 2 dept's talk to each other, but i *do* know that everything that passes through customs via courier is examined.

i do work for customs.

more info:

 

[Salvador]

Wow! What luck. Running into someone that actually works for customs.

Question about the card. Is it a card that you include inside the box? If it's something inside the box, how do the customs agents see it? Do they open every package?

Also.. What is the current exchange rate? This item is close to the $60 Canadian. I guess I can undervalue it a hair.

Thanks for your information.

Sal