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Sending knives to Canada

raylaconico

raylaconico

Joined
Jan 30, 2004
Messages
4,030
I need to send 2 knives to Canada. The buyer has already paid me. When I went to the post office, they told me that it was at my own risk. It's up to Canadian customs and there's a chance that they might confiscate it. The rules says exchange between authorized parties only. Has enybody here in the US ever sent knives to Canada? I don't want to have to call off the deal but I don't want to loose these knives either. I don't really know what to do now.
 
ive sent a couple times...no prob. I dont know what your sending but i was sending just a fixed blade hunter(s)....on the customs slip i just listed them as "fixed blade hunting knives"....
 
Ray, look in the Community forum Canadian Connection, Shipping to Canada thread. Lot of info in there.
 
I have sent quite a few to Canada Ray & never had a problem. I did the same as Jim , listed them as Custom Fixed Blade Knife & Sheath and listed the value. I had been asked by one customer to "adjust" the value to save on a large Duty Fee and have since sucessfully done the same with all other Canadian customers. That part might cause a conflict if you insure your shipment though. But in a nutshell ? No Problems :thumbup:
 
Jim Rehrer said:
if they bought it i would say merchandise.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't ... if you say that you're asking for them to open it. Just say fixed blade hunting knife or something. Canada doesn't have any problem with fixed blade knives. The only ones you get in trouble for are the prohibited weapons type ... that is switchblades and any kind of "assisted opening mechanism" knives.
 
From what Ive read use the word cutlery or camping tool. Mercandise would be better if you are insuring it, but they will have to pay a duty on it.
 
Your best bet would be to declare it as "cutlery" or "camp tools". Try to avoid the word "blade". Here in Canada we have to pay GST and PST on packages over $20can as well as a $5 'handling" charge from customs. If you delcare it as a gift the limit is rasied to $60 before the reciever has to pay GST/ PST. If you have the option to send it without a declared value then generally we dont get nailed on the GST but then again you most likey wont be able to insure the package. If you are shipping folders please tighten the hell out of any screw that holds the blade in. It seems that if you can open the blade with one hand or a flick of the wrist customs will take it.
 
If its a folder just tighten it down and labell it "replacement blade".i have never had one opened labelled as that.yet alnost everytime it say's knife,cutlery etc it is opened.to be honest i've recieved a whole lot of "wrist watches" without any problems :)

Oh and labell the value low,like $14.00 or it will have outragious import charges.
 
As said, call it a fixed blade hunting knife,or a pocket knife. If you are giving it to the person it is a gift,if you sold it it is merchandise. If you want to be known as an honest businessman,then don't cheat or lie about your business.That includes valuation,and declaration. Part of good business is doing it in an up and up way.People never like taxes,but they do respect an honest businessman. An old saying is, " A man is known by the custom he keeps." Custom is the old word for business (thus - customer).
Stacy
 
Just to add, I've purchased hundreds of knives from the U.S. and I would guess that 90% of all packages go through unopened. Depending on how the package is described definately can improve your odds. And even if the package is opened, only certain folders are not allowed in. All fixed blade knives are allowed in. As far as I'm conscerned every time I purchase a knife the vendor has fulfilled his obligation the minute he has put it in the mail or had the courrier pick it up. If it is snagged by customs, then that is my problem, not the vendors. Make that clear up front and keep proof that the package was in fact sent.
 
Now I'm not an expert with this stuff but when I send a knife out of Canada I always list it as Utility Knife, cus that's what it is and it is not techical. It has always worked for me.

Also some knives that are illegal in Canada, besides autos, and bali's are D-shaped Guard Fixed blades. Anything that could look like brass nuckles for a guard are considered illegal, it is up to customs to determine what that means, so you take it from there.

Other than that you shouldn't have a problem.

Sean
 
Be honest about the contents. The guys and gals at customs seem to resent being deliberately misled for some reason. :rolleyes:

If it's switchblade, bali or pushdagger, don't send it. It's prohibited.

If it's deliberately concealed to start with ie cane sword, belt buckle knife, don't send it.

If it's D guard or holes in the handle ( like a karambit) they like to seize it as "brass knucks". Kind of a stretch, but they do.

Lastly 'gravity' knives are prohibited. One of the gorilas at customs apparently even managed to 'flick' open a queen cutlery slipjoint - and seized it. (only one like that I've heard of), but if it's a folder, I'd suggest tightening the pivot so it WONT flick.

Most of us up here are used to dealing with customs and know full well what may be a problem. Remind your customer that his country's import restrictions are his matter - not yours and ask how would he like it shipped (at his risk). By the way, he will likely pay taxes on the HIGHER of

  • The declared value
  • The insured value
  • The value shown on an enclosed invoice
  • (rarely) An assigned value if they don't accept the above)
The matter has been discussed at length in the Canadian community forum, but 'caveat emptor', there is both good and bad advice in there.

Thanks for asking

Rob!
 
Thanks guys for the advice. I finally sent the knives out today. I used USPS global express EMS. I described the contents as handmade knives-hunting knives with sheaths.

I don't think there will be a problem.
 
Customs will most likely inspect it if you used the word knife on the description. Your buyer should be aware that could cause an extra 3 to 5 days delay as well as they will have to pay the customs "handling fee" and GST/ PST.
 
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