What is with the passionate aversion for shipping to Canada?

[testosterone325]

Not sure if this has been mentioned cause I didnt read all 6 pages of the thread, but tracking IS available via USPS First Class International to Canada. Its been available for quite some time now. I always order stuff from the US with FCI. Its cheap (generally around $7-8 for the things I buy, usually knives), its quick and its reliable. Havent had a single problem so far. Just ordered custom Manix scales last week and heres a pic of the tracking info:

 

[seanp]

I have bought several things from sellers on this forum in the States and not had any trouble. Most folks are willing to try it if you are willing to work with them. And for those that don't want to, well, there is usually more than one seller.

But anyone looking to import a knife into Canada should be aware of some things.

I don't know what Canada's regulations are but a quick look indicates 5%+ up to 10% VAT.

This is correct. There is a base 5% tax called the GST which is a federal tax on all goods and services. Some provinces charge a provincial sales tax, which is bundled with the GST to become a 10% HST (harmonized sales tax).

A lot of Canadians think that because of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), there is no duty on goods purchased from the USA.

This is not true.

With a very few exceptions, all goods and services purchased from the USA are subject to GST or HST, and some are subject to additional duties. Textiles (clothes) and some tools (like maybe "camping tools") are two of the most heavily penalized. This is why it is so important to be honest about what is being imported so that it cn be assigned the correct tariff code for processing.

It is also important to note three things pertinant to this particular discussion:

1. The Canadian buyer of the goods is the importer of record and is the one legally responsible for any taxes/tariff, not the seller.

2. If you are a Canadian buyer and you ask the seller to send you a purchase labelled as a "gift", you are committing a crime and are counselling the seller to commit one on your behalf. Don't do it.

3. Parcels shipped via USPS/Canada post will usually only be assessed with the tax/tariff as additional fees, possibly a nominal processing fee. Common carriers like UPS and Fed Ex will assess brokerage fees in addition to taxes, duties, and handling. This is why the COD charges on some purchases shipped with these carriers can be so high.

Yes, I used to work for UPS and have a certificate from CSCB.

 

[macknife12]

I have noticed that my under $100.00 packages have gone straight to my mailbox, no signature or extra cost.
Cheers

 

[Kevin Wilkins]

I have bought several things from sellers on this forum in the States and not had any trouble. Most folks are willing to try it if you are willing to work with them. And for those that don't want to, well, there is usually more than one seller.

But anyone looking to import a knife into Canada should be aware of some things.



This is correct. There is a base 5% tax called the GST which is a federal tax on all goods and services. Some provinces charge a provincial sales tax, which is bundled with the GST to become a 10% HST (harmonized sales tax).

A lot of Canadians think that because of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), there is no duty on goods purchased from the USA.

This is not true.

With a very few exceptions, all goods and services purchased from the USA are subject to GST or HST, and some are subject to additional duties. Textiles (clothes) and some tools (like maybe "camping tools") are two of the most heavily penalized. This is why it is so important to be honest about what is being imported so that it cn be assigned the correct tariff code for processing.

It is also important to note three things pertinant to this particular discussion:

1. The Canadian buyer of the goods is the importer of record and is the one legally responsible for any taxes/tariff, not the seller.

2. If you are a Canadian buyer and you ask the seller to send you a purchase labelled as a "gift", you are committing a crime and are counselling the seller to commit one on your behalf. Don't do it.

3. Parcels shipped via USPS/Canada post will usually only be assessed with the tax/tariff as additional fees, possibly a nominal processing fee. Common carriers like UPS and Fed Ex will assess brokerage fees in addition to taxes, duties, and handling. This is why the COD charges on some purchases shipped with these carriers can be so high.

Yes, I used to work for UPS and have a certificate from CSCB.

That is some good info, both buyers and sellers should take it well to heart. Many thanks!

 

[12345678910]

Not sure about other countries but as I say over and over again, labeling the Customs Documents "Camping Tool" etc is not fooling anyone when you ship down here. Each and every package is scanned on the way in, no that does not seem to mean that they see "everything" as people make mistakes but there is no secret that your box contains a KNIFE.... they don't actually read each label BTW When people ask I always suggest that the correct descreption for here is "Fixed Blade Knie" or "Folding Knife" as applicable. Folding knives to here are hit and miss, our Customs are much like Canada it seems on this issue. To here if the declared value of the goods is under $1K aussie then there are no charges tax etc applicable, if the declared value is over $1K then it is hit and miss if they pick this up, but as long as you are honest then then that is fine as well.

Andy

I agree

Use the harmonization code

It's all about entering the right code so they collect the right info on valuation of imports and exports.
If you've got the right code, I think it has a better chance to go through without undue inspection.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...from-Canada-to-the-US?p=10544048#post10544048

 

[12345678910]

Big Mike, if you are trading a knife, it is a gift. That is not lying.

If you are selling a knife from one person, to another person, that is a gift, as there should be no domestic taxes applied when I receive your knife as I did not buy it from a dealer in the states. You are not reporting the income off that knife sale on your federal income tax are you? I didn't think so.

The gift option is only valid on packages under $60 value

If you have more insurance than that, they use that as a valuation to tax you on.

 

[12345678910]

I didn't mean to imply any wrongdoing, quite the opposite in fact.
I just probably used the wrong shipper when I shipped FedEx to my Canadian buyer. I made every reasonable effort to not only comply with the law, but also to protect myself from what ultimately happened. My buyer refused to pay the duties, and the shipper (contracted by FedEx in Canada) let him keep the package and then FedEx came after me for the duties.

Very enlightening info on the relaxed nature of USA customs. Sounds to me like maybe most USA buyers/sellers are just unaware, or ignorant if you will to what is more the norm when shipping "international". We are probably in a much more unique situation than most other countries in that we have over 300 million people to trade with in one country where there are virtually zero limitations, and no customs whatsoever. Canadians have about a tenth of the population to trade with, and this unbelievably massive market right in their back yard.

I'm sure it is very frustrating when the majority of that market wont even consider trading with them.

UPS and FEdex use their own brokerage divisions, that means 40 to 60 extra on top of the shipping cost.
Plus 12% tax on that.

I once paid 75$ to get a $10 item.



Remember this, USPS the post office to ship to Canada.

 

[sodak]

Remember this, USPS the post office to ship to Canada.

This really is the bottom line.

 

[Will Power]

Seems like there may some problems with sending knives from US to Canada, but most of these problems get magnified. Most people appear to give good reports.

As for sending stuff from the US to here the EU, sometimes you get this refrain "It's too difficult, you can't send weapons to your country, it costs so much bla bla" All of this is misinformation or hearsay. Most people on the forum will send to me in the EU at extra cost and at my own risk, other members have very kindly offered to send on knives for me and I greatly appreciate this support. My own shipping experiences have been positive, one thing I note with interest is that sturdy padded envelopes are actually MUCH faster than bulky and expensive USPS boxes. One from New York State arrived here in three days, astonishing! The cost of that delivery was a very reasonable 12.75 USD. The customs form is very simple: item, weight, value is that so very complicated?

At the end of the day I accept if somebody chooses not to sell outside their country, fair enough. Just say you won't do it. It's some of the hearsay reasons or myths put forward as reasoning for this that can irritate overseas buyers.

 

[rma100]

I have no problem Shipping USPS to Canada or anywhere else. I've shipped all over the world with no problem whatsoever. Poland, South Africa, Ukraine, Japan, Cyprus and Canada, and of course, The UK. Just to name a few.