Shipment of used item from US to Canada - Duties/Taxes

[mushay52]

If an item is to be shipped from the US to Canada, when and how is the duty/tax determined?

[femmefan1946]

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

Used or new makes a difference in the value for duty and tax, but not usually whether the duty or tax applies.

The place of manufacture makes a difference for duty, not the place of purchase. So an iPad made in China would be dutiable even if you bought it used from a US seller.

Any item valued over $20 may be dutiable and taxable. (Gifts valued over$60 may be dutiable or taxable. But if you purchased it, it is not a gift. )

[pierrelebel]

"when and how" depend on the listing.  Did the seller specify using Global Shipping Program (GSP) or not?

If GSP is used, the duty (if applicable) and taxes (GST/HST/PST) are calculated and paid in advance at time of payment through PayPal.  No tax collection at time of parcel delivery.

If GSP is not used by the seller, taxes may be assessed at time of receipt and payable to Canada Post (plus $9.95 administration (brokerage) fee.  Couriers generally charge more for brokerage than Canada Post.

For your information, the official Canadian government site:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/duty-droits-eng.html

[marnotom!]

Mushay, it appears you recently purchased a high-end amplifier from a listing that didn't specify shipping information to Canada.

If the seller has agreed to ship it to you, what shipping method have they said they'd be using?