I live in Canada and want to buy Birkenstocks from the US. Does anyone have any idea what the duties might cost?

[007bunn]

I live in Canada and want to purchase Birkenstocks from the US. Does anyone have any idea what the duties might cost?

[dmil8030]

Hello '007bunn',

What the charges are always depend on what an item is and where it is made.  Items under $20 are generally duty & tax free, and there is usually no duty on items made in a NAFTA country.  Wearing apparel tends to have a comparatively high duty rate, but not usually more than 18% on some import leather goods, that sort of thing, -- it all depends what the shoes are made of.  If they were made in the US or Mexico, or Customs Canada cannot readily ascertain their origin, they will simply charge the tax.  Tax you pay according to your province, just like everywhere locally. 

There is also a processing fee, and the brokerage charged by couriers can be quite high (UPS starts at $25) so avoid courier delivery whenever possible.  Canada Post only charges $8.50 for the same service.

So you would be looking at possible duty on the item price, tax on that; tax on the item price; $8.50 CanPost, tax on that.  Sometimes an item sent through the mail just arrives at your door without charge, but always be prepared.  Here is a link about importing by mail if you would like to nose around in it:

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

[heidilynn0_3]

Birkenstocks Germany and duty rate 18% if pulled for inspection.

[scifan57]

While it's true that some items subject to taxes and duties manage to get delivered without those fee being assessed, you shouldn't count on it. The total cost of the item, including possible duties, taxes and customs fees should be factored into your decision on whether or not to buy.

[smo2go]

I have purchased a lot of items from the US - most of them in the several hundred dollar range and I am almost never charged customs duty. For Birkenstocks, it is likely you wouldn't be charged given their relatively low value (as compared to high priced or "luxury" goods) and if you did, the amount would likely be very little.