Is the import tax an amount added on top of shipping or is this a combined amount of shipping & cust

[marnotom!]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and reword what I can of your question.

I think what you're asking is Are the import charges on a purchase made through the Global Shipping Program an amount added on top of shipping?

And the answer is, yes.  The shipping and the import charges are two separate charges that you need to pay together.

Import charges include taxes (i.e. GST/PST/HST/QST) and any duties (usually minor) that may be owing on the item plus a set of customs clearance related fees and other goodies.  You can find out more on these pages:

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/buy/shipping-globally.html

http://pages.ebay.ca/shipping/globalshipping/buyer-tnc.html (Links to this page are on any listing page where the GSP is used.)

Keep in mind that all purchases with a declared value of more than C$20 can potentially be taxed, even ones sent by mail.  Canada Post will collect these taxes as well as a C$9.95 fee.  It doesn't happen as much as it used to, however.  Think of it like driving 60 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.  Yes, you're speeding, but it's unlikely that anybody's going to do anything about it most of the time, but every so often you or somebody else will get pulled over.

[gazer-sky]

A follow up, hopefully someone can answer 🙂

So when I buy an item, for say $300, and it says $20 shipping and $50 GSP (approxiamately). I understand the shipping is separate but that $50 will include *all* tax, import and Canada Post charges, correct?

This is probably clear and obvious but worth asking I guess, thanks

[reallynicestamps]

Sorta.

That $50 will include *all* tax, import and PITNEY BOWES charges,  since Pitney Bowes and not Canada Post is shepherding the parcel across the border.

PB has a service charge of $4.95 and up, while Canada Post has a service charge for the same work of $9.95 and up.

But your basic assumption is correct.

[chimera148]

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@reallynicestamps wrote:

........while Canada Post has a service charge for the same work of $9.95 and up.

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Wondering , when would higher than the 9.95 service charges by CP come into effect ?

[gazer-sky]

Thanks 🙂

I too wonder when the higher amount might kick in.