When i buy an item from another country what additional fees do i pay?

[lauren4reall]

Some things i want to buy are being sold from other countries. Do i have to pay any international  fees. I only buy things that are free shipping, so do i only pay the price of the item?

[heidilynn0_3]

Hi .. depends, canadians can only import items valued under $20. duty/tax free.

Over , duty, if any, plus taxes normally paid. Mail , Canada Post charges a handling fee of $8.50. Avoid courier(UPS, FEDEX) as they charge an expensive brokerage fee.

Some US sellers are now using eBay's Global Shipping Program. When viewing a listing , in first section, will see...import charges..provided at checkout. These are paid upfront rather than on delivery.

[lauren4reall]

How do I avoid the $8.50 Canada Post fee?

[heidilynn0_3]

You don't.

[lauren4reall]

So i called Canada Post, and if the item is under $20, there is no handling fee. Also no duties, only the 13% tax.

[femmefan1946]

You should be aware that Free Shipping is advertising talk for "we included the shipping cost in the asking price".

So when you buy something that is "free" shipping you may find the cost is pushed high enough that Canada Post's service fee, duty and sales tax become applicable.

If you bought an item for $15 plus $10 shipping, these fees would not be applied.

If you bought an identical item for $25 with "free" shipping, the fees would kick in and the item would cost you at least $34.00 plus taxes. (Most items are not a actually dutiable)

[heidilynn0_3]

So i called Canada Post, and if the item is under $20, there is no handling fee. Also no duties, only the 13% tax.

If the item is under $20, there is no handling fee, no duty and NO tax.

[heidilynn0_3]

Here is a link for you..

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

femmefan's comment is very true as shipping is excluded from declared value.