Why does ebay charge import charges to Canadian buyers...when the import charge does not even apply?

[greenpea77]

Used items are not to be charged any import charges from the USA to Canada...but I am being quoted import charges to buy.??

[ypdc_dennis]

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@greenpea77 wrote:

Used items are not to be charged any import charges from the USA to Canada...but I am being quoted import charges to buy.??

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Just because something is "used" does not mean the item is not subject to TAX when it crosses the border.

The GSP shipping program used by some American sellers and some UK sellers has the seller send the item to Pitney-Bowes for border processing.  Duties (if any) and TAXES on the item plus a processing fee are charged to the buyer.

Best way to avoid this, is to buy from sellers that don't use GSP for mailing. If shipped via the post office and the item is small it will probably slip under the government's tax radar.

-..-

[femmefan1946]

I was under the same impression, that used goods were not subject to duty, but I was challenged on that a while back.

And it looks like I was wrong (and you too, Dennis).

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d13/d13-10-1-eng.html

As I read this, at least some used goods are subject to duty. I tried reading it although it is written in a language I no longer speak (bureaucratic legalese)  but as far as I can understand, most of the exceptions deal with previously owned industrial machinery.

However, the point is the Global Shipping Program is a Seller Protection policy that carries few benefits for buyers. Nor was it ever meant to.

It should be avoided as much as possible.

If you MUST have the item listed, contact the seller BEFORE bidding, and ask if a new private listing using USPS shipping, which includes Confirmation of Delivery, the big selling point of the GSP, would be considered.