buying from canada i pay duty on some items but not others where can i find out why?

[gregebuyer]

😞

[scifan57]

If the items you buy have a declared value of $20.00 or less you will not have to pay taxes and possible duty. If the item is valued at more than $20.00 you will likely be assessed taxes and possible duty,but sometimes the package slips through without being assessed,but don't count on it.

[dmil8030]

Whether or not there is duty on an item depends on what the item is and where it is made.  Items over $20 in value are subject to duties and taxes.  The tax you pay according to your province, the duty depends on the item, and if it is made in a NAFTA country it will have not duty, just tax.  Items coming through the post often sail through to your door without charge, the postal folks being too overworked and understaffed to collect.  But always factor in possible charges anyway.  Here is a link to tell you about importing by the post:

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

Items which come by courier invariably have these charges along with the brokerage fees, - avoid UPS if you can.  So steep are the UPS brokerage fees that many people will not buy from sellers who use UPS.

All importers must pay these charges, and when you buy outside the country you are the importer.  If you bought the item down the street at Sears you would pay the tax at the checkout and the duty and processing charge is in the item price.  Always allow for the possibility of paying charges, and if the item just shows up anyway, - well then, lucky you. 🙂

[heidilynn0_3]

Hi gregebuyer.. This link explains all about importing into Canada..

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

Not all items over $20 value via mail are assessed by CBSA simply because of the volume of packages. However, by courier UPS/Fedex the buyer is always assessed duty,if applicable, taxes and an expensive brokerage fee. By mail the clearing fee is $8.50.

I peeked at your last feedback. Import fees are exclusive to buyer and seller is never at fault.

Avoid Courier shipping.