It can also pass customs without being assessed.
NO!!
Any item valued above $20CDN (about $16USD) is over the maximum duty free allowance.
- Some items are not dutiable-- bullion comes to mind and products manufactured in NAFTA countries.
- Some items may be overlooked by CBSA - small and cheap items are usually ignored, because CBSA has an informal policy not to assess duty on items that would cost more to assess than would be collected.
BUT- even those could be assessed and charged if the customs officer is really bored or thinks there may be a problem. (A seller here was musing that her imports of Chinese beads may be getting held up because customs officers are on the watch for Fentanyl tablets.)
You can check the duty on your particular product here:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/duty-droits-eng.html
Duty and sales tax are the least of your problems with Asian imports.
If there is any problem with your purchase, for example, it is a counterfeit, you would be required to return it to the seller ,with Confirmation of Delivery, to get a refund from eBay or Paypal.
No confirmation , no refund.
And that return postage will cost you $40 or more.
https://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/far/business/findARate?execution=e1s1
And never accept an offer of a replacement, it won't arrive. Cash refunds only.
Also insurance protects the seller not the buyer. The best insurance is a seller with 99-100% positive feedback. And if he has negatives, read them for patterns. There will be the odd buyer who is determined to be unhappy. But many saying "Thank you for the refund." or "Item never arrived" are a strong warning.
