Import tax - can a USA seller charge import tax to a Canadian customer?

[micia.2015]

I recently purchased 8 used magazines from a seller in the State of New York and he charged me an "Import Tax". I sent the seller a message asking if he is collecting Canadian GST and customs duty. The seller did not reply to my question or two other questions.

The seller sent my magazines through the eBay Global Shipping Program. When I read up on the program it sounds like the Global Shipping Program is responsible for collecting and remitting any Canadian GST and duty to Canadian customs. I am assuming that is why shipping through the eBay Global Shipping Program is so bloody expensive.

Why am I being ripped off by the seller?

PS: I scrolled through other sellers of used magazines and some do NOT charge an "import tax" but others do. What the hell?

[ypdc_dennis]

The seller is not charging you an "import tax".

The Global Shipping Program (GSP) is charging the import fee.  The fee covers sales tax, duty and processing. Currently that applies to any shipment worth more than $20 Canadian (about $15us). This will increase when the new trade agreement goes into effect.

...

Sellers who do not use GSP ship directly to you, and you are responsible for paying sales tax, duty and handling fee when the package arrives.  If sent via the post office most low value shipments slip through without any charge (just like speeding drivers usually manage to avoid traffic tickets for speeding).

...

For low value items sent to Canada from the USA or the UK avoid sellers who use GSP.

-..-

[femmefan1946]

To be pedantic-- our duty-free allowance is supposed to increase (from $20 to $180) on items not covered by Free Trade agreements like NAFTA.

BUT

Sales tax will still be levied on imports valued over $40 no matter where they originate.

No date for the change has been announced.

[rcsigs51]

I seldom buy from any seller who uses the Global Shipping Program as it not only makes a profit from handling the item but it can add days to the delivery of the item. Try to have your item shipped so Canada Post handles it. My experience is on physically small items the majority of times you never get charged any duty or taxes even when the item may be worth a few hundred dollars  

[femmefan1946]

Of course it makes a profit.

Pitney Bowes is a business.

Canada Post makes  a profit on their business too.

I can't believe  a card-carrying socialist like me has to explain this.

[marnotom!]

I also don't get why people complain so vociferously about having to pay tax and duty on items they purchase from outside the country but they pay 'em without so much as a blink of an eye if the item is from a Canadian seller, be it online or in person.

(The duties are even buried in the charge for the item.)

[ypdc_dennis]

ZOMBIE thread.

New thread: https://community.ebay.ca/t5/Community-Feedback/GSP-GLOBAL-SHIPPING-PROGRAM/m-p/431578

[tyler@ebay]

Hi everyone,

Due to the length of time that has passed since this thread began I have locked it from future replies. If this is still an issue that warrants discussion, don't hesitate to begin a new thread!