This is a sticky wicket indeed. As a Canuck who has done a few cross-border deals (both ways) I can advise that indeed since NAFTA that any audio gear manufactured within the US and Canada is entitled to traverse our border without duty. But its just duty thats involved not taxes. As the unit was destined for Ontario, Canada Customs would have take the $2500 US converted it to Canadian funds at a ratio of 1.6 and then tacked on about 15.5% taxes (7% GST which is Federal and 8% cumulative Provincial). Doing the math the buyer should be looking at $2500 X 1.6 X 15.5% = $620 Canadian funds. So the $700 seems somewhat high but is in the ball park. Can't get away from taxes irregardless where the unit was manufactured or even originally purchased!!!
25 customs/tax fee to ship audio to Canada ??
Hi folks:
I sold my Sonic Frontiers Line 3 to a buyer in Canada about three weeks ago. I'm located in California and the buyer is in Ontario, Canada. I find that Canadian customs are holding the preamp, and want about $700CDN in customs/fees/tax before relinquishing the used preamp, which was declared and insured for $2,500USD. To me this excessive charge has been very surprising. Have others had the same experience? Are there ways to contest or overcome this problem? It would seem to make prohibitive any Canadian purchase of gear from the US. The whole problem is particularly disturbing given that one would think that there is such a thing as NAFTA. Also, the Line 3 is manufactured in Canada, and marked clearly as such on the paperwork. FedEx Ground was the shipper in this instance. Anyway, any advice would be welcome. Thanks!!!
I sold my Sonic Frontiers Line 3 to a buyer in Canada about three weeks ago. I'm located in California and the buyer is in Ontario, Canada. I find that Canadian customs are holding the preamp, and want about $700CDN in customs/fees/tax before relinquishing the used preamp, which was declared and insured for $2,500USD. To me this excessive charge has been very surprising. Have others had the same experience? Are there ways to contest or overcome this problem? It would seem to make prohibitive any Canadian purchase of gear from the US. The whole problem is particularly disturbing given that one would think that there is such a thing as NAFTA. Also, the Line 3 is manufactured in Canada, and marked clearly as such on the paperwork. FedEx Ground was the shipper in this instance. Anyway, any advice would be welcome. Thanks!!!
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- 16 posts total
- 16 posts total