Importing used Audio equipment to Canada

Many thanks for all the input, you have been very helpful. I was planning on picking-up the item myself...as the seller is located close to the CND border....just a short drive away. Any additional tips would be much appreciated.

I would echo the comments that the duty for gear manufactured in North america is 0 and all you pay is 7% gst. If it is from out of north america the rate varies but is generally 6 to 7%. The other downside is that it is calculated in cad, not usd so you pay more. I agree with the usps and better shippers because some will nail you with a 50 dolllar brokerage fee. Good luck.

My experience of getting stuff from US (I lived in Ottawa, ON) was not always good. I was usually charged with GST 7%, customs duty 10%, and brokerage fee - kinda of unlimited. Last time I ordered several step-down transformers UPS charged me almost $50 brokerage... I noticed that USPS, Fedex, Purolator take significantly less.

If the item was manufactured outside of the NAFTA countries, you'll be charged tariffs. Otherwise only the brokerage/handling fees, which can be quite steep.

Sympaticonorm,

As I live near the US border as well, I drive down to the US to pick up my item that I have on hold at UPS or FEDEX in Buffalo. I ask the seller if he would mind writing up a one sentence bill of sale for the item purchased as you have to declare it at the border and pay a 15% tax on it. I declare it all the time; however, the price written on the bill of sale might not be the actual purchase price :)
Never have had a problem in the dozen or so times that I have done this.

David