Purchase from Canada


Hi.

I (in New York) would like to purchase an amp from a Canadian audiogoner and am wondering whether the transaction will attract customs duties, etc.

In the past, I sold a piece to a Candian audiogoner and the poor guy had the speakers stuck at custom for a month and ended up having to pay something like 20% duty.  Is the same thing going to happen to me?

Thanks,

tropicana20 (lenny miles)


tropicana20
Once the package has cleared customs in Canada, you can use USPS, with the same tracking number as Canada Post, to track in the US.
Yes - you will have to pay duties in the US when importing from Canada. The seller can declare a lower value for the amp (I believe US$500 is the limit), but that's a risk if it gets lost or damaged in transit and you have to file a claim. If you have to return the amp for whatever reason, you will end up paying duties or have to declare little or no value for the amp - keep that in mind. I have learned my lesson and will not be buying high end audio equipment from Canada - ever.
I have bought several items from Canadian dealers and zero duty. No duty, duty duty. No tax….
@rdk777

You're spreading miss information. No wonder you'll never buy equipment from Canada - ever. So if something is manufactured in Canada, and is duty free, you'll still never, ever, ever, buy from Canada, hmmmmm.

Guess what - the exact same rules apply to the US as well, Canada is no different.

Depending on where the item is manufactured, and what the item is, you may be subjected to paying duties, and the rates vary by exporting country, or agreements (see below USMCA).

If you send something back to Canada from the US, the importer pays the duties (if applicable). Not the guy from the US sending it back.

Do you know what USMCA is (old NAFTA)? Even within this agreement, there are defined rules, but basically if something is manufactured in either country, the other country doesn't pay duty (free trade agreement), or could be a reduced duty rate.