Hi Elgordo.
It depends on where the product was made. If it was made in Canada or in the US. and under $3000 USD. there is no charge, except they might get you for a $5 charge for the paper work. If it's over $3000 USD., they will ask you to go through a brokerage firm. Between you and the seller, I'm sure that you can "FIX" the sale price.I'm not too sure how it will work if the piece of gear was made in the U.K. or somewhere else, as all of the pieces that I brought across were made here or in the US. You can also check with US. costoms and I'm sure they can give you all the information you need.
Good luck. Wayne