import duty sending used gear from Canada to USA

Interestingly,

I purchased a pair of Ambience 1600 reference series speakers from the manufacturer in Australia. Shipping on them was $1400. I received a weird message from the shipping agency that the customs were going to dismantle the speakers for drugs unless I go to the Portland Airport and claim the item. So I picked them up. No duty. I have had them for 3 years and no bill yet. Australia is not NAFTA. Maybe I was just lucky.

Thank you for your insight. I will let you know how it turns out. They were 3 year old used Allnic Prepamp.

(Although I prefer to buy only US goods, Ross Parot was right in 1992 when he said if we approved NAFTA we will loose our manufacturing industry. I am not a big fan of Walmart who strong handled Rubermaid into producing goods below cost causing them to go bankrupt. On auction, the entire manufacturing line was purchased and shipped to China . If you question why Rubermaid is not the same quality it once was...it now is manufactured in China.)

I bought an amp (made in UK) from a dealer in Ontario, shipped to Los Angeles. No fees if I recall correctly but the dealer indicated it was a possibility when he processed the sale. Not sure if it's relevant, but it was an open box demo.

Well I stand corrected. Bill just came - $77.47

I wanted to post my result.

3% import duty for non-nafta produced goods, new or used.

For me $300.

No other fees.

I did purchase speaker new from Australia and there is a trade agreement and no import duty. No import duty. From japan and I understand that soon Taiwan and South Korea will be included.

Buy used, claim less price. I did not do this.