Shipping goods to the U.S.

[NiMSo]

For inbound items to Canada, I'm aware that goods may be subject to taxes, etc. (unless the item is a gift under $60, or something like that). Also, certain services (like UPS ground), may subject you to brokerage fees.

Now what about shipments to the U.S.A. from Canada? I will be sending an item to the states, but don't want the recipient to incur any hidden fees. Anything that I should be aware of? I'm not sure if they have different policies over there.

What service/courier should I use? Are taxes applicable? (What's the declared value limit if trying to avoid taxes?) How to avoid brokerage fees?

[NiMSo]

I've gotta ship it out tomorrow!!! Any info would be appreciated...

[squall458]

Use Canada post, declare it for a low value ($20 or less) and as a gift. Now, if it gets lost, then you are screwed, also, declaring a lower value is illegal blah blah... Hope that helps!

[Riffer]

I have heard that UPS and Fedex are playing the same games with their ground service that do up here - assessing large brokerage fees.

Until the whole thing becomes clearer, I would ship Canada Post.

[Amourek]

IRC, it's $200 to the US, $60 from the US.

[NiMSo]

IRC, it's $200 to the US, $60 from the US.

Really?...

Can anyone verify this? Where can I find this info?

[prying eyes]

Google is your best friend
From:
http://reviews.ebay.com/Canada-amp-USA-Import-Export-Shipping-Guide_W0QQugidZ10000000000067340?ssPageName=BUYGD: CAT:-1:LISTINGS:4
Gifts mailed from abroad to people in the United States can be received by them free of duty if the value of the gift does not exceed $100. Gifts for more than one person can be consolidated into one package. To be eligible for this waiver, each recipient's name must be clearly marked on the package. Non-gift purchases mailed to the United States will pass duty-free if their value does not exceed $200. The outer wrapping must be marked with the fair retail value of the contents; a description of the contents (e.g., shirts, belts, watch, figurines, etc.); and whether the package is a gift ($100 exemption) or for personal use ($200 exemption).