Question about UPS & Canada Customs?

[fayenet]

I got a call this morning from UPS saying my package from US was waiting for customs clearance. I said I wanted to clear the customs myself. But the CSR told me I had to go to Windsor to do this since the package was at the Windsor border. So it ended up a $26 charge (brokage_$19+tax_$7) for a $50 value package.

Is this ture?? I mean I cannot just go to the local CRA to pay for the tax?

I did some search at here & google but didn't find anything.

Thanks!

[deejayspinz]

Yup.. I learned the hard way too. I've bought a lot off ebay out of the States.. Almost every time UPS was used, I got hit with ridiculous customs charges... Whenever I buy now, I pretty much only do it if the seller will ship via USPS (that's US Postal Service). It does not guarantee you wont get hit, but for some reason, I almost never get hit with Customs this way. UPS just plain sucks when it comes to Customs and Brokerage... The brokers that they use are a rip-off as far as I am concerned.... (Note, I am only talking about brokerage fees here - not taxes).

If you have to do UPS, I've heard that it is better for you to choose their express (or fast via air) method as there is some loophole where you avoid the brokerage fee.

I know all of this does not help you now, but take it as advice for next time...

[Kasakato]

Thats correct. The package can only be cleared at the point of origin. You still maybe able to appoint a separate company to clear the package for a little bit cheaper.

Next time use USPS. They charge a $5 handling fee, plus tax.

[cwb27]

Just a note. Canada Customs does not exist anymore, nor does the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) have much to do with anything Customs related.

The Canada Border Services Agency is the new agency that contains people from Canada Customs, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

[Feneant]

UPS is the worst shipping company in the world. I don't even understand how they can get away with raping cross border customers like that on every shipment.

If I was you, I would simply tell them to ship it back, refuse the package and contact the company you bought it from for refund.

[fayenet]

Good to know! Thank you guys.

[dealguy2]

I got a call this morning from UPS saying my package from US was waiting for customs clearance. I said I wanted to clear the customs myself. But the CSR told me I had to go to Windsor to do this since the package was at the Windsor border. So it ended up a $26 charge (brokage_$19+tax_$7) for a $50 value package.

Is this ture?? I mean I cannot just go to the local CRA to pay for the tax?

I did some search at here & google but didn't find anything.

Thanks!

Sounds a little low to me. It should be something like $60 or so for the brokerage on a $50 item.

[sfu_engineer]

Sounds a little low to me. It should be something like $60 or so for the brokerage on a $50 item.

Yup! My $50 watch purchase a while back was hit with a $50 brokerage/tariff charge.

[Kasakato]

Yup! My $50 watch purchase a while back was hit with a $50 brokerage/tariff charge.

Watches are subject to a loyalty tax.

[ElvaSoShexai]

my $89USD item cost me $57CAD in brokerage + taxes..

they not only charge brokerage.. but they also charge like a $5 fee for COD of the brokerage and tax fees.. as well as another 2.7% for not paying in advance

[Carbo]

While I agree that the brokerage is a ripoff, people should be aware by now that UStoCAN UPS Ground is a no deal. Spend the extra dollars and get Expedited (Air service) from them. It will get here quicker and you get free brokerage (only pay GST/taxes).

[rdtx2002]

just ship USPS if you can wait a few more days to get the package.. and you save brokerage fees and stupid fees from the scammers at UPS

[goffeebeans]

While I agree that the brokerage is a ripoff, people should be aware by now that UStoCAN UPS Ground is a no deal. Spend the extra dollars and get Expedited (Air service) from them. It will get here quicker and you get free brokerage (only pay GST/taxes).

Yup, theres no loophole, their expedited services include free brokerage service. It ends up costing about the same as ground after brokerage fees, but you get it faster.

Also people need to realize that there are 3 main charges.
1) Brokerage fee *is what everyone upset about*
2) Duties/Tariffs
3) Taxes

When they ship usps you're still responsible for 2 and 3, as well as an inspection/handling fee ~$7 if they check it.

Also by accepting UPS as the shipping courier and than later refusing the package due to brokerage fees, you're not screwing anyone except the SELLER. Its you're responsibility ALONE to know the charges as you accepted the method. You should be ready to reimburse the shipper for all costs, otherwise you're just as bad as UPS screwing ppl over. Had there been a communication mix up and the seller sent it ups instead of usps, thats a different story.

[CSR]

just ship USPS if you can wait a few more days to get the package.. and you save brokerage fees and stupid fees from the scammers at UPS

I've had approx 6-7 packages sent to me from the states via USPS; not once have I gotten hit.

WIll they send me an invoice 3 months later?