FAQ About Cross Border Shopping / CBSA

[Ebola]

FIRST AND FOREMOST www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca FOR EVERYTHING CANADA BORDER RELATED

All of the information in this thread is obtainable either on the CBSA website, in the Customs D-Memoranda which are also on the CBSA website, or in the Customs Act.

This is just meant to help some people with the common questions they ask, that I can answer easily. If at any point I get a question that I do not feel comfortable answering, I will say that I will not answer it.


#1. What do I need to get into the US as far as ID goes?

removed pending update

#2. How much am I eligible to bring back tax free from my trip to the US? (or abroad)

(The exemptions which state HOURS are calculated to the HOUR.] )

If you are gone LESS THAN 24 HOURS (ie. A DAY TRIP) you are entitled to:

-Nothing. Buy whatever you want, you are subject to tax on all of it.

If you are gone MORE THAN 24 HOURS you are entitled to:

-Up to $50 worth of goods per person tax fee. A penny more than $50 spent, ie. $50.01, and you pay taxes on EVERYTHING you bought.

If you are gone MORE THAN 48 HOURS :

-You can claim $400 worth of goods tax free. Anything over $400, you pay tax on the difference. Ie. You spent $500. Subtract $400. Pay tax on $100.

-If you are of the drinking/smoking age in the province you are entering Canada into, you are also now eligible to bring back limited amounts of alcohol and/or tobacco.

This much to be precise:

Alcohol (ONE of the following):

1.14 L of Liquor
OR
1.5L of Wine
OR
24 x 355ml Beer
OR
A combination of wine and liquor not exceeding 1.14L in total.

-"coolers" are classified by what alcohol is in them. So, "beer coolers" are beer, "wine coolers" are wine.

NOTE: You may not bring back more than 45L of alcohol without an LCBO (changes with province) alcohol import permit.



Tobacco (ALL of the following):

200 cigarettes
AND
200 grams of manufactured tobacco
AND
200 tobacco sticks
AND
50 cigars or cigarillos

Any amounts more than these specified allotments will be charged duty and taxes! This can amount to over 75% taxes for alcohol.. and over 120% taxation easily on tobacco.

If you are gone MORE THAN 7 DAYS:

-Each person is entitled to $750 of goods. Same exact idea as the 48 hour exemption. Subtract $750 from your value, if anything remains, you pay tax on it. You are also entitled to the SAME alcohol and tobacco exemption.

-This is the highest exemption, is does not increase anymore , even if you are gone for 4 months.

#3 How do I know which items I will be charged duty on, and which items I will just be charged GST and possibly provincial sales tax??

-Under NAFTA, any goods made in North America are duty free.

-All other goods in the world fall either under the Most Favoured Nation Tariff (MFN) , the General Preferential Treatment Tariff (more rare) and the Developing Country Tariff Treatment (Rarest). There is also the Commonwealth Carribean Country Preferential Treatment Tariff.. but I digress.

-For land border travellers, this is most always the US tariff, which means no duty.

-For air travellers it is usually the US or MFN tariff, of which there is usually a low duty rate (typically no more than 8%)

-As always there are exception, for example : excess turkey being imported is subject to a 26.5% duty rate on top of regular taxes. So always call the CBSA or check the tariff schedule yourself to avoid any nasty surprises.

You can find the consolidated 2008 Tariff Treatment Guide here (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/2008/01-99/tblmod-1-eng.html)

#4. Can I get back the tax I pay in the US?

-Generally speaking , no.

NOTE: The Canadian GST rebate program has also been eliminated. So that means any foreigners who buy things / spend their money here, do not get their tax money back. It stays here in Canada.

#5. When the Officer is Calculating my Taxes, Do I pay Tax on Tax?

-US sales tax is just part of what it cost you to buy the item.

-What the Canadian taxes are assessed on, is how much is cost you to obtain those goods for the purpose of importing them into Canada. So if you pay a value with taxes in it, that is part of that value for import.

-Example(fictional) :

*A cookie is on sale for $1 in the US. You want to buy that cookie and bring it to your friend in Canada.

*The US state charges you 50 cents tax on your cookie.

*When the Border Officer asks you how much you paid for the cookie, you paid $1.50. So that cookie upon import to Canada, is worth $1.50, and as such the Border Officer will charges you taxes on $1.50.

#6. How Can I Pay my Taxes at the Border?

Methods of payment:
-Canadian Cash
-American Cash
-Credit Cards ( at my port) : Mastercard, Visa, AMEX
-Debit Cards

#7. Do the Exemptions apply equally to all Canadians and visitors alike?

-Yes.. and no.

-Anyone residing in Canada falls under the exemption limits listed above. This includes residing citizens, permanent residents, student visa, work pemit etc.

- Short term visitors from foreign countries do not usually pay taxes, unless the items are said to be staying behind when they leave, this generally means their personal effects and conveyance.

- Foreigners coming into Canada (frequently Americans) have the same alcohol and tobacco exemptions as a Canadian who has been gone for 48 hrs. Now once they enter the country, they have to leave again for a full 48 hrs, before they can bring another exemptions worth back in. This is called a "new trip".

#8. How do I apply to become a Border Services Officer, how much do you make,and where does the training take place?

Go to www.jobs.gc.ca for the actual up to date job posting for the BSO position.

Alternatively, going to www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca will also have a section on "Become a Border Services Officer!" Yay!

Training takes place in Rigaud QC.

#10. What do I need to bring with my cat/dog when crossing the border?

As long as you can prove your already owned dog/cat has their rabies vaccine up to date you should be fine.

[Narci]

If your coming back into BC, baby/children's clothing is subject to only 1 tax (I forgot which one it is).

If your bringing back, say a camera, into Canada and it cost $300 but you were gone for over 48 hours, you will be exempt. Even though the CSBA agent lets you though, go into the customs office and ask for then to charge you 0 dollars on the camera with a receipt because it was exempt from taxes. (Not many CSBA agents would know this so you might have to tell them why you want a $0 tax receipt.)

Why?

Because if you ever go out of country and come back, CSBA has every right to ask you for proof of taxes paid. They can charge you tax on that camera which you were exempt from initially but if you had that $0 tax receipt, its proof you were exempt from taxation. That green card you can fill out with the items serial # and description on it, its proof you left the country with that item and coming back in...But it's still no proof you paid taxes on that item.

[cwb27]

If your coming back into BC, baby/children's clothing is subject to only 1 tax (I forgot which one it is).

If your bringing back, say a camera, into Canada and it cost $300 but you were gone for over 48 hours, you will be exempt. Even though the CSBA agent lets you though, go into the customs office and ask for then to charge you 0 dollars on the camera with a receipt because it was exempt from taxes. (Not many CSBA agents would know this so you might have to tell them why you want a $0 tax receipt.)

Why?

Because if you ever go out of country and come back, CSBA has every right to ask you for proof of taxes paid. They can charge you tax on that camera which you were exempt from initially but if you had that $0 tax receipt, its proof you were exempt from taxation. That green card you can fill out with the items serial # and description on it, its proof you left the country with that item and coming back in...But it's still no proof you paid taxes on that item.

Kids clothes are PST Exempt.

I have no clue where you're getting this zero dollar receipt thing from? All you need is a Form Y38 (the green card) showing that the goods were in your possession when you left Canada. This is all you need. They're not going to look at the Y38 then started playing 50 questions on if you paid tax on the item.

[Narci]

Kids clothes are PST Exempt.

I have no clue where you're getting this zero dollar receipt thing from? All you need is a Form Y38 (the green card) showing that the goods were in your possession when you left Canada. This is all you need. They're not going to look at the Y38 then started playing 50 questions on if you paid tax on the item.

I asked custom agents/supervisors, just as you said, the Y38 form means the good were on you when you left Canada, it's still no proof of taxes were paid. i.e. a reciept from Futureshop or Besy Buy. If they wanted to, they CAN ask you for proof of taxes paid on an item.

i.e. say I bought a rolex in HK but when I came back into canada, I never declared it and got away with it. Nect time I leave I can still fill out a Y38 as proof of origin (that i'm leaving Canada with it) but technically it's not proof that I paid taxes on the item. If I come back into Canada and present the Y38 card, they can still ask if I paid taxes on the item if it was bought in Canada and they still can ask me to produce a reciept as proof of taxes paid.

[cwb27]

I asked custom agents/supervisors, just as you said, the Y38 form means the good were on you when you left Canada, it's still no proof of taxes were paid. i.e. a reciept from Futureshop or Besy Buy. If they wanted to, they CAN ask you for proof of taxes paid on an item.

i.e. say I bought a rolex in HK but when I came back into canada, I never declared it and got away with it. Nect time I leave I can still fill out a Y38 as proof of origin (that i'm leaving Canada with it) but technically it's not proof that I paid taxes on the item. If I come back into Canada and present the Y38 card, they can still ask if I paid taxes on the item if it was bought in Canada and they still can ask me to produce a reciept as proof of taxes paid.


Did you ask for a Y38 when you were coming BACK to Canada? Because of course that's the answer you're going to get.

If you arrive at the border with your goods (i.e. a camera) and get waived on thru, ONCE YOU'RE IN CANADA, take the goods (camera) to a CBSA office and then get a Y38. I don't know about Ebola, but I don't think I've ever seen/asked a person for their proof of taxes paid receipt when they show a Y38.

I mean no disrespect here, but I think you're confusing details.


And yes, I understand your example with regards to the watch, I'd say more often than not receipts are not requested by the officer when filling out a Y38. I can tell you right now that it's quite common for receipts to be lost, in that situation, I don't think that would be grounds to deny someone a Y38.

[Ebola]

Anyway you guys could discuss this elsewhere?

I was hoping to keep the posts in this thread to a minimum, remember people, if you have a question, please PRIVATE MESSAGE it to me!

Thanks!

[canabiz]

Guys you may want to add what method of payment are accepted at the border offices regarding tax/duties.

Cash/Personal checks/Debit Card/Credit Card

For Credit Card, do you take Visa or MC or will you take anything like AMEX, Diners International, JCB etc.

Is American dollars accepted or it has to be Canadian currency for cash?

There was a letter to the Ottawa Citizen not too long ago complaining about a wait of up to 3 hours while some officers went to Gananoque to get some rolls of papers for receipts. In this day and age, you would think this is not something that should have happened, but it does and due to the isolation of the border crossings, people will generally cut some slack here.

[nutscreative]

Wow, FAQ are very helpful...cos i am planning trip in end of Nov. Thanks for all the information.

[CSK'sMom]

Check the border wait times here http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html or by calling 1-800-715-6722. For those crossing in Niagara after consulting the previously posted border delay sites choose the appropriate crossing with the shortest wait. Before leaving home have appropriate directions to your shopping destinations from all 3 bridges into the US.

Ebola you may want to add that kids age 14 and over should carry photo id when crossing into the US. We routinely get asked for it by the US guys. A school photo ID card is acceptable.

[Chr1s]

Great post!

This should be made a Sticky.

[Ebola]

Updated with more questions.

The really really specific questions I deal with in PM's. If I feel they are worthwhile to put in here I'll do it.

Oh ya, and I won't be answering questions like :

"Have you ever beat someone down to arrest them?"

"Do you like your new gun?"

and

"Are you as a guy allowed to strip search women?" (ok ill answer this, no.)

[CinnamonX]

What about taxes/duties on grocery items?

[Ryan]

This thread is a finalist for the Most Helpful Thread of the Year! If you think it should win, be sure to vote here:


http://images.redflagdeals.com/rfdimages/promos/readerappreciation2008/badgeMostHelpfulThread.png (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=605749)

[runningdog]

Wow, great thread and great PM advice. Thanks.

I didn't even know this thread existed until is saw the poll for most helpful thread.

[Ebola]

#13. What do I need to do to bring a firearm I bought in the US into Canada?

The first thing you need to do is be sure that you are legally entitled to own the firearm in Canada. This means you need to have a PAL. (Possession and Acquistion License). If you don't have a PAL, the weapon will be taken from you if you declare it, or if you do not declare it you will be arrested and charged under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.

This also means on your PAL you have the ability to posses and acquire non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited firearms respectively. For the vast majority of people this will mean non-restricted, or possibly restricted firearms.

The next thing you should do is register the firearm as soon as you can. You cannot import, nor transport an unregistered firearm into Canada. This may mean making two trips across the border, the first to actually buy the weapon, at which point you can call Canada Firearm Centre and read off to them the specification of the firearm, its serial number and all that good stuff, and then the second trip with your temporary/actual registration to import the firearm.

If you fail to get the firearm registered before importing, a CBSA office may have the ability to hold the firearm until proper documentation is provided.

As with many other things, CBSA acts as a front line agent for other government departments, for full regulations and procedures, visit: http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/default_e.asp

[kurtblak]

If you are flagged for failing to report a purchased product; ie. bottle of wine and your name/car plate is placed into the CBSA computer...

can CBSA still pull/find your name even if you change your license plates.

(ps...I'm asking this because I want to show that there is nothing criminal about my request yet I predict Ebola will hide and refuse to answer like all good bureaucrats - the concept of transparency and openness is totally alien to them - hence the mistrust held by the general public).

[cwb27]

If you are flagged for failing to report a purchased product; ie. bottle of wine and your name/car plate is placed into the CBSA computer...

can CBSA still pull/find your name even if you change your license plates.

(ps...I'm asking this because I want to show that there is nothing criminal about my request yet I predict Ebola will hide and refuse to answer like all good bureaucrats - the concept of transparency and openness is totally alien to them - hence the mistrust held by the general public).

I think you know the answer to your question already.

[brunes]

Can you please post the specifics on what duty you WILL BE CHARGED for liquor you bring into Canada if you are NOT over the bonder for 48 hours, or have been over more than 48 hours but exceed the duty-free limit?

I have never ever been able to find this information anywhere in the guide or the website - it is very obtuse.

All the information given ever says is "this is what you can bring over for free if you are over 48 hours" - but nothing says what you will be charged if you are not over for 48 hours,. or what you are charged on amounts over the limit if you are over more than 48 hours. It is almost like they do not want it known or something.

I have often been across the border and really wanted to bring back some cases of Samuel Adams lager (I really like it and you can't get it around here), but am afraid of the duty charges since I have no clue what they would be.

Also, if you have any kind of a CBSA "suggestions" program for you employees - can you please make the suggestion to them that they put this information in some obvious place, like in the brochure you can pick up at the crossing? I am not the only person I know who has asked this question. LIquor is one of the most wanted things to import by a lot of people for a variety of reasons, price is not the sole factor.

[CSK'sMom]

brunes, beer and liquor duty/taxes/markup have been discussed several times in the travel forum. Generally, you're looking at about $9 duty+taxes on a case of beer. Or if you're like us you buy a 12 pack or 2 every grocery trip and truthfully declare it and get waved through. :cheesygri

[brunes]

brunes, beer and liquor duty/taxes/markup have been discussed several times in the travel forum. Generally, you're looking at about $9 duty+taxes on a case of beer. Or if you're like us you buy a 12 pack or 2 every grocery trip and truthfully declare it and get waved through. :cheesygri

This is not enough detail at all. What I would like to know is

- How much / bottle of beer, or if / L based, how much / L duty
- How much / L of hard liquor duty
- Whether or not GST/PST is added on top of that duty
- Someone who could point me to an official source for said information, either on the CBSA website or some other document I could get a copy of, so I can be confident when I approach the border I am correct in my assessment of my expected duty

Hopefully the OP or another CBSA employee can shed some light.

EDIT: Also I would like more information on this statement:

Status aboriginals (living on a reserve) have their tax exemption honoured on imports as well.

Does this apply to the alcohol import duties as well? I have a close friend who is status; if we went across the border and he purchased the liquor, with his money, could he import it tax free? I am not trying to weasel around the law I just really would liek to have some of my favorite beer :P

[kurtblak]

I think you know the answer to your question already.

You are wrong. No I don't... it's a legit question and I have never been given a definitive answer.

Does the CBSA computer flag you even when you change license plates?

what is the fear of answering...diluting the "power" of border guards lol...

[brunes]

You are wrong. No I don't... it's a legit question and I have never been given a definitive answer.

Does the CBSA computer flag you even when you change license plates?

what is the fear of answering...diluting the "power" of border guards lol...

There is no fear of answering, the question is just ********.

For example, here is the same question posed another way. If you are flagged, and you travel in another car with someone who is not flagged, when you come back will you be searched?

The answer is, if the CBSA employee asks for your ID and you show it to them, of course you will! If the employee does not askf or the ID, of course you won't! If the license plates were legally moved to your name, of course you will!

It is just common sense man. You're taking a huge risk with such a scheme because the CBSA can ask for ID for anyone coming back at any time, it is luck of the draw if the car is waived through without having to show the CBSA your ID.

[Whitedart]

This is not enough detail at all. What I would like to know is

- How much / bottle of beer, or if / L based, how much / L duty
- How much / L of hard liquor duty
- Whether or not GST/PST is added on top of that duty
- Someone who could point me to an official source for said information, either on the CBSA website or some other document I could get a copy of, so I can be confident when I approach the border I am correct in my assessment of my expected duty

Hopefully the OP or another CBSA employee can shed some light.

EDIT: Also I would like more information on this statement:

Does this apply to the alcohol import duties as well? I have a close friend who is status; if we went across the border and he purchased the liquor, with his money, could he import it tax free? I am not trying to weasel around the law I just really would liek to have some of my favorite beer :P

Ebola had posted this on June 22nd in the Avoiding taxes thread. Prov taxes are different where you are, but it provides some duty info.


http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512053&page=64

Also as a general FYI, since I printed off a couple online ratings so people would have a bit better idea what they are in store for.

Taxes on:

Rum

Duty = 11.696% per LPA Unit of Measure

GST = 5%

Ontario Provincial Liquor Mark Up Tax = 59.90%

PST = 12%

Duty rate may vary depending on type of hard alcohol, the rest of the taxes will be the same.


Beer

Duty rate = 31.22% per HLT

GST = 5%

Ontario Provincial Mark Up Tax = .676% on the Litre.

PST = 12 %


Hope this helps everyone a bit. I will not be printing off any more specific examples than these. If you want a specific rating, call BIS to connect to someone on duty.

[cwb27]

You are wrong. No I don't... it's a legit question and I have never been given a definitive answer.

Does the CBSA computer flag you even when you change license plates?

what is the fear of answering...diluting the "power" of border guards lol...

There is no fear involved really (as much as you like to think there is on my behalf)...

There is a significant amount of information that the public does need to know about how the CBSA operates. Read back through the hundreds of CBSA related threads I've posted in, you'll see there are many occasions that I have declined to give information about CBSA operations.

[Ebola]

If you are flagged for failing to report a purchased product; ie. bottle of wine and your name/car plate is placed into the CBSA computer...

can CBSA still pull/find your name even if you change your license plates.

(ps...I'm asking this because I want to show that there is nothing criminal about my request yet I predict Ebola will hide and refuse to answer like all good bureaucrats - the concept of transparency and openness is totally alien to them - hence the mistrust held by the general public).

The answer to your question is:

If your name is in the system for having enforcement action taken against you, then your name is in the system.

I've said before there are some things that I can not tell you, or the public at large if I value my job. If I can't tell you, I don't hate you or have anything against you, I just refuse to do anything to jeopordize my career.

[brunes]

Hope this helps everyone a bit. I will not be printing off any more specific examples than these. If you want a specific rating, call BIS to connect to someone on duty.

What is HLT ?

So, let's say that the NB mark up tax is simmilar to that in Ontario (since there is no info on it anywhere), 0.676%. I normally just drop the PST / GST from the equation since you pay that on stuff bought here anyway. So, looks like the markup is about 32%? That isn't that bad - it's about $15.99 for a 12 pack, add 32% and it is about the same pricm as a 12 pack of any decent beer locally.

Again, Ebola IMO CBSA should put this information somewhere the public can see it.

[watta3]

I showed the border agent all the reciept after returning from a shopping spree on a long weekend. They asked me to go a head. No tax, any credit for being honest? If I were to pay, Where do I pay them? at the border boxes where car passes by? or being asked to park the car and go inside the building?

Thanks a lot!

[BobW]

Q: If I make a weekend run to the USA to get new tires and have them installed on my vehicle, how do I declare that on my return? What kind of taxes, etc am I looking at?

[brunes]

Q: If I make a weekend run to the USA to get new tires and have them installed on my vehicle, how do I declare that on my return? What kind of taxes, etc am I looking at?

You'll have to pay taxes on the tires but not the labour.

If the tires were made in the US (Michelin or Firestone/Bridgestone) you will only pay tax. If they were made in Korea or elsewhere (Kumho , others) you TECHNICALLY have to pay GPT import duties as well (7%), but from my experience buying tires in the US twice, the CBSA agent does not normally ask the origin of the tires if you declare them, probably because it is a PITA to look around the tire to check.

Also, Ebola FYI your tarrif link in the OP doesn't work anymore. I think the current one is http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/2008/01-99/tblmod-1-eng.html

[kurtblak]

The answer to your question is:

If your name is in the system for having enforcement action taken against you, then your name is in the system, doesn't matter what mode/method of transport, and thus it will appear when queried.

This is explained when enforcement action is taken, that your name will be put into the system.

I've said before there are some things that I can not tell you, or the public at large if I value my job. If I can't tell you, I don't hate you or have anything against you, I just refuse to do anything to jeopordize my career.

You did not answer my question except highlight how insecure your job is.

My question is completely legitimate and not illegal in any away; there is nothing secret about the border crossing except if you are a wanna-be super spy who failed to get into CSIS.

And your avatar pic may not have been a simple coincidence; your acting like that office hero...

[brunes]

You did not answer my question except highlight how insecure your job is.

My question is completely legitimate and not illegal in any away; there is nothing secret about the border crossing except if you are a wanna-be super spy who failed to get into CSIS.

And your avatar pic may not have been a simple coincidence; your acting like that office hero...

Your question has already been answered. It is ******** to even ask as a 6 year old knows the answer anyway. Go troll elsewhere please and keep this thread useful.

[3weddings]

Sorry kurtblak...I don't see where you are not reading the response to your question???

I agree that the response was common sense since when you are flagged, anything registered to you would also be flagged.

Good Job keeping the masses informed gentlemen!! I would love to see how many times a week you smash your head on the keyboard though!!!

[Ebola]

You did not answer my question except highlight how insecure your job is.

My question is completely legitimate and not illegal in any away; there is nothing secret about the border crossing except if you are a wanna-be super spy who failed to get into CSIS.

And your avatar pic may not have been a simple coincidence; your acting like that office hero...


Dude what the hell? This IS your answer:

boobies

[Ebola]

I showed the border agent all the reciept after returning from a shopping spree on a long weekend. They asked me to go a head. No tax, any credit for being honest? If I were to pay, Where do I pay them? at the border boxes where car passes by? or being asked to park the car and go inside the building?

Thanks a lot!

Hey watta,

No there is no credit for being honest, it is kind of the whole idea that you declare honestly.

You pay taxes by parking the car and going inside the building.

[CheapScotsman]

You are wrong. No I don't... it's a legit question and I have never been given a definitive answer.

Does the CBSA computer flag you even when you change license plates?

what is the fear of answering...diluting the "power" of border guards lol...Ebola has indicated that your name isn't listed in the system based on your license plate .... its by your name

Here is an encouter that I had .... In the 1980s I got pulled over in Washington State .... and they had access to my BC driving record. They asked me about a speeding ticket I had received in BC so ....

Its now 20 years later and, at least here in BC, they always request official ID (driver license, birth certificate, passport, etc) when you cross the border in either direction

I am quite confidant that both the CDN and US border guys can access your birth cert info, your passport info and your driving record ...which would include your address and change of address info along with any cars (and probably previous ones) registered to you ...

[cwb27]

You did not answer my question except highlight how insecure your job is.

My question is completely legitimate and not illegal in any away; there is nothing secret about the border crossing except if you are a wanna-be super spy who failed to get into CSIS.

And your avatar pic may not have been a simple coincidence; your acting like that office hero...

It's fascinating to me the joy you take in making something out of nothing...

[Howlader]

I hope this hasn't been asked already, if it has I've missed it in one of the various threads, I apologize.

Here's a situation: An individual travels to the United States for 48 hours and therefore is entitled to the $400 exemption. Say this person buys 400 dollars worth of goods that would not otherwise be subject NAFTA (such as clothes), and also maxed out the personal liquor exemption.

Then say the individual also bought an $1100 dollar camera. Obviously provincial and federal sales tax would apply, but (now I could be mistaken here) since the CBSA website lists that type of item with a 0% tariff, only the taxes would apply.

My question is this: Would the items that (if not for a 48 hour or 7-day exemption) would otherwise have a tariff associated with them be considered the "duty free" items, or would a portion of the $1100 camera?

Thanks.

[Ebola]

I hope this hasn't been asked already, if it has I've missed it in one of the various threads, I apologize.

Here's a situation: An individual travels to the United States for 48 hours and therefore is entitled to the $400 exemption. Say this person buys 400 dollars worth of goods that would not otherwise be subject NAFTA (such as clothes), and also maxed out the personal liquor exemption.

Then say the individual also bought an $1100 dollar camera. Obviously provincial and federal sales tax would apply, but (now I could be mistaken here) since the CBSA website lists that type of item with a 0% tariff, only the taxes would apply.

My question is this: Would the items that (if not for a 48 hour or 7-day exemption) would otherwise have a tariff associated with them be considered the "duty free" items, or would a portion of the $1100 camera?

Thanks.

It has been my experience that we will apply to the $400 dollar exemption to whatever will end up being to your greatest benefit.

If applying the $400 exemption to the $1100 camera saves you more taxes than applying the $400 to the other goods, then that's what we would do.

So basically, we just apply the exemption to items that duty would be charged on first, then NAFTA items second.

If they are all NAFTA items, then we will look at if any of the items are assessed PST(if applicable)+ GST or just GST, and apply it to the PST +GST items first.

If the items all fall under the exact same tax structure, then it doesn't mattter what we apply it to.

[Howlader]

It has been my experience that we will apply to the $400 dollar exemption to whatever will end up being to your greatest benefit.
With a caveat, that as always, your mileage may vary?

[Ebola]

With a caveat, that as always, your mileage may vary?

No that is national policy.

[Howlader]

Fantastic. Thanks Ebola.

-----------
Another tidbit for Manitobans looks for potential cross-border deals on buying alcohol. I contacted the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission, and right now (until who knows when?) there is currently no markup assessed on liquor. So the only thing that is assessed is the $0.40 per ounce of spirits and GST/PST.

[Ebola]

Fantastic. Thanks Ebola.

-----------
Another tidbit for Manitobans looks for potential cross-border deals on buying alcohol. I contacted the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission, and right now (until who knows when?) there is currently no markup assessed on liquor. So the only thing that is assessed is the $0.40 per ounce of spirits and GST/PST.

When paying your taxes, by all means go ahead and ask what your exemption is being put towards. Ask any questions you have at that point as well.

That's one of the reasons we are there, to give people answers, to ensure they have ever oppurtunity to be compliant with the regulations.

[brunes]

When paying your taxes, by all means go ahead and ask what your exemption is being put towards. Ask any questions you have at that point as well.

That's one of the reasons we are there, to give people answers, to ensure they have ever oppurtunity to be compliant with the regulations.

Is there any way to get more info on the alcohol charges than what has been posted? Isn't there some kind of rate table or document somewhere? If not, then how do you guys calculate it?

It is not simple to ask this before you go across because of the way the border crossing here is laid out, you don't really have access to CBSA unless you're on your way back unless you park aside the road and look suspicious and get all these American officers running over to see what you are doing.

[Ebola]

Is there any way to get more info on the alcohol charges than what has been posted? Isn't there some kind of rate table or document somewhere? If not, then how do you guys calculate it?

It is not simple to ask this before you go across because of the way the border crossing here is laid out, you don't really have access to CBSA unless you're on your way back unless you park aside the road and look suspicious and get all these American officers running over to see what you are doing.

The duty and tax rates for everything are found inside our TEPS computer. It is obviously easier to have them all at the touch of a finger, and the tax rates are spread out through various documents, so they have been consolidated for practical use.


Here's one such document, shows the markup taxes or fee depending on your province. See Appendix A for Tobacco, Appendix B for Alcohol.

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-3-6-eng.pdf

To find the excise/duty calculations, you need to use a different document, I'll try and track that down. The duty is the variable, as it changes frequently.

[live wire]

If I bought a boat or personal watercraft in the USA and brought it back to Canada. I heard that there is difficulty / alot more paper work to bring back the trailer. Thus, I have heard that it is recommended to bring your own trailer across the boarder to pick up a boat/ personal water craft. can you comment on this. Thanks.

[Ebola]

If I bought a boat or personal watercraft in the USA and brought it back to Canada. I heard that there is difficulty / alot more paper work to bring back the trailer. Thus, I have heard that it is recommended to bring your own trailer across the boarder to pick up a boat/ personal water craft. can you comment on this. Thanks.

The importation process is as follows:

Boat:
-Declare value of boat
-Present bill of sale
-Pay taxes
-Leave CBSA port of entry. (Assuming boat is relatively clean, no obvious plant or crustacean life on it/in it that would present a CFIA or Environmental threat)

Trailer:
-Declare value of trailer
-Present bill of sale and title for trailer if that state issues titles.
-Fill out RIV form and pay RIV fee.
-Pay taxes
-Leave CBSA port of entry.

What's important to note with trailers, is that unlike cars/trucks, they are not self propelled, and thus do not have to have their titles export stamped by US customs prior to your importing them into Canada, so there is no wait period.

It is my personal opinion that it's not that much more work at all, as long as you have your paperwork together, it's pretty quick, no more than 20-30 mins at most.

Of course if someone shows up with a trailer with no bill of sale or registration/title, then it's going to be a problem, because they haven't met the importation requirements. Same thing with a boat. If you don't have any paperwork to support your declaration, it's going to take longer than if you had stuff together.


The second part of your question, if you trailer a boat or watercraft yourself, on a Canadian trailer, well then all that has to happen is the above mentioned steps for the boat import. So if you already have a trailer, by all means do it, you won't have to import another.

[CADman]

Ouch!! According to Ebola's PDF regarding alcohol, that $45 US bottle of tequila I enjoy will cost me $113 in BC, or $49 in Alberta. Thanks for the heads up.

[Ebola]

Those are strictly markup fees and taxes remember, so the tax rate is definetly higher than what you see in the chart.

Obviously you need to add 5% GST, and for example, Ontario has a 12% PST on liquor. That's not including the 59.9% Provincal Mark Up.

At like I posted before.. it's like 11.69%/LPA duty rate in Ontario as well on things like rum and vodka anyway.

[brunes]

The duty and tax rates for everything are found inside our TEPS computer. It is obviously easier to have them all at the touch of a finger, and the tax rates are spread out through various documents, so they have been consolidated for practical use.


Here's one such document, shows the markup taxes or fee depending on your province. See Appendix A for Tobacco, Appendix B for Alcohol.

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-3-6-eng.pdf

To find the excise/duty calculations, you need to use a different document, I'll try and track that down. The duty is the variable, as it changes frequently.

Thanks a lot for this document Ebola.

So in NB, beer looks like a 64% markup plus GST on beer - OUCH! But strangely in NS it is only a penny / oz - MUCH less!

Might be worth making a round robin trip from here through Maine to the NS ferry up to the Digby ferry... :) Well not WORTH IT but if I ever did that for fun I will pick up some beer on the way :)

[brunes]

Here's another kinda complex question for you Ebola :)

Lets say (hypothetically) I was to buy a projector on eBay using my US mailing address and US paypal account so as to qualify for the 20% cxash back live.com rebate. The price I pay on eBay is $550, and that's what my paypal receipt shows. But really, I did not pay $500 for that projector, because I got 20% back, which means I only really ended up paying out $400. The thing is that 20% back comes from a different company (Microsoft) and would be a different receipt to show.

Now, when I came back into Canada - do I have to declare $400 or $500? If I declare only $400 and they ask for the receipt and I show them 1 receipt with the full price and another with the rebate, will that be OK?

This hypothetical situation is actually quite pertinent to me :) If I can indeed deduct the rebate and legally declare the $400 then it would be worth staying over the weekend to save that tax ( $115 )

EDIT: Actually now that I think about it it would probably be worth staying anyway as I woudl still save that money since I get the original $400 decudction regardless... would still liek to know though if I would pay tax on $400 or $500 in that situation.

[Ebola]

Here's another kinda complex question for you Ebola :)

Lets say (hypothetically) I was to buy a projector on eBay using my US mailing address and US paypal account so as to qualify for the 20% cxash back live.com rebate. The price I pay on eBay is $550, and that's what my paypal receipt shows. But really, I did not pay $500 for that projector, because I got 20% back, which means I only really ended up paying out $400. The thing is that 20% back comes from a different company (Microsoft) and would be a different receipt to show.

Now, when I came back into Canada - do I have to declare $400 or $500? If I declare only $400 and they ask for the receipt and I show them 1 receipt with the full price and another with the rebate, will that be OK?

This hypothetical situation is actually quite pertinent to me :) If I can indeed deduct the rebate and legally declare the $400 then it would be worth staying over the weekend to save that tax ( $115 )

EDIT: Actually now that I think about it it would probably be worth staying anyway as I woudl still save that money since I get the original $400 decudction regardless... would still liek to know though if I would pay tax on $400 or $500 in that situation.

Hey brunes,

I would have to say you are going to pay on the full $550 for that item.

While in the end it's only $400 it cost you, after you get a 3rd party rebate, the item itself cost $550 out of your pocket to acquire it.

In simplest terms, it's like you bought an item from Company A for $550, then Company B was nice enough to give you $150.

[Octavius]

Question:

Heading to the states tomorrow morning and I'll be gone for over 48 hours. I plan to use my 400.00 exemption to the absolute fullest, and then some.

Anyway, you had stated in the FAQ that I can bring back either 1 24 pack of beer or 1.14 L of alcohol as part of my personal exemption if I am gone longer than 48 hours.

Would that be ON TOP of my allowed 400 dollar exemption? As in, if the liquor was worth...let's say 45 bucks US...would that value be deducted from the 400 that I am permitted to bring back scott-free, or is it completely separate on it's own (as in, I could still use the full 400 dollar exemption towards other stuff that I bought and the liquor would not count towards that at all).

I live in Ontario by the way.

Thanks!

[phrozenn.heat]

Question:

Heading to the states tomorrow morning and I'll be gone for over 48 hours. I plan to use my 400.00 exemption to the absolute fullest, and then some.

Anyway, you had stated in the FAQ that I can bring back either 1 24 pack of beer or 1.14 L of alcohol as part of my personal exemption if I am gone longer than 48 hours.

Would that be ON TOP of my allowed 400 dollar exemption? As in, if the liquor was worth...let's say 45 bucks US...would that value be deducted from the 400 that I am permitted to bring back scott-free, or is it completely separate on it's own (as in, I could still use the full 400 dollar exemption towards other stuff that I bought and the liquor would not count towards that at all).

I live in Ontario by the way.

Thanks!


From experience, it is completely separate on it own. I wen to Michigan over one weekend and when I was crossing, I declared my full $400 plus a 24. Didn't get taxed for anything.

[Ebola]

Question:

Heading to the states tomorrow morning and I'll be gone for over 48 hours. I plan to use my 400.00 exemption to the absolute fullest, and then some.

Anyway, you had stated in the FAQ that I can bring back either 1 24 pack of beer or 1.14 L of alcohol as part of my personal exemption if I am gone longer than 48 hours.

Would that be ON TOP of my allowed 400 dollar exemption? As in, if the liquor was worth...let's say 45 bucks US...would that value be deducted from the 400 that I am permitted to bring back scott-free, or is it completely separate on it's own (as in, I could still use the full 400 dollar exemption towards other stuff that I bought and the liquor would not count towards that at all).

I live in Ontario by the way.

Thanks!


corrected: the value of the alcohol counts towards personal exemption.

[Octavius]

From experience, it is completely separate on it own. I wen to Michigan over one weekend and when I was crossing, I declared my full $400 plus a 24. Didn't get taxed for anything.

It for all intents and purposes stands on it's own. Ie. $400 worth of goods and 24 beer or a 40oz bottle.

Awesome!

Thanks Guys!

[cdngamerchic]

You did not answer my question except highlight how insecure your job is.

My question is completely legitimate and not illegal in any away; there is nothing secret about the border crossing except if you are a wanna-be super spy who failed to get into CSIS.

And your avatar pic may not have been a simple coincidence; your acting like that office hero...

Hey,
Your question is about trying to deceive federal enforcement officers - what kind of response are you looking for from Ebola exactly - "sure, let me help you deceive us..here is what we'll do, this is how you can foil us" NOT.
Seriously, you already know the answer dude. Stop messing with this thread and do something productive with your time so Ebola can help people with legitimate questions.

[brunes]

So I just got back from a few hours in the US, where I ran a "beer import experiment" - brought back a 6 pack of Sam Adams to see what the charges would actually be when you are there for a short period of time.

It breaks down like this:

Value for Duty = $7.56 (this is what the 6 pack cost)
Provincial Liquor Markup Fee: $6.72
HST: $1.07
Total Tax + Duty: $7.79
Total for 6 beer including duty: $15.34

This is not actually too bad at all, because if I had gotten a 12 pack it would have looked like this:

Value for Duty = $12.99
Provincial Liquor Markup Fee: $13.44
HST: 1.81
Total for 12 beer including duty: 28.24

This is not that bad for a 12 pack of a premium brand. confider, here in NB a 12 pack of Rickard's White is $22, so it is only $6 more. Small price to pay to enjoy a Sam Adams once in awhile!

Also becaue of the way the mth works out, the more you buy the less the duty is as a percentage of the beer. Next trip I will get a case :)

[Ebola]

So I just got back from a few hours in the US, where I ran a "beer import experiment" - brought back a 6 pack of Sam Adams to see what the charges would actually be when you are there for a short period of time.

It breaks down like this:

Value for Duty = $7.56 (this is what the 6 pack cost)
Provincial Liquor Markup Fee: $6.72
HST: $1.07
Total Tax + Duty: $7.79
Total for 6 beer including duty: $15.34

This is not actually too bad at all, because if I had gotten a 12 pack it would have looked like this:

Value for Duty = $12.99
Provincial Liquor Markup Fee: $13.44
HST: 1.81
Total for 12 beer including duty: 28.24

This is not that bad for a 12 pack of a premium brand. confider, here in NB a 12 pack of Rickard's White is $22, so it is only $6 more. Small price to pay to enjoy a Sam Adams once in awhile!

Also becaue of the way the mth works out, the more you buy the less the duty is as a percentage of the beer. Next trip I will get a case :)

There you go.

The tables I posted were for Ontario, good to see another province.. I'm assuming NB?

[honest thief]

How often does the glass toilet get used?

[brunes]

There you go.

The tables I posted were for Ontario, good to see another province.. I'm assuming NB?

Yep NB.

[Cheap Cat]

I was wondering how you should declare non taxable items? I just came back and declared the total dollar value of what I was bringing back. So the CBSA writes it down and I go in to pay. Since they charge you based on that amount, what happens with the non taxable items or items only subjected to one tax. I mentiond to the agent that I had some non taxable items so he just knocked off some money off the total. He didn't even look at my receipts. Would it be easier if when purchasing, to have non taxable items on a separate receipt and declare it as a separate amount? I also had some grocery items that I consumed in the US and was not returning with them (well, not in the obvious way :D ) that appeared on my receipt with items that I was returning with. How should I handle those things?

I find the whole process odd. CBSAs just seem to be happy that you give them a number and they collect taxes based on that number. Thanks for your time.

[Ebola]

I was wondering how you should declare non taxable items? I just came back and declared the total dollar value of what I was bringing back. So the CBSA writes it down and I go in to pay. Since they charge you based on that amount, what happens with the non taxable items or items only subjected to one tax. I mentiond to the agent that I had some non taxable items so he just knocked off some money off the total. He didn't even look at my receipts. Would it be easier if when purchasing, to have non taxable items on a separate receipt and declare it as a separate amount? I also had some grocery items that I consumed in the US and was not returning with them (well, not in the obvious way :D ) that appeared on my receipt with items that I was returning with. How should I handle those things?

I find the whole process odd. CBSAs just seem to be happy that you give them a number and they collect taxes based on that number. Thanks for your time.

You can declare them as taxable and non-taxable seperately if you want, as long as you declare them all. You might get asked what exactly you mean by non-taxable items.

If you dont have the food items with you whole , ie you ate them, you dont have to declare them.

The reason they just take the number you gave them is because there is more important stuff to be doing then adding up receipt totals. You give us a number, you pay taxes on it, if we check your dec. and you lied, you get penalized.

[Ebola]

How often does the glass toilet get used?

I would say infrequently, but more than rarely.

[samung]

Ebola, great FAQ. I have one question about this sentence from the FAQ:

"There are exceptions. Short term visitors from foreign countries do not usually pay taxes, unless the items are said to be staying behind when they leave."

How is this enforced?

For example, suppose a Canadian citizen goes to Buffalo and buys a new stereo for $500, way above his daily exemption. So, what if he calls his American citizen buddy in Buffalo and asks him to carry it back to Canada for him?

Now when they arrive at the border each in their own separate cars, the Canadian declares nothing at the border and the American says that the new stereo is his and it won't be staying behind. Now when they are both in Canada, the American gives the stereo to the Canadian. When the American goes back to the US, who checks that he still has the stereo?

[Ebola]

Ebola, great FAQ. I have one question about this sentence from the FAQ:

"There are exceptions. Short term visitors from foreign countries do not usually pay taxes, unless the items are said to be staying behind when they leave."

How is this enforced?

For example, suppose a Canadian citizen goes to Buffalo and buys a new stereo for $500, way above his daily exemption. So, what if he calls his American citizen buddy in Buffalo and asks him to carry it back to Canada for him?

Now when they arrive at the border each in their own separate cars, the Canadian declares nothing at the border and the American says that the new stereo is his and it won't be staying behind. Now when they are both in Canada, the American gives the stereo to the Canadian. When the American goes back to the US, who checks that he still has the stereo?


It's up to the BSO upon entry (or secondary) to determine if the goods are actually coming into Canada for their stated purpose, and if they believe the goods will actually be leaving the country.

[samung]

Okay, so when the American arrives at the Canadian border, suppose he declares the stereo and states that he will keep it. The BSO could refuse to believe that story and send him back to the US. Is that all that happens?

Also, what are some possible reasons that the BSO wouldn't believe the story and refuse entry?

[Ebola]

Okay, so when the American arrives at the Canadian border, suppose he declares the stereo and states that he will keep it. The BSO could refuse to believe that story and send him back to the US. Is that all that happens?

Also, what are some possible reasons that the BSO wouldn't believe the story and refuse entry?

I'm not saying he would be refused entry. I'm saying if the BSO doesn't believe the goods will leave Canada, he/she can just make the person pay the taxes owing to bring it in, and if they prove they export it later, they can apply for a tax refund.

I'm not going to go into reasons, as I think it's pretty obvious who you are and what you are trying to accomplish here.

[samung]

Thanks Ebola, you've been very informative.

[brunes]

Okay, so when the American arrives at the Canadian border, suppose he declares the stereo and states that he will keep it. The BSO could refuse to believe that story and send him back to the US. Is that all that happens?

Also, what are some possible reasons that the BSO wouldn't believe the story and refuse entry?

If you really want to try this scam, the safest way to try to get an amerifriend to import something in for you (that is small-ish in size) is to wrap it in gift wrap and declare it as a gift of something < $60, since gifts are tax and duty free. Unless the officer is having a very bad day they will not unwrap the gift.

But ask yourself - is it REALLY WORTH THE RISK to save, what $15-$20 in taxes? Because if your friend / you ARE searched and caught, you will likely be denied entry due to attempted smuggling of goods, and then any subsequent attempt at crossing the border could cause you to be subjected to additional searches and/or turned back for no reason at all. This can have an impact on your carreer prospects as well, because any job that requires cross-border travel is not going to be an option for you now.

IMO it is not - just pay up the $15 - $20 and stop being so cheap. You probably spent 3 times that just in gas on the way back.

[Ebola]

If he's not DTSU I'll slap myself in the face.

[samung]

If you really want to try this scam, the safest way to try to get an amerifriend to import something in for you (that is small-ish in size) is to wrap it in gift wrap and declare it as a gift of something < $60, since gifts are tax and duty free. Unless the officer is having a very bad day they will not unwrap the gift.

Really? I would think that that would arouse more suspicion -- a brand new item in box being brought across the border. I suppose the point is that the American would be lying about the contents of the gift. I would think discarding any packaging and stickers from the item and just leaving it in the backseat and declaring that it’s the American’s would be less suspicious.

But ask yourself - is it REALLY WORTH THE RISK to save, what $15-$20 in taxes? Because if your friend / you ARE searched and caught, you will likely be denied entry due to attempted smuggling of goods, and then any subsequent attempt at crossing the border could cause you to be subjected to additional searches and/or turned back for no reason at all. This can have an impact on your carreer prospects as well, because any job that requires cross-border travel is not going to be an option for you now.

IMO it is not - just pay up the $15 - $20 and stop being so cheap. You probably spent 3 times that just in gas on the way back.

I didn’t realize the American could get busted for smuggling goods into Canada -- the same goods that he has declared to the BSO. From Ebola’s reply, it sounded like the BSO would only make the American pay duty/taxes on the item(s) being brought in (that the BSO suspected wouldn’t be brought back to the US) and the American could get a refund for the duty/taxes paid upon return to the US. This is much more serious. Thanks for the updated information.

[evoman]

Hi Ebola,

Im thinking of buying a 52" LCD TV back to canada.

If the TV is not made in US or Mexico, how much duty would i be charged?

Also I will stay for 48 hours, can the $400 exemption be applied towards the TV, and can i combine it with my girlfriends exemption?

Final question, Will i get taxed for also bringing in Tobacco and alcohol?

$2500 52" LCD TV
-$400 exemption
-$400 exemption
x Duty
x GST/PST
200 Cigs/ 1.14 L acohol (Tax Exempt?)

Thanks alot for the help!

[Bully001]

This is not enough detail at all. What I would like to know is

- How much / bottle of beer, or if / L based, how much / L duty
- How much / L of hard liquor duty
- Whether or not GST/PST is added on top of that duty
- Someone who could point me to an official source for said information, either on the CBSA website or some other document I could get a copy of, so I can be confident when I approach the border I am correct in my assessment of my expected duty

Hopefully the OP or another CBSA employee can shed some light.

EDIT: Also I would like more information on this statement:

Does this apply to the alcohol import duties as well? I have a close friend who is status; if we went across the border and he purchased the liquor, with his money, could he import it tax free? I am not trying to weasel around the law I just really would liek to have some of my favorite beer :P

My friend went across the border for a day and purchased a bottle of Tequila for $20 as it was less than half the price than Canada. She figured, after paying the duty etc, it would still be a deal. Anyway, being the honest person she is, she declared it and was told to go inside and pay the tax. They wanted $47 in tax, for this one $20 bottle of Tequila!! She didn't pay it and left it at the border.

All they did was turn an honest person into a dis-honest person, as the next time she goes across, she won't declare it coming back.

Unfortunate really.

[Cheap Cat]

My friend went across the border for a day and purchased a bottle of Tequila for $20 as it was less than half the price than Canada. She figured, after paying the duty etc, it would still be a deal. Anyway, being the honest person she is, she declared it and was told to go inside and pay the tax. They wanted $47 in tax, for this one $20 bottle of Tequila!! She didn't pay it and left it at the border.

All they did was turn an honest person into a dis-honest person, as the next time she goes across, she won't declare it coming back.

Unfortunate really.

It was always my understanding that the duties/taxes on alcohol were so high that it was not worth it if you were staying under 48 hours or purchasing over the allowed amount. As a result, I have always stayed within the rules on alcohol especially since in the past, how much alcohol you were bringing back seemed to be the main focus at the border.

[Ebola]

My friend went across the border for a day and purchased a bottle of Tequila for $20 as it was less than half the price than Canada. She figured, after paying the duty etc, it would still be a deal. Anyway, being the honest person she is, she declared it and was told to go inside and pay the tax. They wanted $47 in tax, for this one $20 bottle of Tequila!! She didn't pay it and left it at the border.

All they did was turn an honest person into a dis-honest person, as the next time she goes across, she won't declare it coming back.

Unfortunate really.

Damn crooks.

So she bought a cheap bottle of tequila, for $20 I'm guessing it was either a 40oz or 60 oz bottle, without actually inquiring as to how much the import taxes would be prior to buying it?

She declares the bottle like she is legally supposed to, gets told how much the taxes will be if she wants to declare it, doesn't like the taxes on the liquor, and then somehow it gets warped into being "im being punished for being honest."

I disagree, you get punished for being dishonest, when the alcohol is seized, you don't get it back, and you still have to pay a fine.

[Bully001]

Damn crooks.

So she bought a cheap bottle of tequila, for $20 I'm guessing it was either a 40oz or 60 oz bottle, without actually inquiring as to how much the import taxes would be prior to buying it?

She declares the bottle like she is legally supposed to, gets told how much the taxes will be if she wants to declare it, doesn't like the taxes on the liquor, and then somehow it gets warped into being "im being punished for being honest."

I disagree, you get punished for being dishonest, when the alcohol is seized, you don't get it back, and you still have to pay a fine.


I disagree. I don't mind paying gst, pst and a bit of duty on any product I bring back, but when that tax is over 100% of the cost of the item, then the criminals are the government...sorry.

For the record, can you tell me what the actual breakdown of taxes would be on a $20 of Tequila?

[honest thief]

What happens to all the legal goods that are seized?

[Nikita]

My friend went across the border for a day and purchased a bottle of Tequila for $20 as it was less than half the price than Canada. She figured, after paying the duty etc, it would still be a deal. Anyway, being the honest person she is, she declared it and was told to go inside and pay the tax. They wanted $47 in tax, for this one $20 bottle of Tequila!! She didn't pay it and left it at the border.

All they did was turn an honest person into a dis-honest person, as the next time she goes across, she won't declare it coming back.

Unfortunate really.

It's unfortunate you're friend will make a false declaration over a bottle of booze. Perhaps she should just shop Canadian if her alochol is that important to her and keep everyone honest.

[brunes]

I disagree. I don't mind paying gst, pst and a bit of duty on any product I bring back, but when that tax is over 100% of the cost of the item, then the criminals are the government...sorry.

For the record, can you tell me what the actual breakdown of taxes would be on a $20 of Tequila?

So.... you recognize that the booze is way cheaper in the US because it is not taxed, yet when you import it into Canada yourself (instead of LCBO importing it), you expect to not pay those same taxes?

It is cheaper in the US for a reason, it isn't a free ride importing liquor. See my earlier posts on importing beer - costly, but IMO worth it sometimes.

Also just for a quid - last year when me and my wife were returning from our honeymoon, we had 8 40oz bottles of liquor with us - we were on a cruise and they were only like $10 each, and I did the math and it was still much cheaper to import even after the taxes.

So we are going through, at like 1 AM, and said we were on our honeymoon and had all this booze, and they guy just waived us through. So yes, it CAN pay to be honest.

[CSK'sMom]

I disagree. I don't mind paying gst, pst and a bit of duty on any product I bring back, but when that tax is over 100% of the cost of the item, then the criminals are the government...sorry.

For the record, can you tell me what the actual breakdown of taxes would be on a $20 of Tequila?

What province are you importing into? Each province is different.

And I'll echo brunes here. Honesty pays! We pick up 1 or 2 12 packs of beer every week, fully declare and have been getting waved through week after week. Now if your "friend" gets caught smuggling booze it will get quite messy. At the very least she will be flagged at the border each and every time she crosses and sent for secondary inspection for years to come...

[brunes]

Really? I would think that that would arouse more suspicion -- a brand new item in box being brought across the border. I suppose the point is that the American would be lying about the contents of the gift. I would think discarding any packaging and stickers from the item and just leaving it in the backseat and declaring that it’s the American’s would be less suspicious.

Having a brand new stereo bouncing around open in the back of a car for no reason, you don't think that is suspicious?


I didn’t realize the American could get busted for smuggling goods into Canada -- the same goods that he has declared to the BSO.


It is totally up the the BSO's discretion. If you declare the thing is yours, and the BSO thinks you are lying and trying to smuggle it in for someone else or to sell it, and they are having a bad day, then yes they CAN search your car, turn you away, put a red flag on your record. If you then act like a complete jerk-off to them they can even hold you.

Odds are that wouldn't happen, they would just charge the duty, but WHY TAKE THE RISK FOR $15 ??!?!

The stuff people will try to pull amazes me.

From Ebola’s reply, it sounded like the BSO would only make the American pay duty/taxes on the item(s) being brought in (that the BSO suspected wouldn’t be brought back to the US) and the American could get a refund for the duty/taxes paid upon return to the US.Oh and also the Amerifriend in your situation can't get the duty refunded because they didn't bring the stereo back across the border, they left it with you, so they have nothing to show when the BSO asks to see the item as proof they didn't leave it. You have to prove you did not export the item to get the refund.

[samung]

Having a brand new stereo bouncing around open in the back of a car for no reason, you don't think that is suspicious?

Well of course the American will give a reason. The American in the example is declaring it, so there's nothing hidden going on here. He could say that he's going to a party and he's providing the music or something like that. I've done that before with one of those iPod stereo bases that the iPod plugs into, so it's not that farfetched.

It is totally up the the BSO's discretion. If you declare the thing is yours, and the BSO thinks you are lying and trying to smuggle it in for someone else or to sell it, and they are having a bad day, then yes they CAN search your car, turn you away, put a red flag on your record. If you then act like a complete jerk-off to them they can even hold you.

Okay, so what you're saying is that the American can get into hot water if he starts acting like a jerk. What I'm asking though is what will happen if he just declares the stereo as his and the BSO doesn't believe him. No tirade afterwards, no screaming, just acceptance from the American of the BSO's judgement. What is the worst that can happen then? Ebola's response sounds like taxes and duties.

Oh and also the Amerifriend in your situation can't get the duty refunded because they didn't bring the stereo back across the border, they left it with you, so they have nothing to show when the BSO asks to see the item as proof they didn't leave it. You have to prove you did not export the item to get the refund.

Haha.. well, of course he would have to show the stereo to get the refund. C'mon Brunes, give the BSO a little more credit than that.

[brunes]

Okay, so what you're saying is that the American can get into hot water if he starts acting like a jerk. What I'm asking though is what will happen if he just declares the stereo as his and the BSO doesn't believe him. No tirade afterwards, no screaming, just acceptance from the American of the BSO's judgement. What is the worst that can happen then? Ebola's response sounds like taxes and duties.
Again, it totally depends on the BSO, it is their discretion. If they don't even want to deal with you and your lies they can just plain refuse you entry, at which point your account has a red flag on it for an extended period of time, which will lead to additional secondary searches pretty much any time you need to cross the border.

People need to get a hold of the fact that in pretty much every situation it is THE BSO'S DISCRETION WHAT HAPPENS. If you are suspicious, belligerent, being an ass, or they just plain trying to get away with something, they have every right to turn you away, period. An American DOES NOT have a fundamental right to enter Canada, it is a privilege, and they can be turned back for ANY REASON the BSO feels is relevant. The same goes in reverse too with Canadians entering the US.

Haha.. well, of course he would have to show the stereo to get the refund. C'mon Brunes, give the BSO a little more credit than that.
Well then your whole scheme would have no point to it then would it?

[samung]

Again, it totally depends on the BSO, it is their discretion. If they don't even want to deal with you and your lies they can just plain refuse you entry, at which point your account has a red flag on it for an extended period of time, which will lead to additional secondary searches pretty much any time you need to cross the border.

So, the American could be refused entry. That seems to contradict what Ebola said.

I'm not saying he would be refused entry. I'm saying if the BSO doesn't believe the goods will leave Canada, he/she can just make the person pay the taxes owing to bring it in, and if they prove they export it later, they can apply for a tax refund.

People need to get a hold of the fact that in pretty much every situation it is THE BSO'S DISCRETION WHAT HAPPENS. If you are suspicious, belligerent, being an ass, or they just plain trying to get away with something, they have every right to turn you away, period. An American DOES NOT have a fundamental right to enter Canada, it is a privilege, and they can be turned back for ANY REASON the BSO feels is relevant. The same goes in reverse too with Canadians entering the US.

No one is arguing that the BSO is not calling the shots. And the American in my example is respectful when answering questions. There's no point being belligerent or argumentative, it's not going to change the BSO's mind. The only question is what the BSO can do if he suspects the American is lying.

Well then your whole scheme would have no point to it then would it?

Well, yes, if the American pays duty and taxes then it's the same. But the difference is that the American can claim that the goods are his and he will keep them (within reason of course, bringing over a 50" plasma will probably not work). The Canadian can make that same claim and it won't make a difference, he should pay duty on what he's bringing in.

The point is that the American has a better chance of not paying duty/taxes than the Canadian, that's the difference. Of course, it's all up to the BSO and nothing is 100%.

[brunes]

So, the American could be refused entry. That seems to contradict what Ebola said.
Not it des not. Ebola said it was LIKELY he would just be charged the tax.


The only question is what the BSO can do if he suspects the American is lying.

What a BSO is likely to od, and what the CAN do, are two very different things. Again, BSOs are given a very wide latitude with this stuff, after all they are the guardians of the country. They can turn anyone without citizenship back, at any time, for any reason whatsoever. They can also detain them if they think something shady is going on. It is totally up to the officers involved.

The point is that the American has a better chance of not paying duty/taxes than the Canadian, that's the difference. Of course, it's all up to the BSO and nothing is 100%.
He also has a better chance of being flagged and turned away than a Canadian because he is not a citizen.

Again I ask - is it really worth all this potential hassle to you and your friend to save $15? If I was your friend no way I would try it, I wouldn't put my butt on the line to save you twenty bucks.

[samung]

Not it des not. Ebola said it was LIKELY he would just be charged the tax.


What a BSO is likely to od, and what the CAN do, are two very different things. Again, BSOs are given a very wide latitude with this stuff, after all they are the guardians of the country. They can turn anyone without citizenship back, at any time, for any reason whatsoever. They can also detain them if they think something shady is going on. It is totally up to the officers involved.

Okay, so the worst case scenario is indeed refused entry, blacklisted, detained (indefinitely?) all at the whim of the BSO.

I wouldn’t blame an American for being afraid of crossing the border if that’s the case. The BSO could reason that everything from the shirt on the American’s back to the American’s car could be left behind in Canada (he could walk back to the US in his underwear).

That is very enlightening, thanks for the information.

[brunes]

Okay, so the worst case scenario is indeed refused entry, blacklisted, detained (indefinitely?) all at the whim of the BSO.

I wouldn’t blame an American for being afraid of crossing the border if that’s the case. The BSO could reason that everything from the shirt on the American’s back to the American’s car could be left behind in Canada (he could walk back to the US in his underwear).

That is very enlightening, thanks for the information.

If you're turned back the BSO does not seize anything unless it was arms or drugs or other contraband.

[samung]

If you're turned back the BSO does not seize anything unless it was arms or drugs or other contraband.

Okay, I don't think my worst case scenario included seizure of property. Thanks, that's good to know.

So, just to be crystal clear. Let's assume a new example with just an American crossing the border into Canada. Suppose the American has a new set of golf clubs in a new bag and nothing else. No drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, kidnapped minors, nothing.

Suppose the American declares the golf clubs and bag and suppose he claims that he is going to go golfing at some golf course in Ontario (he uses a real name not "some golf course", I don't know any, I don't golf) and he's just going to come back to the US later that night.

So, the BSO has a few options at this point:
a) let him through
b) ask more questions
c) have his car searched (which would turn up nothing because he really has only what he declared)
d) suspect he's exporting the clubs and charge him duty/taxes on them and inform him that he can get a refund upon his return to the US provided he can produce the clubs

Now, is refused entry, blacklisted and detained (no seizure of goods since he has no contraband) an option at this point? Even if it's not likely, can the BSO do that? This is all assuming that he doesn't suspect the American of anything more than exporting golf clubs. Also assume that the American has a clean record and is relaxed and calm when answering the BSO's questions.

[Ebola]

What happens to all the legal goods that are seized?

Held for certain period of time, then destroyed.

Vehicles seized by the crown will generally go to public auction. Like a police auction, that kind of thing.

[perfchris]

Can personal exemptions be combined ?

If I buy a 1200 dollar item, and we are 2 people returning from the US after a 7 day trip, can we combine our exemption ?

Thanks for your help.

How does it work if the item is going to follow in a couple of weeks. Does it need to be brought in by one of the 2 people that is claiming the item in the next couple of weeks ?

[cwb27]

Can personal exemptions be combined ?

If I buy a 1200 dollar item, and we are 2 people returning from the US after a 7 day trip, can we combine our exemption ?

Thanks for your help.

How does it work if the item is going to follow in a couple of weeks. Does it need to be brought in by one of the 2 people that is claiming the item in the next couple of weeks ?

No, exemptions cannot be combined.

Read the link in my signature for further information.

[Ebola]

Can personal exemptions be combined ?

If I buy a 1200 dollar item, and we are 2 people returning from the US after a 7 day trip, can we combine our exemption ?

Thanks for your help.

How does it work if the item is going to follow in a couple of weeks. Does it need to be brought in by one of the 2 people that is claiming the item in the next couple of weeks ?

Exemptions cannot be combined.

If the item is going to follow in a couple weeks, when you enter Canada, you have to declare to the BSO that you have goods to follow, and you will have to fill out a form stating that under your 7+ day exemption of $750, you are claiming x item as a good to follow. We will give you a copy of this form, and then you will bring it with you to accompany the goods when you bring them in.

[mike28j]

How does this scenario work in terms of paying taxes. I'm going to Darien Lake and am camping near by. When crossing the boarder lets say I pick up a case of beer or bottle of liquor. While camping I consume half of the beer and return the following night to Canada. I've been gone for less than the 48hours needed for the alcohol exemption. If I get taxed, will the taxes I pay be based on a full unopen version of the product or what actually remains?

Second, If you are traveling through the states (IE New Brunswick to Toronto stopping in Boston longer than 48hrs) purchase alcohol in New Brunswick as well as at Duty free. Will you be taxed on the alcohol you purhcased in Canada? assuming you keep the receipts showing the alochol was originally purchased in Canada.

Thanks in advance.
Mike

[Ebola]

How does this scenario work in terms of paying taxes. I'm going to Darien Lake and am camping near by. When crossing the boarder lets say I pick up a case of beer or bottle of liquor. While camping I consume half of the beer and return the following night to Canada. I've been gone for less than the 48hours needed for the alcohol exemption. If I get taxed, will the taxes I pay be based on a full unopen version of the product or what actually remains?

Second, If you are traveling through the states (IE New Brunswick to Toronto stopping in Boston longer than 48hrs) purchase alcohol in New Brunswick as well as at Duty free. Will you be taxed on the alcohol you purhcased in Canada? assuming you keep the receipts showing the alochol was originally purchased in Canada.

Thanks in advance.
Mike

Mike,

In the Darien Lake example, you'd only be taxed on whatever you have with you.

As for Canadian alcohol, if you can show it is Canadian, no taxes.

[Howlader]

Here's another (very pleasing to me) story to add the pile:

I went down to Grand Forks yesterday with a couple of friends for all of about 6 hours. We had some dinner, and I bought two 6-packs of beer, and I was all prepared to shell out the required tax/duty required on said beer, but my friends and I were just waved on through at the border.

As always, YMMV, but I thought it would be good to add a positive (depending upon your point of view) story to the mix.

[Makaveli the Don]

When is it absolutely necessary to have a passport to cross the border?

[kpolly]

I have a question. My husband's parents bought a new camping trailer and told us that we are welcome to use their truck and trailer whenever. I would like to take a trip to the finger lakes ny region with it. Seeing as how the truck and trailer is not in our names, is this do-able? If so, how do I go about doing this properly?

[Ebola]

When is it absolutely necessary to have a passport to cross the border?

Looks like Summer 09. Search WHTI to find out more, it's basically a US imposed regulation.

I have a question. My husband's parents bought a new camping trailer and told us that we are welcome to use their truck and trailer whenever. I would like to take a trip to the finger lakes ny region with it. Seeing as how the truck and trailer is not in our names, is this do-able? If so, how do I go about doing this properly?

Get a signed letter showing you have their permission and knowledge to take the vehicles to x location.

[kpolly]

Thanks so much, Ebola, for your reply :)

[mike28j]

Mike,


As for Canadian alcohol, if you can show it is Canadian, no taxes.

Thanks for the info.

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but better to ask and be sure. Is alcohol purchased at the Canadian Duty Free (on your way in to the US) considered 'Canadian alcohol'? My assumption is no, solely because you haven't paid Canadian taxes on it. But again, its always better to know than to assume right?

Thanks again,

Mike

[Ebola]

Thanks for the info.

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but better to ask and be sure. Is alcohol purchased at the Canadian Duty Free (on your way in to the US) considered 'Canadian alcohol'? My assumption is no, solely because you haven't paid Canadian taxes on it. But again, its always better to know than to assume right?

Thanks again,

Mike

It's considered "non-duty paid" alcohol, which is really what we are talking about when we say "Canadian" or "Foreign" alcohol.

Combine that with the fact that duty free stores sell for export only, it counts as non-duty paid alcohol being imported, and thus it's either part of your exemption or you have to pay taxes on it.

[chaoslord]

what if you bring alcohol from your home (paid at normal canadian store) and still have some left when you come back from the US ?

I guess you'd have to show proof or they won't even take that?

[Ebola]

what if you bring alcohol from your home (paid at normal canadian store) and still have some left when you come back from the US ?

I guess you'd have to show proof or they won't even take that?

That's really starting to split hairs. Technically, yes you'd have to show it was Canadian alcohol. At any rate, you have to declare all alcohol regardless of origin.

[nisha_s03]

hi all,

so this is my first time going to the states with my family from toronto. My question is, can my mom use her citizenship card and health card (the new one with picture) as ID because she doesn't have a drivers license and her passport needs to be renewed. btw we're only going there for a day if that matters.

thanks in advance

Nisha

[canadiannancy]

If I just have a birth certificate(Canadian) and photo health card and no drivers license or passport...will I even be able to cross the border by bus for cross border shopping?

[CSK'sMom]

hi all,

so this is my first time going to the states with my family from toronto. My question is, can my mom use her citizenship card and health card (the new one with picture) as ID because she doesn't have a drivers license and her passport needs to be renewed. btw we're only going there for a day if that matters.

thanks in advance

Nisha

If I just have a birth certificate(Canadian) and photo health card and no drivers license or passport...will I even be able to cross the border by bus for cross border shopping?

Proof of citizenship and gov't issued photo ID (yes a health card is acceptable) is what is required to cross by land...

[brunes]

Proof of citizenship and gov't issued photo ID (yes a health card is acceptable) is what is required to cross by land...

Just a note that this is only good till June next year, after which you *NEED* a passport. Best to apply as soon as is reasonable as sometimes it takes awhile.

[CSK'sMom]

Just a note that this is only good till June next year, after which you *NEED* a passport. Best to apply as soon as is reasonable as sometimes it takes awhile.

Not quite true. An enhanced drivers license, a new gov't issued enhanced ID or a Nexus card will be acceptable in place of a passport....

[CheapScotsman]

Just a note that this is only good till June next year, after which you *NEED* a passport. Best to apply as soon as is reasonable as sometimes it takes awhile.maybe ... they have pushed the requirement for passports at least once if not twice before so it may happen again.

[BlazinTrini]

I don't think they count your health card as ID for border crossing

[CSK'sMom]

I don't think they count your health card as ID for border crossing


Yes they do, it's perfectable acceptable photo ID with US Immigration. I cross several times a week with mine. ;) :rolleyes:

[brunes]

Not quite true. An enhanced drivers license, a new gov't issued enhanced ID or a Nexus card will be acceptable in place of a passport....

Nexus is more expensive and time consuming to get than a passport anyway (you have to have an actual face to face interview at a border point). It really is only geared for people who cross on land very frequently. People who only cross occasionally are better off getting a passport because it is more useful in general.

Enhanced licenses are not finalized and are still in pilot phases and who knows if/when they will even be out to the ful public and accepted. They say they will be final and out by June but who knows, it is the government after all. Lots of privacy groups are fighting court batt;es to have them aboloished altogether, and they may be against the privacy provisions in the Charter.

EDIT: Correction I guess it is good for air crossings too, but it's still more expensive and less useful than a passport. All citizens should have a passport IMO - should be issued instead of a birth certificate even.

[ChopSuey]

Ummm... how is a NEXUS pass (which is $50) more expensive than a passport (which is $87)? Please try to get the facts straight before you post details like this on RFD. :)

[brunes]

Ummm... how is a NEXUS pass (which is $50) more expensive than a passport (which is $87)? Please try to get the facts straight before you post details like this on RFD. :)

Did they change the NEXUS fee? It used to be $80. And when I got my passport 1.5 years ago it was ~ $75. I guess both prices have changed.

EDIT: I was right, as recent as Mar. last year it was $80. CANPASS $50 Per year. Nexus $80 for five years. http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:dwUwZ-SPY0sJ:www.canflyer.com/canflyer/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D2%26t%3D1572%26start%3D15+nexu s+card+fee&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=16&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

[Cheap Cat]

I wouldn't hold out waiting for an enchanced license. I'm still waiting for a Health Card with my picture on it. Didn't they start doing this at least 15 years ago?

[ChopSuey]

Did they change the NEXUS fee? It used to be $80. And when I got my passport 1.5 years ago it was ~ $75. I guess both prices have changed.

EDIT: I was right, as recent as Mar. last year it was $80. CANPASS $50 Per year. Nexus $80 for five years. http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:dwUwZ-SPY0sJ:www.canflyer.com/canflyer/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D2%26t%3D1572%26start%3D15+nexu s+card+fee&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=16&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

It was changed about a year ago due to the exchange rate and CDNs were upset that they were paying $80 for NEXUS while Americans were only paying $50. After the price drop to $50, I joined NEXUS and it has been worth it since day one. No more wait at the borders. :)

[brunes]

It was changed about a year ago due to the exchange rate and CDNs were upset that they were paying $80 for NEXUS while Americans were only paying $50. After the price drop to $50, I joined NEXUS and it has been worth it since day one. No more wait at the borders. :)

The crossing here has removed it's Nexus lane :/ So there would be zero benefit.

[BlazinTrini]

I wouldn't hold out waiting for an enchanced license. I'm still waiting for a Health Card with my picture on it. Didn't they start doing this at least 15 years ago?

You can get your health card with the picture on it. You just go where you would get your health card and take the picture and its mailed out to you

[ChopSuey]

The crossing here has removed it's Nexus lane :/ So there would be zero benefit.

Is this the crossing in Woodstock, NB? According to the NEXUS web site, they are rebuilding the NEXUS booth on the US side. The Canadian side is still running, but their hours are pretty pathetic (Monday to Friday 3 pm to 6 pm only).

I use NEXUS in Niagara Falls, and since NEXUS users have their own bridge (Whirpool Bridge) it makes crossing the border a breeze. Their hours of operation is great too (open everyday 7 am to 11 pm).

[brunes]

Is this the crossing in Woodstock, NB? According to the NEXUS web site, they are rebuilding the NEXUS booth on the US side. The Canadian side is still running, but their hours are pretty pathetic (Monday to Friday 3 pm to 6 pm only).

I use NEXUS in Niagara Falls, and since NEXUS users have their own bridge (Whirpool Bridge) it makes crossing the border a breeze. Their hours of operation is great too (open everyday 7 am to 11 pm).

Yep that is the crossing I usually use. 50 mins from here.

The crossing here is not normally too busy anyway. If you know the patterns and time your trips right you aren't waiting longer than 5 minutes. The only time there have ever been big delays is when the US side is doing one of it's random drug search operations with the dogs and basically are inspecting every second trunk.

[mtseymourguy]

do the cdn border guards know if you are a nexus holder from their screen? what info do they have about you nexus applicaton?

[Narci]

Yay, i got my nexus today. Was pretty simple and only took a month and a half. It could have been faster if I called every so often to see if anyone cancelled or they have more openings.

The iris scan thing for air crossing was a pain in the butt. It made me cross eyed when they took 9 photos of my iris's.

Anways, $50 for 5 years is worth it. Peace Arch will have 2 dedicated nexus lanes when it finishes construction and the Pacific Truck Nexus lane has extended it's hours to be the same as Peace arch.

This past weekend, it was a 2-3 hour wait. My friend went with her Nexus and only took her 10 minutes.

One thing they do not tell you is that you cannot stack Nexus cards going INTO the states. You have to swipe them one by one. Coming back into Canada you can just stacks all the Nexus cards in your car and hold it up to the sensor once.


Also, did anyone fill in the full application form on GOES? I didn't bother filling in my car details and such. You only have to fill in key pieces of info, not all.

[zoolander]

Looking to buy some hardwood here (http://www.lumberliquidators.com/home.jsp).

Just wanted to confirm only PST/GST applies?

[Narci]

Looking to buy some hardwood here (http://www.lumberliquidators.com/home.jsp).

Just wanted to confirm only PST/GST applies?

Depends on whre it's made. If it made outside of the USA, there will be duty imposed on it on top of gst/pst.

[mtseymourguy]

Looking to buy some hardwood here (http://www.lumberliquidators.com/home.jsp).

Just wanted to confirm only PST/GST applies?

my sheet i have says 8 percent for category 4?? I thought it was 6 %.

if the wood is made in USA, there will be no duty. they never charge duty anyway unless you go through nexus lane. it might depend on how much you are buying but under 500 bucks they dont seem to charge the applicable duty

[mtseymourguy]

Can anyone confirm that they charge duty if you go through nexus line if it is due? unlike going through regular line where they dont usually charge you.

[brunes]

There is no way you're going to be charged duty on a bunch of wood. You'll only have to pay the applicable tax.

[pkguy]

With the Nexus card and utilizing the Nexus lanes back into Canada you must have previously given Customs your credit card number. They then give you a package of customs forms. You must pre- fill out the form listing everything you bought and the value and drop it in the mailbox at the Nexus kiosk as you drive thru. You cannot declare stuff at the Nexus kiosk. NOTICE "Pre-fill" the form, you don't fill it out at the kiosk.
You will be charged applicable taxes and duties on your credit card with NO exceptions so you have to decide whether you want to speed thru the Nexus lanes and definitely pay tax and duty or go in the slow regular lanes and possibly not pay anything. Choice is yours.

And before you go thinking that oh ya,,easy way to sneak stuff through becauase they don't check.. they do random checks of Nexus holders at the Nexus lanes and if you get caught you lose your card forever and whatever else they may add to the punishment. I'd also imagine it goes on your file and you're flagged each and every time you cross the border in either direction for special attention.

I'ts dumb trying to sneak stuff thru just to save a few bucks here and there when most of the time you never pay anything for declaring. Why ruin the chance that you'll be denied entry into the US forever for being such a cheapskate.

[CSK'sMom]

Zoolander, everyone we know who has bought hardwood from LL and crossed through Niagara has not paid duty, just the taxes due. We didn't pay duty either on my new range (should have) or OTR microwave, just taxes due...

[zoolander]

Thanks CSK! Thought I'd double check with the RFD border guys but you've confirmed it.
Cheers :)

[pkguy]

Something else to remember...we have free trade agreements with other countries besides the US and Mexico so if you're bringing in something from the USA that was made in one of those other countries that Canada has a free trade agreement with then you shouldn't be paying duty on that item either, just taxes if anything. Keep that in mind if you're buying something pricey. Maybe the guy here who works for Customs can expand on that.

[Ebola]

Something else to remember...we have free trade agreements with other countries besides the US and Mexico so if you're bringing in something from the USA that was made in one of those other countries that Canada has a free trade agreement with then you shouldn't be paying duty on that item either, just taxes if anything. Keep that in mind if you're buying something pricey. Maybe the guy here who works for Customs can expand on that.

A fair enough statement in general.

Most of the countries in the world fall under MFN (Most Favoured Nation) tarriff treatment. Basically, any memeber of the WTO who does not have their own negotiated trade agreement with Canada gets MFN status, it's part of the WTO deal.

There are a couple more "obscure" countries that fall under "General Tariff" with pretty prohibitive duty rates.. off the top of my head.. the only country I can think of that this applies to is Libya. Again, these are non-WTO nations.

And yes, Canada has other lesser known trade agreements, again off the top of my head.. CCFTA (Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement) CIFTA (Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement). There are at least 2-3 more other than NAFTA if memory serves.


End result, except for zero-rated goods, you should be paying minimum GST on all goods entering Canada , possibly any PST , and possibly duty (on most MFN goods, there are duty rates, although they continue to diminish over time in response to economic and trade demands).

[brunes]

Zoolander, everyone we know who has bought hardwood from LL and crossed through Niagara has not paid duty, just the taxes due. We didn't pay duty either on my new range (should have) or OTR microwave, just taxes due...

Something else to remember...we have free trade agreements with other countries besides the US and Mexico so if you're bringing in something from the USA that was made in one of those other countries that Canada has a free trade agreement with then you shouldn't be paying duty on that item either, just taxes if anything. Keep that in mind if you're buying something pricey. Maybe the guy here who works for Customs can expand on that.

Right. You gotta remember the CBSA has a job to do, and that job is to enforce the law to the best of their ability, not to screw you over for spite. If you cross over, are honest about your declaration, get pulled in to pay your taxes, and honestly hand over your receipts that have many, many items on them, the CBSA employee is not going to inconvenience you and themselves for 1/2 hour to investigate the origin of each and every item. They're going to charge you the blanket duty rate on "novelty items" (which is what my receipt always says), which is 0%, along with your taxes.

In the years I have been doing regular corss-border shopping, and the 30+ times I have crossed, the only time I have ever been charged any duty on anything is when we brought back $1000+ in bridesmaids dresses a couple years ago. The employee asked to check the country of origin and since it was in Vietnam, we had to pay a duty of some amount I forget now. Even when I bring over a pair of sneakers or a jacket along with a bunch of other things, I don't get charged duty.

From my experience, unless you're bringing over a ton of clothing, don't worry about it.

[Super_Coo]

I am going to Bangor, Maine in a few weeks and was thinking of purchasing and home audio receiver that is $429.99 + their 5% tax so $451.49. It's the Onkyo TX-SR606.

That would put me over the 48hr / $400 per person spending limit.

What could I expect at the border? Is it worth it?

[brunes]

I am going to Bangor, Maine in a few weeks and was thinking of purchasing and home audio receiver that is $429.99 + their 5% tax so $451.49. It's the Onkyo TX-SR606.

That would put me over the 48hr / $400 per person spending limit.

What could I expect at the border? Is it worth it?

First of all - you should try to get BestBuy or Circuit City to match Amazon.com's much lower price on this item ($372, free shipping)

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR606-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0015S8PGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224187678&sr=8-1

Second - you will only have to pay HST on the difference between $400 and what you spend. So assuming you get it for $451.99 you only have to pay HST on $51.99, so an extra $6.75, for a total of $458.70. Still much cheaper than around here.

PS: Seems weird the price of this receiver has skyrocketed in the past two weeks... I just the exact same one at Bangor Circuit City for $389 Oct 2nd.

[sukidasuika]

The answer to your question is:

If your name is in the system for having enforcement action taken against you, then your name is in the system, doesn't matter what mode/method of transport, and thus it will appear when queried.

This is explained when enforcement action is taken, that your name will be put into the system.

I've said before there are some things that I can not tell you, or the public at large if I value my job. If I can't tell you, I don't hate you or have anything against you, I just refuse to do anything to jeopordize my career.

I've had my car searched on the way back to Canada after I declared that we did NO shopping at all.. and it was true!!! And after they searched us and my car they let us go. Does this mean my name is flagged in the system? I did nothing wrong except for declare honestly :mad:

[WorldIRC]

I've had my car searched on the way back to Canada after I declared that we did NO shopping at all.. and it was true!!! And after they searched us and my car they let us go. Does this mean my name is flagged in the system? I did nothing wrong except for declare honestly :mad:

You're only flagged if you're caught lying.

[brunes]

I've had my car searched on the way back to Canada after I declared that we did NO shopping at all.. and it was true!!! And after they searched us and my car they let us go. Does this mean my name is flagged in the system? I did nothing wrong except for declare honestly :mad:

Searching is not enforcement action. Enforcement action is making you pay tax or duty when you declared you had none

[Badger]

Too many pages to read here. Not sure if this was mentioned before, but I have a question regarding import of computer hardware.

If I have my online order shipped to Point Roberts, WA and decided to bring the item to Canada primary for export, do I still have to pay GST/PST and duties?

The item will not be used in Canada at all.

[sukidasuika]

Thank you brunes and WorldIRC for the clarification. I was just thinking that if that were to happen every time I cross, i'll never cross the border again! :evil: lol i was 18 and it was a bit of a traumatizing experience :lol:

[brunes]

Too many pages to read here. Not sure if this was mentioned before, but I have a question regarding import of computer hardware.

If I have my online order shipped to Point Roberts, WA and decided to bring the item to Canada primary for export, do I still have to pay GST/PST and duties?

The item will not be used in Canada at all.

Unless you stay in the US for 48 hours you will have to pay GST.HST.

There are no duties applied on computer hardware or most durable goods.

EDIT: Sorry I did not read post fully. You will have to pay that tax, but if you later re-export the item you can file a form with the CBSA an dget the tax BACK. just make sure you keep all paperwork when you pay the initial tax.

[Badger]

Unless you stay in the US for 48 hours you will have to pay GST.HST.

There are no duties applied on computer hardware or most durable goods.

EDIT: Sorry I did not read post fully. You will have to pay that tax, but if you later re-export the item you can file a form with the CBSA an dget the tax BACK. just make sure you keep all paperwork when you pay the initial tax.

Thanks! by any chance do you know which form I am supposed to look for? I saw a few of them that requires a business number. I cannot find personal exports. =/

[brunes]

Thanks! by any chance do you know which form I am supposed to look for? I saw a few of them that requires a business number. I cannot find personal exports. =/

I think it is this form:

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b2g.pdf

Regardless, you should stop off at the CBSA on the way *DOWN* to pick up the PC and ask them, they will tell you what needs to be done. I think you are supposed to stop and get the form during the initial import.

[Badger]

I think it is this form:

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b2g.pdf

Regardless, you should stop off at the CBSA on the way *DOWN* to pick up the PC and ask them, they will tell you what needs to be done. I think you are supposed to stop and get the form during the initial import.

Thanks! :idea:

[CndChaos]

Just a quick question regarding what is considered for the length of stay out of country. When I was looking into this a couple of years ago I recall reading that the 48 hours exemption is more based on days then the actual amount of time.

What I mean is that if I cross over on Thursday evening and came back on Saturday morning that it would be considered in the 48hrs+ exemption because I was in the states for 3 seperate days (even though it would only actually be between 30 and 40 hours).

Is this correct?

[brunes]

Just a quick question regarding what is considered for the length of stay out of country. When I was looking into this a couple of years ago I recall reading that the 48 hours exemption is more based on days then the actual amount of time.

What I mean is that if I cross over on Thursday evening and came back on Saturday morning that it would be considered in the 48hrs+ exemption because I was in the states for 3 seperate days (even though it would only actually be between 30 and 40 hours).

Is this correct?

Unless you get a BSA who is having a bad day or you look suspicious or are otherwise being a general idiot, you will probably get waived through, just say "I went over on Thursday", you are not lying.

[sovexxed]

Last year I went Thursday evening. Came back Saturday afternoon. Said I went for 48hrs and they allowed the exemption. I only had to pay the overage. I declared the TV I bought.

[mtseymourguy]

IS going across on weekdays going to result in more questions if you are a person of working age?

2. Do you offer any unsolicitated info. to US border guards? I have an email saying my parcel is ready to be picked up in blaine. should i offer this or should i just let the guard ask questions and get a feel for how nervous i am or whatever. i guess they like to be in control. man , do they have low IQ's. i guess they couldnt get jobs as PE teachers.

[Whizod]

This might be a silly question.

When I first applied for my drivers license, there was a discrepancy about my birth certificate because it was laminated, or sealed in plastic. I have long forgotten the reasoning behind the discrepancy.

So I am now wondering before I cross the border, would I run into the same problem?

Thanks in advance.

[mtseymourguy]

This might be a silly question.

When I first applied for my drivers license, there was a discrepancy about my birth certificate because it was laminated, or sealed in plastic. I have long forgotten the reasoning behind the discrepancy.

So I am now wondering before I cross the border, would I run into the same problem?

Thanks in advance.


because it says right on the birth certificate that lamination invalidates it. i have not had a problem crossing the border with laminated birth certificate but had a problem at mmotor vehicle branch.

[honest thief]

What should I expect when I try to declare a spring assisted knife at the border?

From what I know they are legal in Canada. Does CBSA share the same view?

[Ebola]

What should I expect when I try to declare a spring assisted knife at the border?

From what I know they are legal in Canada. Does CBSA share the same view?

To my knowledge a spring-assisted knife is a prohibited weapon, and CBSA will seize it from you if found in your possession undeclared.

[Brandon]

#10. What do I need to bring with my cat/dog when crossing the border?

As long as you can prove your already owned dog/cat has their rabies vaccine up to date you are aces.

I'm bringing my dog into the states and back again (going on a trip this weekend). I have the certificate of vaccination for rabies, and it's valid as it is within a year of having the shots.

I called my vet and they said that besides that, I may get asked about my dog's food which we are also bringing. Apparently some ingredients may prevent me from bringing the food over and I'd have to dump it and buy more in the US (this is no good because I don't know if I can easily find the food in the US, and my dog gets sick if I change his food... has to be a very gradual change). Do you know what ingredients are scrutinized (or if this should even be an issue)? The dog food is made in the USA (I purchased in Canada), so I'm guessing there shouldn't be any issues.

[CSK'sMom]

I'm bringing my dog into the states and back again (going on a trip this weekend). I have the certificate of vaccination for rabies, and it's valid as it is within a year of having the shots.

I called my vet and they said that besides that, I may get asked about my dog's food which we are also bringing. Apparently some ingredients may prevent me from bringing the food over and I'd have to dump it and buy more in the US (this is no good because I don't know if I can easily find the food in the US, and my dog gets sick if I change his food... has to be a very gradual change). Do you know what ingredients are scrutinized (or if this should even be an issue)? The dog food is made in the USA (I purchased in Canada), so I'm guessing there shouldn't be any issues.

Brandon, you vet may be remembering when some dog foods were not allowed into the US because of the Mad Cow scare that shut down anything with Canadian beef in it. :confused: That ban was lifted quite some time ago though...

[honest thief]

To my knowledge a spring-assisted knife is a prohibited weapon, and CBSA will seize it from you if found in your possession undeclared.

Thanks for answering. Would it make a difference if I showed the border guard the same model being sold openly by retailers in Canada?

Maybe I should have said assisted opening knives and not spring assisted knives.

[Ebola]

Thanks for answering. Would it make a difference if I showed the border guard the same model being sold openly by retailers in Canada?

Maybe I should have said assisted opening knives and not spring assisted knives.

Well you can call it whatever you want, if it uses a spring to open under the Criminal Code it is a prohibited weapon, just like switchblades and push daggers etc. It's not CBSA's opinion, CBSA enforces the Criminal Code as it is, and as the court's rule it should.

There are assisted opening knives that are permitted, I believe a torsion-bar assisted knife is one such thing.

If retailers are openly selling spring opening knives and getting away with it, it means a) noone is bothering to enforce it, so it should be changed, or more likely b) there arent any resources to enforce it at the moment, but they will be punished when someone gets around to it.

[wesellanythingcanada]

How long do you think the wait times at the border would be to cross back into Canada early in the morning on Black Friday?

[wesellanythingcanada]

bump ^

[CSK'sMom]

Where are you crossing? Coming into Canada on Black Friday morning should be fine. It's noon or later when the lines start (here in Niagara) as everyone is heading back from Black Friday.

[wesellanythingcanada]

Where are you crossing? Coming into Canada on Black Friday morning should be fine. It's noon or later when the lines start (here in Niagara) as everyone is heading back from Black Friday.

Thanks. That's where I plan to cross. Never been shopping on Black Friday

[sidlas]

Ebola what happens if a canadian travels across the border with purse size pepper or mace spray?

[grons]

Ebola what happens if a canadian travels across the border with purse size pepper or mace spray?

Is it legal to possess in Canada?

What do you think - its a prohibited weapon - so if they are aware of it it will be seized.

[inmyturret]

Q: I cross the border frequently for a couple of hours (usually to go to my favourite restaurants!). I use "my" car, which is actually in my dad's name (I've had it since he retired). I always get questioned about why I have my dad's car, does he know I have it, etc. Is this a problem? Should I be getting any specific paperwork? Most of my trips are spur of the moment, so it would be difficult to get a letter for each trip, since he lives three hours away.

[scoop]

Q: I cross the border frequently for a couple of hours (usually to go to my favourite restaurants!). I use "my" car, which is actually in my dad's name (I've had it since he retired). I always get questioned about why I have my dad's car, does he know I have it, etc. Is this a problem? Should I be getting any specific paperwork? Most of my trips are spur of the moment, so it would be difficult to get a letter for each trip, since he lives three hours away.

get it transferred to your name.

[inmyturret]

get it transferred to your name.

I'm a student so that is financially not a good idea.

The questions are not a problem, I'm just wondering if I'm missing any specific paperwork that I should be carrying with me. It seems to be the issue I get questioned about the most.

[scoop]

I'm a student so that is financially not a good idea.

The questions are not a problem, I'm just wondering if I'm missing any specific paperwork that I should be carrying with me. It seems to be the issue I get questioned about the most.

why is it not financially a good idea? It doesnt cost much to transfer ownership.

[inmyturret]

why is it not financially a good idea? It doesnt cost much to transfer ownership.

No one is answering my initial question.

Owning a car would complicate student loans. But this is getting off topic.

[queenofhearts]

Hi Ebola,
I was hoping you could shed light on an experience a friend just told me about. I find the whole story really unblievable and told her I think it is BS but I thought I would ask you to see if any of these 'facts' are even possible.
The story sounds too much like one of those friend of a friend legends that just gets all the more outlandish as it's repeated.
My friend claims that another friend of hers (told through yet another friend) recently claimed her purchases while crossing a land border. She was pulled over and she was asked for reciepts which she provided. Apparently she was then asked for her credit card. The story as I am told is that the border officials then came back about 45 min later with copies of her visa statments of purchases made in the states, and PICTURES of her buying things in the states.
The whole thing sound so made up from beginning to end. I highly doubt anyone can get pictures of someone buying something in a store in 45 minutes but lets forget that. Can border officials ask for someone's credit card and then run a check on it and get the credit card officials to just have over a transaction history? My thinking is that even if they could do this, they would only ask for the credit card AFTER all of her stuff had for some reason has already been seized.
anyway, I'm rambling now because i just find the whole thing so hard to believe. So long story short: can border officials take your credit card and run a transcation check?

[cwb27]

Hi Ebola,
I was hoping you could shed light on an experience a friend just told me about. I find the whole story really unblievable and told her I think it is BS but I thought I would ask you to see if any of these 'facts' are even possible.
The story sounds too much like one of those friend of a friend legends that just gets all the more outlandish as it's repeated.
My friend claims that another friend of hers (told through yet another friend) recently claimed her purchases while crossing a land border. She was pulled over and she was asked for reciepts which she provided. Apparently she was then asked for her credit card. The story as I am told is that the border officials then came back about 45 min later with copies of her visa statments of purchases made in the states, and PICTURES of her buying things in the states.
The whole thing sound so made up from beginning to end. I highly doubt anyone can get pictures of someone buying something in a store in 45 minutes but lets forget that. Can border officials ask for someone's credit card and then run a check on it and get the credit card officials to just have over a transaction history? My thinking is that even if they could do this, they would only ask for the credit card AFTER all of her stuff had for some reason has already been seized.
anyway, I'm rambling now because i just find the whole thing so hard to believe. So long story short: can border officials take your credit card and run a transcation check?


Your friend watches far too much TV and tries far too hard.

[queenofhearts]

Your friend watches far too much TV and tries far too hard.

LOL! Actually it didn't happen to my own personal freind. She called me today in a panic because she was told this story by a guy she works with, who said it happend to HIS freind (who she also knows). LIke I said, the story sounds so ridiculous to me I told her I didn't believe and she said she was going to find out more. She is in a panic becaue she goes to the States often, and does declare but admittedly not the full amount. Despite the fact that the story sounds so ridiculous, I am still left wondering. Can border officials ask for your credit card so they can look at your transaction history for the day?

[tkyoshi]

I'm a student so that is financially not a good idea.

The questions are not a problem, I'm just wondering if I'm missing any specific paperwork that I should be carrying with me. It seems to be the issue I get questioned about the most.

I'm not sure but does insurance in your area of residence have a Principal driver designation?

Here in BC, ICBC has a spot for "principal Driver" which is basically the person who will be driving the car most of the time. I just use this, if ever ask, it shows my owner as my dad and my name is also shown under the Principal Driver. So therefore I can use that as proof that I'm allowed to drive "his" car since it says right on the insurance that I'm the one who will be driving the car most of the time.

However it's hit and miss, they used to ask me but I haven't been asked the 'who's car is this?' question for awhile.

[canabiz]

There was a letter to the editors in the National Post a couple of days ago from a gentleman who used to work as student Customs Officers. Basically, he's quite critical of the current Border Officers who don't get out of the booth and ask travelers to pop their trunks open. He (and his team) were told to do it every time before but that practice has fallen by the wayside.

This is in response to an article in the National Post last week about a Turkish-American who smuggled 220 firearms across the Windsor border crossing into Canada and most of them ended up in the wrong hands for murders and robbery attempts across the GTA within the last 2 years.

Just some food for thoughts.

[cdsoundtr]

I have a warranty claim from the manufactuer.

The Item is in Canada, but they'll only pay for return shipping if the replacement is sent to a US address. If I bring down my defective unit down to the US to make the swap and bring up the working unit, do I have to pay tax on the new unit when i'm bringing it back into Canada?

[kmp]

What about when you declare at the border example $60.00, but then when your receipts are totalled it is infact $75.00. You pay taxes on full $75amount at the border. Will you be flagged 'forever' based on this scenario which happened to me recently. I had merely forgotten about one purchase??

[Badger]

Reposted from my original thread, this would be an appropriate place:

I was down in the states for a few days. Bought some bulky item over there and they would not allow international shipping, so I had the item shipped to a border town. Now that I am back home, if I go over the borders to pick up the item in the states and come back home within the same day, would I be subjected to duties?

I purchased the item during the time I was absent from Canada, for 4 days.

Would showing a receipt for the item and my plane ticket for the place i travelled allow me to come back to Canada with the item without duties?

[brunes]

Reposted from my original thread, this would be an appropriate place:

I was down in the states for a few days. Bought some bulky item over there and they would not allow international shipping, so I had the item shipped to a border town. Now that I am back home, if I go over the borders to pick up the item in the states and come back home within the same day, would I be subjected to duties?

I purchased the item during the time I was absent from Canada, for 4 days.

Would showing a receipt for the item and my plane ticket for the place i travelled allow me to come back to Canada with the item without duties?
Unfortunately I think the duty + tax exemption is based at the time of import, not the time of purchase. But maybe I am wrong. What is the item? You probably don't have duty on it.

[Badger]

Unfortunately I think the duty + tax exemption is based at the time of import, not the time of purchase. But maybe I am wrong. What is the item? You probably don't have duty on it.

What about GST/PST then, it is some fragrance oil that is exclusive in US only, and the company forbids selling and shipping to Canadians on the website.

Thanks !

[CheapScotsman]

Badger ...

There used to be a "goods to follow" available on the declaration forms when coming back into Canada ... perhaps you could have used when you came back from your 4 day trip BUT ...

a) the declaration might not be available anymore ...
b) you may have had to claim this when crossing on your way back from your 4 day trip ... (which you didn't)
c) the goods may have had to have been mailed; not brought across personally in the future.

The only good solution is to give CBSA a call (unless our two resident experts chime in).

I bring a ton of different types of things across and have never been charged DUTY but you never know. Again, you can phone CBSA and ask. The only items I would expect to be charged duty on are tobacco, alcohol and perfumes; non of which we buy.

I am almost always bringing back greater than $700 via the Truck Crossing and they are always sending me in for GST/PST .... but I've come back with < $200 a few times in the last 4 years and they have just waived me through. Won't know until you get there but you should always expect to pay them.

[brunes]

What about when you declare at the border example $60.00, but then when your receipts are totalled it is infact $75.00. You pay taxes on full $75amount at the border. Will you be flagged 'forever' based on this scenario which happened to me recently. I had merely forgotten about one purchase??

No one would flag you for this because the amout you give at the window is hardly ever exact.

LIke, usually I say "Oh, about $400" , "about $350", etc. When I go inside it is always above or below by about $10 - $25. No one cares.

Basically at the window they just want to know if you are over the limit. It doesn't matter by how much really cause when you get inside you have to pay whatever the receipts add up to exactly.

[yiujun]

how is gst and pst calculated? what exchange rates does the cbsa use to convert the USD balance to a CAD balance so that they can charge taxes?

[macnut]

how is gst and pst calculated? what exchange rates does the cbsa use to convert the USD balance to a CAD balance so that they can charge taxes?

In the same way they would if they were a store. They use a daily conversion rate, which you can easily compare to the one published in the newspapers.

Because applying GST and PST is not their core business, it is worth your while to remind them of any instances where one or the other doesn't apply if needs be.

Most federal government departments are committed to fairness in carrying out their mandate, but based on anecdotal evidence in this forum, there seems to be more regional variation than desirable. Some Ontarians insist they cross the border regularly on same-day shopping trips and always get waved through. Fewer B.C. people seem to be that lucky.

The fact is that there is no exemption for trips of less than 24 hours. As CheapScotsman says, you should always figure that you are going to have to pay taxes and duty (if applicable), and consider it a bonus if you get waved through.

For online purchases coming by mail or courier, there is a documented $20 threshold before being subject to tax and duty. In practice, it is an undetermined amount higher than that - they are not going to pick on packages with a declared value of $21 just to follow the letter of the law.

For coming across the border with your purchases, years ago you would seldom get waved through. Nowadays, the sheer volume of travellers mean that it is not practical to exercise the zero exemption rule. This kind of degrades the documented 24-hour ($50) and 48-hour ($400) exemptions if day-shoppers routinely expect to get waved through with their hundreds of dollars worth of purchases.

[litebrite]

Not sure if this has been answered before but here's the situation:

I purchased something online and shipped it to Blaine, WA. I picked it up and brought it back into Canada, declaring everything fully at the border. I was waved through without paying taxes.

However the item I bought was defective and I had to ship it back and they sent me a replacement which I'm picking up at a later date.

How do I declare the replacement item? Do I declare it as $0 since it was a replacement and I didn't pay for it? How would I be able to prove that to the border guard?

[macnut]

How do I declare the replacement item? Do I declare it as $0 since it was a replacement and I didn't pay for it? How would I be able to prove that to the border guard?

Yes, just have ready:
- the $0 invoice that will be packaged with the replacement, and/or,
- the email to you where they confirm a free replacement is being sent

[yiujun]

thanks for the answer. i have another question:

i purchased some used wheels with new tires mounted on them from a private seller. everything was communicated through email and the wheels were paid for through paypal. i asked him to mail the wheels to blaine, from where i will pick it up and bring it back to canada.

i plan to declare the wheels of course. should i just tell them what i paid for for the wheels or should i also bring along a copy of the paypal receipt for proof?
should i also bring the email that will list out how the total cost is broken down? as my wheels are made in japan, and tires are made in the US. the total cost also includes shipping costs..
and i am assuming that gst and pst will apply in this case?

now im wondering if the customs officer will give a damn about the breakdown... haha..

[Cheap Cat]

Hi Ebola,
I was hoping you could shed light on an experience a friend just told me about. I find the whole story really unblievable and told her I think it is BS but I thought I would ask you to see if any of these 'facts' are even possible.
The story sounds too much like one of those friend of a friend legends that just gets all the more outlandish as it's repeated.
My friend claims that another friend of hers (told through yet another friend) recently claimed her purchases while crossing a land border. She was pulled over and she was asked for reciepts which she provided. Apparently she was then asked for her credit card. The story as I am told is that the border officials then came back about 45 min later with copies of her visa statments of purchases made in the states, and PICTURES of her buying things in the states.
The whole thing sound so made up from beginning to end. I highly doubt anyone can get pictures of someone buying something in a store in 45 minutes but lets forget that. Can border officials ask for someone's credit card and then run a check on it and get the credit card officials to just have over a transaction history? My thinking is that even if they could do this, they would only ask for the credit card AFTER all of her stuff had for some reason has already been seized.
anyway, I'm rambling now because i just find the whole thing so hard to believe. So long story short: can border officials take your credit card and run a transcation check?


This sounds like one of those urban legends. Even if they did look up your Visa account, if it were a one day shopping trip, the purchases would likely not even be posted to the account. Of course, that wouldn't even cover what was paid for by cash so why would they do that? Visa would need some authorization before giving up the information like a search warrant (not sure how far CBSA powers of search go). As for pictures of the person making purchases, they would not be tied to the Visa account. Could they get this info? Sure if they really wanted to but not in 45 minutes.

[macnut]

i plan to declare the wheels of course. should i just tell them what i paid for for the wheels or should i also bring along a copy of the paypal receipt for proof?
should i also bring the email that will list out how the total cost is broken down? as my wheels are made in japan, and tires are made in the US. the total cost also includes shipping costs..
and i am assuming that gst and pst will apply in this case?

Be sure to subtract the shipping cost. Customs just want to know what you paid for the wheels and tires.
If they choose to look at the wheels, and see the "Made in Japan", they may look up what duty is payable on them. Could be about 5%, maybe more. Being used wheels should persuade them that duty is not worth bothering with.
No duty payable on the new tires, but they should collect the 4 x $5 B.C. tire levy from you.
Have the PayPal receipt ready - has more credibility than an email printout, but you might need the email to verify the shipping cost - that could be important.
It's the GST + PST on the converted Cdn. price that could really take the shine off your deal.

[Spongeg]

my friend and I came back - his family owns a cottage in Point Roberts so he had ordered some stuff sent to that address and he had a package for something he bought off ebay

long story short they stopped him at the border - it was my car - they went on ebay and looked up his account to see if they could find the item he was trying to cross with - longer story short he tld them the truth and ended up paying $200 in duties and taxes and was put on a list for 2 years so whenever he comes back into Canada he will be searched or subjected to beings searched since he was caught lying

anyway my question is - they never said anything to me but since I was driving do you think I would be on the same list?

I haven't crossed the border since than - i need a passport first and because of the last few crossings I don't want to deal with it all - they ripped my car apart when going down into the states one trip and i seem to be on the must check out list everytime I cross into the states since that incident

[yiujun]

Be sure to subtract the shipping cost. Customs just want to know what you paid for the wheels and tires.
If they choose to look at the wheels, and see the "Made in Japan", they may look up what duty is payable on them. Could be about 5%, maybe more. Being used wheels should persuade them that duty is not worth bothering with.
No duty payable on the new tires, but they should collect the 4 x $5 B.C. tire levy from you.
Have the PayPal receipt ready - has more credibility than an email printout, but you might need the email to verify the shipping cost - that could be important.
It's the GST + PST on the converted Cdn. price that could really take the shine off your deal.

i asked a fd who works @ cbsa and he said that used goods should not be charged duties and taxes?

he told me that i should only declare the wheels and try to get a receipt from the seller for the new tires.

he said that if they asked to look @ the wheels, they would notice that they are used anyways so i wouldnt be charged anything - he told me to not mention the wheels...

[rommelrommel]

Used goods are not exempt duties and taxes. Your friend is wrong.

[Ebola]

my friend and I came back - his family owns a cottage in Point Roberts so he had ordered some stuff sent to that address and he had a package for something he bought off ebay

long story short they stopped him at the border - it was my car - they went on ebay and looked up his account to see if they could find the item he was trying to cross with - longer story short he tld them the truth and ended up paying $200 in duties and taxes and was put on a list for 2 years so whenever he comes back into Canada he will be searched or subjected to beings searched since he was caught lying

anyway my question is - they never said anything to me but since I was driving do you think I would be on the same list?

I haven't crossed the border since than - i need a passport first and because of the last few crossings I don't want to deal with it all - they ripped my car apart when going down into the states one trip and i seem to be on the must check out list everytime I cross into the states since that incident

Here's a hint, your vehicle was used in an attempt to contravene the customs act.

[canabiz]

I landed in Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Saturday (via Hong Kong and en route to Ottawa) and one of the U.S. Border Officers informed me that effective January 18th, 2008, the USA will start fingerprinting Canadian citizens. I was in a hurry so I didn't ask if that includes folks with passports.

Anyone can confirm this ?

Oh well just more hassles going through the States.

[brunes]

my friend and I came back - his family owns a cottage in Point Roberts so he had ordered some stuff sent to that address and he had a package for something he bought off ebay

long story short they stopped him at the border - it was my car - they went on ebay and looked up his account to see if they could find the item he was trying to cross with

... etc more BS


This whole story is BS. Customs can not go online "and look up your eBay account". For one, how would CBSA even know what your eBay username is? For two, how would they know your login password, unless you gave it to them?

Why did you make up this story?

[Ebola]

I landed in Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Saturday (via Hong Kong and en route to Ottawa) and one of the U.S. Border Officers informed me that effective January 18th, 2008, the USA will start fingerprinting Canadian citizens. I was in a hurry so I didn't ask if that includes folks with passports.

Anyone can confirm this ?

Oh well just more hassles going through the States.

Well you would have to have a passport anyway to be flying into the US, and they already do fingerprint Canadian citizens, and have for awhile, generally when they issue B class I-94's to Canadians.

[WorldIRC]

I think the fingerprints were only extended to US-Visit Greencard holders. I don't think a regular canadian citizen going to Florida for the week will undergo the same finger prints as a US-Visit person would.

As taken from USA Today:
Canadians who cross the border to shop, visit or take a holiday or a short business trip won't need to enroll in the program, according to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register.

But some Canadians are subject to stricter border-crossing scrutiny because they work or study in the United States. Those Canadians — including nurses, agricultural workers, students and religious workers — will be required to enroll, but they'll only have their fingerprints checked at land ports if a Customs and Border Protection official questions the validity of their documents, Mocny said.

Quick Q Ebola: has the value of alcohol always been included in the $400 exemption? I always thought the $400 excluded alcohol + tobacco values.

[rommelrommel]

I think the fingerprints were only extended to US-Visit Greencard holders. I don't think a regular canadian citizen going to Florida for the week will undergo the same finger prints as a US-Visit person would.

As taken from USA Today:
Canadians who cross the border to shop, visit or take a holiday or a short business trip won't need to enroll in the program, according to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register.

But some Canadians are subject to stricter border-crossing scrutiny because they work or study in the United States. Those Canadians — including nurses, agricultural workers, students and religious workers — will be required to enroll, but they'll only have their fingerprints checked at land ports if a Customs and Border Protection official questions the validity of their documents, Mocny said.

Quick Q Ebola: has the value of alcohol always been included in the $400 exemption? I always thought the $400 excluded alcohol + tobacco values.

It has included alcohol and tobacco for a long time, not sure if it "always" has.

[yiujun]

Used goods are not exempt duties and taxes. Your friend is wrong.

actually you are right - he was.
good thing i didnt listen to him and called customs to ask.
wouldve been a nightmare if i did what he told me to do...

[canuck57]

From reading most of this thread it seems that being honest puts the price of alcohol higher than if I bought it here in Ont. with all the duties and such. Can someone explain this site to me? They say that it's much cheaper their way. Why couldn't I just drive over and do this myself?
http://www.niagaraboozebus.ca/

[brunes]

From reading most of this thread it seems that being honest puts the price of alcohol higher than if I bought it here in Ont. with all the duties and such. Can someone explain this site to me? They say that it's much cheaper their way. Why couldn't I just drive over and do this myself?
http://www.niagaraboozebus.ca/

Sounds like they have a hugq liquer warehouse, so maybe their retail price in the US is lower which makes it cheaper?

Just a guess.

[Pavel]

I thought the phone number was posted not long ago but searching for it yielded nothing. Anyone have the number for BC?

[Whitedart]

I thought the phone number was posted not long ago but searching for it yielded nothing. Anyone have the number for BC?

No phone number for border wait times, but I use these links to check:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

[Pavel]

Thanks. I have the sites but when I'm mobile I'm unable to access because I don't have internet access. I could've sworn there were local BC numbers you could call and get a prerecorded message like at Niagra.

[scoop]

Thanks. I have the sites but when I'm mobile I'm unable to access because I don't have internet access. I could've sworn there were local BC numbers you could call and get a prerecorded message like at Niagra.

there is in this thread somewhere.

[rommelrommel]

From reading most of this thread it seems that being honest puts the price of alcohol higher than if I bought it here in Ont. with all the duties and such. Can someone explain this site to me? They say that it's much cheaper their way. Why couldn't I just drive over and do this myself?
http://www.niagaraboozebus.ca/

They have to be selling the booze at an obscenely low price to sell it that cheap after the taxes are paid. Or they are just lying and you actually lose money after you pay the taxes.

I think that Lackawanna is probably a reserve, and most of the booze they list on the site is cheap swill... they are probably buying it for a buck or two a bottle and then selling for a few dollars more. That's the only way this can be legit.

[Pavel]

there is in this thread somewhere.
Only for Niagra, not BC. :(

[mtseymourguy]

Received a trusted traveler card from nexus today. what the heck is that about?

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/nexus.xml

[Spongeg]

Thanks. I have the sites but when I'm mobile I'm unable to access because I don't have internet access. I could've sworn there were local BC numbers you could call and get a prerecorded message like at Niagra.

if you are near the border you can tune your radio into the FM signal that gives border lineup times

[mtseymourguy]

cknw tells you like every 10 minutes

[yiujun]

bought my used wheels and tires back yesterday.
border was a breeze, female cbsa officer was quite pleasant (considering she is a CBSA officer)

asked me:
1. where i went
2. how long did i go for
3. did i buy anything
4. what was the value of the wheels i brought back
5. do i have a receipt

she didnt have to inspect my wheels and tires or anything, took my receipt and wrote up a slip and i went and paid my 12% taxes (gst + pst)
no duties although the wheels are Volks which are made in japan

and the receipt had said 160 shipping on it and the cashier deducted the shipping cost out of the taxable amount

so all in all i feel pretty good about the whole thing.

[tkyoshi]

Received a trusted traveler card from nexus today. what the heck is that about?

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/nexus.xml

They're replacing all the old nexus cards with ones that are more secure.

You must activate your new card within 30 days, otherwise all cards get deactivated. When you activate the new one your old one should be destroyed.

[Pavel]

You must activate your new card within 30 days, otherwise all cards get deactivated. When you activate the new one your old one should be destroyed.
30 days from when? I'm still waiting for mine while the wife has hers. She applied for her old Nexus card 5 months AFTER me.

[warrexa]

What exactly is the intended use of Form E24, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration?

Example: If I go to Vegas for over a week, and while I am there I order some stuff from Amazon.com to my US mailbox in Buffalo, can I declare them on an E24 upon my return from Vegas to YYZ to get the $750 exemption and then go pick up the merchandise on a subsequent day trip (within 40 days) and be exempt from the GST/PST?

[Pavel]

I just got my Nexus card today, by REGULAR mail. Not registered at all like my wife's. Not good!

[rommelrommel]

What exactly is the intended use of Form E24, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration?

Example: If I go to Vegas for over a week, and while I am there I order some stuff from Amazon.com to my US mailbox in Buffalo, can I declare them on an E24 upon my return from Vegas to YYZ to get the $750 exemption and then go pick up the merchandise on a subsequent day trip (within 40 days) and be exempt from the GST/PST?

That's exactly it. Remember that you must order the goods while you are away.

[tkyoshi]

30 days from when? I'm still waiting for mine while the wife has hers. She applied for her old Nexus card 5 months AFTER me.

It's supposed to be 30 days from receipt which is why they send it by registered mail. But i guess in your case there was a slip-up.

[Pavel]

I'd better call them up and let them know. That's what happened with my citizenship card but in that case, they don't send it registered. And we wonder why identity theft is on the rise?

[GSC]

Can I bring fruits to US?

[tkyoshi]

Can I bring fruits to US?

I think there are restrictions on citrus fruits.

[Pavel]

If the fruit is originally product of USA, say, grapes that come with the bag marked product of USA, you should be fine.

[rommelrommel]

Make sure you tell them, USCBP tends to be very hard about undecalred fruit/meat.

[Pavel]

Make sure you tell them, USCBP tends to be very hard about undecalred fruit/meat.

Yeah, they'll let someone across the line without a driver's license or any ID but they'll treat you like a terrorist if you don't tell them you're importing fruit or meat ;)

[brunes]

How strict is CBSA with the 7 days?

We will be entering the US on Mar 11 at about 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM and returning on the 18th at about 12:00AM - 12:30 AM. So technically not 7 days, actually about 10 hours short. You think they would allow us to get the 750 exemption vs. 400 ?

[scoop]

How strict is CBSA with the 7 days?

We will be entering the US on Mar 11 at about 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM and returning on the 18th at about 12:00AM - 12:30 AM. So technically not 7 days, actually about 10 hours short. You think they would allow us to get the 750 exemption vs. 400 ?

To calculate the number of days you have been absent, do not include the date you left Canada but include the date you returned. Dates matter but not times. For example, we consider you to have been absent seven days if you left Friday the 7th and returned Friday the 14th.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s4

[brunes]

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s4

Hrm so according to that if I leave the 11th and return the 18th I am OK.

[rommelrommel]

Hrm so according to that if I leave the 11th and return the 18th I am OK.

Yup.

[JACKIE26]

A question regarding purchasing auto parts in the US.
I worked out the numbers, so even if I don't get my money back, it was still cheaper buying in the US vs Canada, but just want to understand this for future, and see if its worth sending in the claim.

I picked up a part for my car in the US the part is $224.99, there is also a core charge of $90 once I bring the old part in I get my $90 back. So I paid $319.99 part + core charge.

For the purposes of calculating taxes CBSA calculated it based on $319.99, which is the cost of the part of $224.99 plus the core charge.

Once I take the old part back and get my $90 core charge refunded at the end of the day I will have only spent $224.99 on the part, which is why I am thinking the taxes should have been calculated based on that.

Should the taxes have been calculated based on $319.99 or $224.99?

The guy calculating it gave me a form to fill out and said I could try claiming a refund but then added good luck I will probably not see the difference.

Basically, I am looking at that I was charged taxes based on $319.99, but I only actually paid $224.99 for the goods I bought.

[rommelrommel]

319.99, as the core has not yet left Canada. Stop on the way out and get the core piece registered on an E15, which will prove that you exported it. You should get your refund with that, but it takes 6+ weeks usually.

[JACKIE26]

319.99, as the core has not yet left Canada. Stop on the way out and get the core piece registered on an E15, which will prove that you exported it. You should get your refund with that, but it takes 6+ weeks usually.

Great thanks!! Glad I asked they never mentioned the E15 form to me.

[ADRiiAN`]

That's an expensive cookie :lol:

How old do you have to be to cross borders by yourself? What about with a friend?

I'm 18 and say I want to bring my friend that is 18 and another friend that is 16?

[b1uesphere]

Any update on whether it's ok to bring an ipod across the border?

Do you have to prove that the songs are legit?

[tkyoshi]

Any update on whether it's ok to bring an ipod across the border?

Do you have to prove that the songs are legit?

Generally it's probably safe to assume most ipods do not contain 100% legal songs. Having said that, I do not believe it is in their best interest to hunt out iPods at the border. I haven't heard personally of anyone getting their iPod searched at the border.

However the risk is always there, they do have the power to investigate.

[Hairball]

That's an expensive cookie :lol:

How old do you have to be to cross borders by yourself? What about with a friend?

I'm 18 and say I want to bring my friend that is 18 and another friend that is 16?

If you're 18 that's considered an adult, you're 16 year old friend might need "permission" from his/her parents, but quite frankly I think that is laxly enforced. I flew out of the country myself before without any additional documentation when I was 15, no one asked a thing.

[3weddings]

Exemptions cannot be combined.

If the item is going to follow in a couple weeks, when you enter Canada, you have to declare to the BSO that you have goods to follow, and you will have to fill out a form stating that under your 7+ day exemption of $750, you are claiming x item as a good to follow. We will give you a copy of this form, and then you will bring it with you to accompany the goods when you bring them in.

May I add a twist to this scenario?

Hubby is working in the US and returns bi-weekly (putting the kids and I into a Shopping Utopia with his $750 exemption!! :cheesygri)

His car is there, so when he drives it home he will have space for a couple of larger items that he doesn't trust the airlines with. If he declares the goods now as following him at a later date (when his contract ends) and it is within the 40 day requrement, can he 'stack' the exemption even though he is bringing it back himself?
Just a couple of weeks ago he declared an item he had ordered at Home Depot, and brought it across himself two weeks later when he flew home.
Thanks!

[rommelrommel]

May I add a twist to this scenario?

Hubby is working in the US and returns bi-weekly (putting the kids and I into a Shopping Utopia with his $750 exemption!! :cheesygri)

His car is there, so when he drives it home he will have space for a couple of larger items that he doesn't trust the airlines with. If he declares the goods now as following him at a later date (when his contract ends) and it is within the 40 day requrement, can he 'stack' the exemption even though he is bringing it back himself?
Just a couple of weeks ago he declared an item he had ordered at Home Depot, and brought it across himself two weeks later when he flew home.
Thanks!

No, the $750 is only for goods that you bought on that particular trip, so there is no way to use multiple $750 exemptions on the same item as goods to follow.

[3weddings]

No, the $750 is only for goods that you bought on that particular trip, so there is no way to use multiple $750 exemptions on the same item as goods to follow.

But if it's being shipped he could perhaps?

[rommelrommel]

But if it's being shipped he could perhaps?

No. They would have to be seperate items bought on different 7 day stays in the USA. You could bring multiple ones back at the same time exempt assuming they were bought and declared on previous seperate absences.

[crazyproton]

How about you fill up your car in US? You are buying gasoline there? What about you fill up a 15L container for emergency usage purpose? Do you have to pay tax on them when you come back to Canada? I have had trouble finding that information on the gov website. I will be great if someone can lead me to find out the information in that regard.

[3weddings]

No. They would have to be seperate items bought on different 7 day stays in the USA. You could bring multiple ones back at the same time exempt assuming they were bought and declared on previous seperate absences.

Thank you...that's what I am after. He is working in Texas and he wants to do precisely that. He spends two weeks there and a weekend here and heads right back again. So 'stacking' is a possibility.

[ChopSuey]

How about you fill up your car in US? You are buying gasoline there? What about you fill up a 15L container for emergency usage purpose? Do you have to pay tax on them when you come back to Canada? I have had trouble finding that information on the gov website. I will be great if someone can lead me to find out the information in that regard.

You do not have to pay duty/tax on gas that is pumped into your vehicle. But, you will have to pay duty/tax on gas that is pumped into a container, even if it is for emergency purposes.

[headhunt3r]

How do taxes / duty work on used items sold through private sales?

For example, next weekend I plan to go to Seattle to pick up a set of wheels from a private seller. There would obviously be no receipt for it :confused:

[Beradon]

Hey guys I'm trying to figure out what the possible duties and other charges are for a shipment that I'm expecting.

I bought a cell phone from the US and it's being shipped into QC.
What duties are there for this product (made outside of the NA free trade countries)? Can't seem to find it in the CBSA site.

Taxes I gather are GST on top of the Cdn conversion of the declared value?
Then PST added on top of that?
Canada Post handling + brokerage fee of $5 to top if off.


Is that what I should be expecting?

[brunes]

Hey guys I'm trying to figure out what the possible duties and other charges are for a shipment that I'm expecting.

I bought a cell phone from the US and it's being shipped into QC.
What duties are there for this product (made outside of the NA free trade countries)? Can't seem to find it in the CBSA site.

Taxes I gather are GST on top of the Cdn conversion of the declared value?
Then PST added on top of that?
Canada Post handling + brokerage fee of $5 to top if off.

Is that what I should be expecting?

It totally depends on who is shipping it. If it is being shipped USPS/Canada Post, expect to pay GST + PST only. If it is being shipped FedEX / UPS, expect about $30 in duties and brokerage charges *IN ADDITION TO* GST and PST.

[21Rouge]

We live in the GTorontoArea and over the past several years we had the occasion to shop across the border in Buffalo/NFalls at a "Steve and Barrys". Our teenage boys loved that store. I see now it is no longer in business. We for sure arent experienced cross border shoppers so we are hoping for some recommendations re shopping sites just across the border, looking for a comparable store or outlet mall with similar merchandise as Steve and Barrys.

[TechRock]

We live in the GTorontoArea and over the past several years we had the occasion to shop across the border in Buffalo/NFalls at a "Steve and Barrys". Our teenage boys loved that store. I see now it is no longer in business. We for sure arent experienced cross border shoppers so we are hoping for some recommendations re shopping sites just across the border, looking for a comparable store or outlet mall with similar merchandise as Steve and Barrys.

yeah that store went bankrupt or something lol, i went last week and was disappointed that it was gone =0

[mushroom]

I do home visits with kids so I have a trunk full of toys, do I need to clear out my trunk before I drive over to the states for shopping for a few hours? The toys are clearly used and they are in plastic containers, can I just keep them in my trunk? Would I get in trouble coming back to Canada?

[HighFlyer]

I do home visits with kids so I have a trunk full of toys, do I need to clear out my trunk before I drive over to the states for shopping for a few hours? The toys are clearly used and they are in plastic containers, can I just keep them in my trunk? Would I get in trouble coming back to Canada?

I would clean out the trunk in order to prevent any misunderstandings.

[brunes]

I do home visits with kids so I have a trunk full of toys, do I need to clear out my trunk before I drive over to the states for shopping for a few hours? The toys are clearly used and they are in plastic containers, can I just keep them in my trunk? Would I get in trouble coming back to Canada?

I would clean out the trunk in order to prevent any misunderstandings.

Or justs top at the border on the way down and get a green CBSA card for the toys.

If you explain to the agent you have a ton of them and get them to come see you probably don't have to write all of the serials.

[death_hawk]

No one would flag you for this because the amout you give at the window is hardly ever exact.

LIke, usually I say "Oh, about $400" , "about $350", etc. When I go inside it is always above or below by about $10 - $25. No one cares.

Basically at the window they just want to know if you are over the limit. It doesn't matter by how much really cause when you get inside you have to pay whatever the receipts add up to exactly.


I crossed the border once and the BSO demanded to know the exact total down to the penny.

I sat in my truck adding (by hand) a stack of about 25 receipts for about 15 minutes.

[scoop]

I crossed the border once and the BSO demanded to know the exact total down to the penny.

I sat in my truck adding (by hand) a stack of about 25 receipts for about 15 minutes.

think you need to work on your math skills if it took that long. :lol:

[death_hawk]

I added it twice just to make sure.

I knew I had to pay taxes etc on it, so I figured while I was waiting for the inside guy I would do the math on it.


But no...

[mushroom]

Or justs top at the border on the way down and get a green CBSA card for the toys.

If you explain to the agent you have a ton of them and get them to come see you probably don't have to write all of the serials.

this is a dumb question, but how do I get to the Canadian border from the Canadian side?

[macnut]

this is a dumb question, but how do I get to the Canadian border from the Canadian side?

Yes, may depend on the location, but I don't think this is ever easy to do.

And it makes border guards on both sides edgy when they see unexpected moves by people.

Cleaning the trunk out beforehand is still the best idea - may be inconvenient, but better than the alternative.

[Arrow]

At my local border crossing, there is an area to park your car and you can walk into the CBSA office.

this is a dumb question, but how do I get to the Canadian border from the Canadian side?

[death_hawk]

I have a question:

I'm planning on visiting Vegas in the near future.
With Vegas comes Gambling. And since I'm Asian, I don't gamble lightly.

I know I can't transport more than $10000 over the border.
How about wire transfers?
Does having $9999 raise suspicions at all?

[HighFlyer]

I
I know I can't transport more than $10000 over the border.
You can bring any amount over the border.... you just have to declare it.

[1226]

General question about border crossing for those in the know. How does a truck hauling a trailer like this (no windows) not get searched?

http://braystrailers.ca.c9.previewyoursite.com/ESW/Images/rough_rider_810rs.jpg

Didn't so much as crack the door open. 30 seconds and he was through. Thought it was a bit odd considering the once over regular cars sometimes get.

[death_hawk]

You can bring any amount over the border.... you just have to declare it.

Man... when did I miss THAT memo...

I guess my 3rd question of "What happens if I return with $30k" is no longer valid.

:D

Now... let's hope it's a reality.

[Ebola]

I added it twice just to make sure.

I knew I had to pay taxes etc on it, so I figured while I was waiting for the inside guy I would do the math on it.


But no...

You have to make your full declaration at the PIL booth. Saying "about this , about that" gives too much leeway in terms of being able to explain away any "discrepancies" that may arise.

this is a dumb question, but how do I get to the Canadian border from the Canadian side?

Every Canadian POE has an export lane, parking lot, entrance etc. You simply stop there and do what you need to do on export.

I have a question:

I'm planning on visiting Vegas in the near future.
With Vegas comes Gambling. And since I'm Asian, I don't gamble lightly.

I know I can't transport more than $10000 over the border.
How about wire transfers?
Does having $9999 raise suspicions at all?

As mentioned, you can bring however much you want, has to be declared if equal to or greater than 10k CAD under the Proceeds of Crime , Money Laundering, and Terrorist Financing Act.

And yes, having $9999.00 is suspicious.

General question about border crossing for those in the know. How does a truck hauling a trailer like this (no windows) not get searched?

http://braystrailers.ca.c9.previewyoursite.com/ESW/Images/rough_rider_810rs.jpg

Didn't so much as crack the door open. 30 seconds and he was through. Thought it was a bit odd considering the once over regular cars sometimes get.

Same way regular cars don't "get searched". Someone makes a declaration about what's contained in their vehicle/trailer/motor home, and you either believe them or you don't.

[1226]

Same way regular cars don't "get searched". Someone makes a declaration about what's contained in their vehicle/trailer/motor home, and you either believe them or you don't.

Really? I would think a trailer like that, going either south or north (particularly in BC), based on the potential return and the time it takes it takes to open the door, it would be worth it every time. Surely a border agent wouldn't treat someone with a trailer like that as the same risk as your generic cross-border shopper. I would find that very odd.

[death_hawk]

I figured it would make more sense to give a rough number and sort out the real number inside. It was like $4k worth of stuff, so I thought I was paying duty on it for sure.

Thanks Ebloa. You've been a bucket of help. :cheesygri


EDIT: And others.

[brunes]

Really? I would think a trailer like that, going either south or north (particularly in BC), based on the potential return and the time it takes it takes to open the door, it would be worth it every time. Surely a border agent wouldn't treat someone with a trailer like that as the same risk as your generic cross-border shopper. I would find that very odd.

They aren't really more likely to do anything based on vehicle type, it is more based on the occupants history / if they declare anything / randomness.

Go across in a big 6 axle RV, they often don't check those either, and you could stuff all kinds of things in them.

It really is very random. That said, I have crossed maybe 50 times in the past two years, and have *never* been searched - but I 8always* declare things, and I am sure that is a factor.

[Ebola]

Really? I would think a trailer like that, going either south or north (particularly in BC), based on the potential return and the time it takes it takes to open the door, it would be worth it every time. Surely a border agent wouldn't treat someone with a trailer like that as the same risk as your generic cross-border shopper. I would find that very odd.

What's your generic cross-border shopper?

CSK'sMom could have a stomach full of coke. Unlikely, but just as easy to do on any given trip. That's what makes the task so challenging.

On top of that, IF something were to be inside the trailer, it wouldnt be sitting in a pretty box just inside the door, it would be concealed somewhere within the trailer, meaning you'd have to be taking everything out, which means the trailer would need to be in secondary, where every conveyance gets searched the same way anyway, so if an officer has suspicions, then by all means go to town.

It wouldn't go over too well if every single trailer was stripped down each time they crossed. The percentage of law abiding travellers is much higher than that of ner-do-wells.

[1226]

What's your generic cross-border shopper?

I guess I meant just somebody without a trailer.


CSK'sMom could have a stomach full of coke. Unlikely, but just as easy to do on any given trip. That's what makes the task so challenging.


True, but my point is stomach full of coke vs trailer full of coke. Or guns, cash, whatever. Cost benefit.



On top of that, IF something were to be inside the trailer, it wouldnt be sitting in a pretty box just inside the door, it would be concealed somewhere within the trailer, meaning you'd have to be taking everything out, which means the trailer would need to be in secondary, where every conveyance gets searched the same way anyway, so if an officer has suspicions, then by all means go to town.


Couldn't you learn a lot just by opening the door though? Peak in and cross-reference what you see with the driver's answers to the agent's questions? e.g. what color/make/model is the bike/snowmobile/etc.? Then if something doesn't jive, take it to the next level. I'm certainly not advocating tear down every trailer.

[Ebola]

Couldn't you learn a lot just by opening the door though? Peak in and cross-reference what you see with the driver's answers to the agent's questions? e.g. what color/make/model is the bike/snowmobile/etc.? Then if something doesn't jive, take it to the next level. I'm certainly not advocating tear down every trailer.

You certainly could.

[RETAILER]

Next time look at those tall boxes with white plates in the front, on either sides of the checkpoint. Those are hi-res xray sanners which scan your vehicle before you show your face at the booth. They can look inside your pants before you look at them :-)

[fajer]

You have to make your full declaration at the PIL booth. Saying "about this , about that" gives too much leeway in terms of being able to explain away any "discrepancies" that may arise.



Every Canadian POE has an export lane, parking lot, entrance etc. You simply stop there and do what you need to do on export.



As mentioned, you can bring however much you want, has to be declared if equal to or greater than 10k CAD under the Proceeds of Crime , Money Laundering, and Terrorist Financing Act.

And yes, having $9999.00 is suspicious.



Same way regular cars don't "get searched". Someone makes a declaration about what's contained in their vehicle/trailer/motor home, and you either believe them or you don't.

That is how tons of smokes, weed and coke gets smuggled while the clueless border agent is quizzing you on how much you bought at Wally Mart and making you pay $5 bucks in duty.:cheesygri

[fajer]

They aren't really more likely to do anything based on vehicle type, it is more based on the occupants history / if they declare anything / randomness.

Go across in a big 6 axle RV, they often don't check those either, and you could stuff all kinds of things in them.

It really is very random. That said, I have crossed maybe 50 times in the past two years, and have *never* been searched - but I 8always* declare things, and I am sure that is a factor.


How does the border agent know that you always declare things?

[fajer]

Next time look at those tall boxes with white plates in the front, on either sides of the checkpoint. Those are hi-res xray sanners which scan your vehicle before you show your face at the booth. They can look inside your pants before you look at them :-)

What?

Those would fry your brains - those are radiation detectors.

[Ebola]

hey look, another flame-baiter!

[kamu]

Can you drive across the borders to shop etc... then leave your car parked somewhere on the US side and walk back over to canada to stay at a hotel on the canadian side? I'll be picking up the car the next day and driving to NYC.

[fajer]

hey look, another flame-baiter!

LOL

I like how government agencies/employees always refuse to answer questions or accept criticism.

Question

Is the reason you want to be armed because you want to be paid a cop's wage?

Should you be paid a cop's wage?

[Ebola]

LOL

I like how government agencies/employees always refuse to answer questions or accept criticism.

Question

Is the reason you want to be armed because you want to be paid a cop's wage?

Should you be paid a cop's wage?

See the premise of everything you post is to intentionally incite confrontation, so any answer given must be weighed carefully, lest it be taken out of context, twisted, or otherwise spun to fit whatever agenda it is that you have.

Arming has nothing to do with money.

If I wanted to be a police officer, I would be.

And no I do not feel our wages should be lockstepped with police. Each different arena of law enforcement has to be judged on its merits. Police, Border, Corrections, Fisheries, Wardens, Sheriffs, Ministry of Transport etc etc. Due to the similarities there aren't going to be massive fluctuations in salary.

But hey, if firefighters can claim to deserve the same pay as police..

[fajer]

What is the reasoning that Border Agents be armed, especially when most of them fail the firearms certification tests.

In my dealings with the agents some of them definitely should not be armed at all.

Now can you answer my original question, why do border agents quibble over $5 in duty/taxes while smugglers are running rampant?

BTW - it seems like the border agents are letting a lot more goods come in without being taxed. In my past 5-8 trips not once did I have to pay even though I declared "mostly" everything I bought. Ranging from $150-300 in goods.

Keep up the good work :)

[Hairball]

What is the reasoning that Border Agents be armed, especially when most of them fail the firearms certification tests.

In my dealings with the agents some of them definitely should not be armed at all.

Now can you answer my original question, why do border agents quibble over $5 in duty/taxes while smugglers are running rampant?

BTW - it seems like the border agents are letting a lot more goods come in without being taxed. In my past 5-8 trips not once did I have to pay even though I declared "mostly" everything I bought. Ranging from $150-300 in goods.

Keep up the good work :)

Quite frankly I don't think casual shoppers are a very high priority for the CBSA, from my trips in the past few years.

They select cars/people for inspection based on questioning, trends and other things. They could theoretically stop every single person and car coming in, and do a complete examination, but that would be impractical and severely hinder trade. And plus this would be extremely expensive to administer.

I think they're being armed because there are a lot of potential criminals coming across the border, and they need to be able to defend themselves.

[fajer]

Quite frankly I don't think casual shoppers are a very high priority for the CBSA, from my trips in the past few years.

They select cars/people for inspection based on questioning, trends and other things. They could theoretically stop every single person and car coming in, and do a complete examination, but that would be impractical and severely hinder trade. And plus this would be extremely expensive to administer.

I think they're being armed because there are a lot of potential criminals coming across the border, and they need to be able to defend themselves.

it seems like the CBSA has gotten the hint that casual shoppers should not be a priority.

Many a times I or my friend declared $30 and the braniac in the booth then hands you a yellow slip, you go inside and the agents laughs at you for such a small amount and tells you to get lost

[Ebola]

What is the reasoning that Border Agents be armed, especially when most of them fail the firearms certification tests.

In my dealings with the agents some of them definitely should not be armed at all.

Now can you answer my original question, why do border agents quibble over $5 in duty/taxes while smugglers are running rampant?

BTW - it seems like the border agents are letting a lot more goods come in without being taxed. In my past 5-8 trips not once did I have to pay even though I declared "mostly" everything I bought. Ranging from $150-300 in goods.

Keep up the good work :)

First, I take great issue with the statement "most of them fail the firearms certification tests". This is patently false.

I'm sure you'll trot out the initial media stories that headlines blare "BORDER GUARDS CAN'T SHOOT STRAIGHT".

Like all police course of fire, border officers are given a second attempt to qualify, and on the second attempt the vast majority successfully qualified. I won't say all, because that would be patently false on my part. But it's a very small number out of all the officers sent for arming training that have not been successful, again with pass rates in line with RCMP Depot / Ontario Police College numbers.

I don't know any officers that "quibble" over $5 in duty. Everyone I've dealt with is there to protect Canada from contraband and inadmissble persons, while keeping the legit travellers moving.

For some reason, a small segment of the Canadian population is not willing to accept the fact that BSO's are sworn peace officers who 24 hours a day, 7 days a week are out there interacting with people, at land borders anyway essentially dealing with continuous "traffic stops" (the idea of constantly dealing with unknown persons and whatever kind of activity they may be up to) making arrests, executing warrants, going to court etc.

These people cling to this idea that by having unarmed federal peace officers at ports of entry, that this some how makes us noble, better than other nations (always compared to the US) and gives travellers a welcoming feeling upon entering Canada. In reality, it does none of these things.

It makes us foolish and naive, as yes, prior to arming it WAS policy to allow persons considered armed and dangerous into Canada, with the vague hope that some police force could track them down inland later on. Police response times to POE's varies wildly, from as little as 10mins to as much as 2 hours. The quickest of which still allows for alot of people to be hurt/killed, or people who should not be coming into Canada to have forced their way in and be gone long before the police arrive. This is an affront to national security, public safety as officers have no way of protecting innocent travellers, and the last part that noone cares about, is an unneccessary risk for officers.

Let's be clear, the Can/US border is not like Kandahar province. There isn't death around every turn. The majority of travellers are just trying to get from point A to B, and want to have as little government authority imposed on them as possible, because they have done nothing illegal and that's totally understandable.

There exists however, a quite real and active minority of cross border movement that also wants no part of law enforcement interfering in their affairs, and it's because they'd be going to jail if discovered. There is no way to put it, that doesn't sound cliched or even dramatic. These people are not nice people, and they don't give two shits what they have to do to get their illicit payday.

As for having a gun on your hip making the country "less welcoming", I think that's a load of BS.

My two opinions are this on that subject:

#1. It has nothing to do with what's on your hip, and everything to do with how you treat people.

#2. In alot of the situations, travellers can't even see what's on the BSO's hip. Think of officers seated in booths at a land crossing or airport. All you see is the upper body. Your interaction with them is in no way affected by the presence of a sidearm. It's always the overhead presence of the peace officer status/government authority that's the elephant in the conversation.

Anyway, there will always be people vehemently opposed to my position, but there it is.

[scoop]

First, I take great issue with the statement "most of them fail the firearms certification tests". This is patently false.

I'm sure you'll trot out the initial media stories that headlines blare "BORDER GUARDS CAN'T SHOOT STRAIGHT".

Like all police course of fire, border officers are given a second attempt to qualify, and on the second attempt the vast majority successfully qualified. I won't say all, because that would be patently false on my part. But it's a very small number out of all the officers sent for arming training that have not been successful, again with pass rates in line with RCMP Depot / Ontario Police College numbers.

I don't know any officers that "quibble" over $5 in duty. Everyone I've dealt with is there to protect Canada from contraband and inadmissble persons, while keeping the legit travellers moving.

For some reason, a small segment of the Canadian population is not willing to accept the fact that BSO's are sworn peace officers who 24 hours a day, 7 days a week are out there interacting with people, at land borders anyway essentially dealing with continuous "traffic stops" (the idea of constantly dealing with unknown persons and whatever kind of activity they may be up to) making arrests, executing warrants, going to court etc.

These people cling to this idea that by having unarmed federal peace officers at ports of entry, that this some how makes us noble, better than other nations (always compared to the US) and gives travellers a welcoming feeling upon entering Canada. In reality, it does none of these things.

It makes us foolish and naive, as yes, prior to arming it WAS policy to allow persons considered armed and dangerous into Canada, with the vague hope that some police force could track them down inland later on. Police response times to POE's varies wildly, from as little as 10mins to as much as 2 hours. The quickest of which still allows for alot of people to be hurt/killed, or people who should not be coming into Canada to have forced their way in and be gone long before the police arrive. This is an affront to national security, public safety as officers have no way of protecting innocent travellers, and the last part that noone cares about, is an unneccessary risk for officers.

Let's be clear, the Can/US border is like Kandahar province. There isn't death around every turn. The majority of travellers are just trying to get from point A to B, and want to have as little government authority imposed on them as possible, because they have done nothing illegal and that's totally understandable.

There exists however, a quite real and active minority of cross border movement that also wants no part of law enforcement interfering in their affairs, and it's because they'd be going to jail if discovered. There is no way to put it, that doesn't sound cliched or even dramatic. These people are not nice people, and they don't give two shits what they have to do to get their illicit payday.

As for having a gun on your hip making the country "less welcoming", I think that's a load of BS.

My two opinions are this on that subject:

#1. It has nothing to do with what's on your hip, and everything to do with how you treat people.

#2. In alot of the situations, travellers can't even see what's on the BSO's hip. Think of officers seated in booths at a land crossing or airport. All you see is the upper body. Your interaction with them is in no way affected by the presence of a sidearm. It's always the overhead presence of the peace officer status/government authority that's the elephant in the conversation.

Anyway, there will always be people vehemently opposed to my position, but there it is.

Ebola - no need to even respond to trolls like this guy.

[fajer]

First, I take great issue with the statement "most of them fail the firearms certification tests". This is patently false.

I'm sure you'll trot out the initial media stories that headlines blare "BORDER GUARDS CAN'T SHOOT STRAIGHT".

Like all police course of fire, border officers are given a second attempt to qualify, and on the second attempt the vast majority successfully qualified. I won't say all, because that would be patently false on my part. But it's a very small number out of all the officers sent for arming training that have not been successful, again with pass rates in line with RCMP Depot / Ontario Police College numbers.

I don't know any officers that "quibble" over $5 in duty. Everyone I've dealt with is there to protect Canada from contraband and inadmissble persons, while keeping the legit travellers moving.

For some reason, a small segment of the Canadian population is not willing to accept the fact that BSO's are sworn peace officers who 24 hours a day, 7 days a week are out there interacting with people, at land borders anyway essentially dealing with continuous "traffic stops" (the idea of constantly dealing with unknown persons and whatever kind of activity they may be up to) making arrests, executing warrants, going to court etc.

These people cling to this idea that by having unarmed federal peace officers at ports of entry, that this some how makes us noble, better than other nations (always compared to the US) and gives travellers a welcoming feeling upon entering Canada. In reality, it does none of these things.

It makes us foolish and naive, as yes, prior to arming it WAS policy to allow persons considered armed and dangerous into Canada, with the vague hope that some police force could track them down inland later on. Police response times to POE's varies wildly, from as little as 10mins to as much as 2 hours. The quickest of which still allows for alot of people to be hurt/killed, or people who should not be coming into Canada to have forced their way in and be gone long before the police arrive. This is an affront to national security, public safety as officers have no way of protecting innocent travellers, and the last part that noone cares about, is an unneccessary risk for officers.

Let's be clear, the Can/US border is like Kandahar province. There isn't death around every turn. The majority of travellers are just trying to get from point A to B, and want to have as little government authority imposed on them as possible, because they have done nothing illegal and that's totally understandable.

There exists however, a quite real and active minority of cross border movement that also wants no part of law enforcement interfering in their affairs, and it's because they'd be going to jail if discovered. There is no way to put it, that doesn't sound cliched or even dramatic. These people are not nice people, and they don't give two shits what they have to do to get their illicit payday.

As for having a gun on your hip making the country "less welcoming", I think that's a load of BS.

My two opinions are this on that subject:

#1. It has nothing to do with what's on your hip, and everything to do with how you treat people.

#2. In alot of the situations, travellers can't even see what's on the BSO's hip. Think of officers seated in booths at a land crossing or airport. All you see is the upper body. Your interaction with them is in no way affected by the presence of a sidearm. It's always the overhead presence of the peace officer status/government authority that's the elephant in the conversation.

Anyway, there will always be people vehemently opposed to my position, but there it is.

I agree with you on most of your points but the facts are:

Wage Proposal: Our team has proposed a 29.3% across-the-board wage increase over a three-year contract, including a 13.3% market adjustment in February 2007 and 4.5% increase each year of the agreement (through next year).

Yes a lot of CBSA agents quibble over minor amounts, although as I said this has been less prevalent recently.

Incidents where Canadains are harassed by border agents tagging them as smugglers while a fast boat is crossing the St. Lawrence with a million smokes on it.

Have you ever read the posts at Blueline.ca what some of these so called law enforcement professionals say is quite shocking. Read the one about Firefighters...LOL

Anyways no more ranting from me. Go catch some turrurists. BTW - have you read the report from the US than not one turrurists has been caught along the Canada/US border despite spending billions of dollars.

Oh one more thing - what a fiasco the CBSA has done with Harkat, from now on you need a judge's permission to do anything with him - what a waste of taxpayers $$$.

[fajer]

Ebola - no need to even respond to trolls like this guy.

a troll with facts - what do you bring? - a big bowl of nothing!

[joeyjoejoe]

Just wondering what the wait times of crossing the border are like now a days. I'm planning on going over to Buffalo via Rainbow Bridge this coming Saturday morning.

I know of the websites for wait times, but it only tells me the current wait time and not what to expect on Saturday morning.

Any help?

[Tacoma]

Just wondering what the wait times of crossing the border are like now a days. I'm planning on going over to Buffalo via Rainbow Bridge this coming Saturday morning.

I know of the websites for wait times, but it only tells me the current wait time and not what to expect on Saturday morning.

Any help?

Interesting. With so many variables to consider, how can anyone predict with any degree of precision what the expected border wait time will be a few days from now?

[halfenjoyed]

I have a question about cross border shopping with coupons. Would you know if I was to have gone and purchased alot of merchandise, but after the coupons the total cost is under $50 for the daily limit. If I claim the value that I purchased, it should indicate on the receipts that I received coupon discounts. Will they go by the total amount or would that be a case of the border agent's discression?

Oh and the same question for gift cards? or would that be a different situation?

[brunes]

I have a question about cross border shopping with coupons. Would you know if I was to have gone and purchased alot of merchandise, but after the coupons the total cost is under $50 for the daily limit. If I claim the value that I purchased, it should indicate on the receipts that I received coupon discounts. Will they go by the total amount or would that be a case of the border agent's discression?

You only have to pay if the amount SPENT is > $50.

Note that INCLUDES any sales tax.

[halfenjoyed]

You only have to pay if the amount SPENT is > $50.

Note that INCLUDES any sales tax.

Thanks,
I guess then, that the value of the gift card would be the same as "SPENT" correct?

[brunes]

Thanks,
I guess then, that the value of the gift card would be the same as "SPENT" correct?

Oh you said "coupon" not gift card.

Yes I think... the gift card counts as money. Just like if you went over with a gift card of value > 10,000 you have to declare it. This is why they say "cash or negotiable instruments" or something like that.

[CSK'sMom]

Yes, gift cards would be the same as cash. By the way, there is no daily limit. Technically the $50 limit does not kick in until you have been out of the country fir 24 consecuative hrs and then if you spend $50.01 you loose the entire exemption.

[halfenjoyed]

OK, Thanks for all your help...

I was talking about coupons, but had updated my post to ask about gift cards as well.

Helpful info from all on both questions
Thanks again

[Pavel]

Technically the $50 limit does not kick in until you have been out of the country fir 24 consecuative hrs and then if you spend $50.01 you loose the entire exemption.
And why is that? Logically, one would assume that if you're allowed the exemption and then pay duty, tax, etc on the difference. Is it because it's easier to administer?

[vaportech]

What is the reasoning that Border Agents be armed, especially when most of them fail the firearms certification tests.

In my dealings with the agents some of them definitely should not be armed at all.

Now can you answer my original question, why do border agents quibble over $5 in duty/taxes while smugglers are running rampant?

BTW - it seems like the border agents are letting a lot more goods come in without being taxed. In my past 5-8 trips not once did I have to pay even though I declared "mostly" everything I bought. Ranging from $150-300 in goods.

Keep up the good work :)

Border agents quibble over $5 dollars in duty/taxes because no one spends 20$ on gas and 1 hour and a half hours (GTA- one way) to go to the states to buy a hamburger and come back. Seriously if your an illegal smuggler you would have more luck saying you bought 100 dollars worth of stuff with no exemption the coming back with declaring $10.

Also about the armed thing, ask yourself why police officers need to be armed, why firefighters need hoses, why doctors need stethoscopes, why a secretary needs a phone.

Answer is simply, because without it, performance is hindered.

I'm not going to approach a possible lunatic with a baton, while he/she is armed with a semi automatic.

So in result less vehicles checked because CSBA agent is intimidated.

Only human.

[brunes]

Border agents quibble over $5 dollars in duty/taxes because no one spends 20$ on gas and 1 hour and a half hours (GTA- one way) to go to the states to buy a hamburger and come back.

Not true at all. People who live in border towns (for example St. Stephen NB) and know when the low points for the border will be take these times to driver over, fill up, and drive back.

No one who lives in a CDN border town buys gas in Canada (unless they have to), they would have to be a fool to do so.

A guy I work with who is from there told me they used to cross the border about 5 times a week on average to get various things on sale and such. Also remember groceries are tax free so you can logically go over, fill up the tank, buy your weeks worth of $200 groceries, and come back, and owe nothing.

[vaportech]

Not true at all. People who live in border towns (for example St. Stephen NB) and know when the low points for the border will be take these times to driver over, fill up, and drive back.

No one who lives in a CDN border town buys gas in Canada (unless they have to), they would have to be a fool to do so.

A guy I work with who is from there told me they used to cross the border about 5 times a week on average to get various things on sale and such. Also remember groceries are tax free so you can logically go over, fill up the tank, buy your weeks worth of $200 groceries, and come back, and owe nothing.

While true, I was speaking from a GTA perspective.

[Hairball]

And why is that? Logically, one would assume that if you're allowed the exemption and then pay duty, tax, etc on the difference. Is it because it's easier to administer?

It's the rule because that's what the government said it would be. If it's more than 24 hours but less than 48, then you will pay taxes/duties on everything if it's over $50.

I wish they'd just relax these provisions a bit, it's a bit too crazy.

[Konowl]

Not true at all. People who live in border towns (for example St. Stephen NB) and know when the low points for the border will be take these times to driver over, fill up, and drive back.

No one who lives in a CDN border town buys gas in Canada (unless they have to), they would have to be a fool to do so.

A guy I work with who is from there told me they used to cross the border about 5 times a week on average to get various things on sale and such. Also remember groceries are tax free so you can logically go over, fill up the tank, buy your weeks worth of $200 groceries, and come back, and owe nothing.

Wait, what? There is no tax on bringing back groceries?!?!?!?

[bst]

Of course, do you pay tax in Canada to buy apples and orange? Stuff like chips and soft drinks are taxable though, only basic groceries (meat, dairy, vegetable) are tax free

[CSK'sMom]

We had a hysterical experience yesterday at the Rainbow bridge. We took 2 of our kids for their annual August "jump the ditch" shopping trip. Our daughter for clothes she doesn't need (:rolleyes:) and our son for stuff he needs to go away to college. A student BSO sends us over to secondary for just over $200 in groceries and just under $400 between 4 of us. A regular BSO comes over to the van and takes a quick look at the yellow card and sends hubby and son inside. They get inside and the BSO takes a quick look at receipts and lets out a huge sigh and mumbles something about students. He quickly enters everything into the system and sends them to the cashier and they pay (son, $26 & hubby $10). Of course the $200+ in groceries is tax fee but we about pee'ed our pants reading the printouts. Hubby's is broken down into girl's clothes with no PST (bonus for us as they aren't girl's clothes but teens, aka adult), cooking utensils (a roasting pan) and liquid SOAP! Yes, they actually have that classification apparently, LOL! Our son's was just as bad as it's broken down into men's clothes and get this... The other classification is "mugs-coffee, beer, tankards, shot glasses" the funniest part is he actually bought a mug and a cooking pot at one store and they put the whole receipt through as a mug valued at $52CAN!

In the big picture it doesn't matter as everything is duty free and just taxable but now we get to kid our son to protect his $52 mug with his life in rez, LMAO!

[Ebola]

You really don't pay taxes often do you? :)

[Konowl]

I meant more of the duty free variety.... so I can bring back $200 worth of groceries duty free if I'm gone for an hour?

[HighFlyer]

I meant more of the duty free variety.... so I can bring back $200 worth of groceries duty free if I'm gone for an hour?

bst already has your answer 3 posts up.

[Konowl]

bst already has your answer 3 posts up.

Duty != GST/PST

[brunes]

Wait, what? There is no tax on bringing back groceries?!?!?!?
Of course not - you don't pay tax on them here ?
Of course, do you pay tax in Canada to buy apples and orange? Stuff like chips and soft drinks are taxable though, only basic groceries (meat, dairy, vegetable) are tax free
While technically true in reality this would never happen. It all gets lumped together under groceries.

I meant more of the duty free variety.... so I can bring back $200 worth of groceries duty free if I'm gone for an hour?

You don't pay duty on hardly anything anymore, and especially not groceries.

Duty is old school from when your parents crossed the border. The only thing you can realistically expect to pay duty on coming over from the US is clothing. Nearly else is covered by one exemption or another - either NAFTA, or a MFN rule. When you do have to pay duty it is a tiny amount and dwarfed by the GST/PST; again the exemption is clothing which have a hefty duty. (Oh and of course alcohol and tobacco and jewlery!)

[CSK'sMom]

You really don't pay taxes often do you? :)

No, we really don't down here Ebola. And they never break it down in the system. If it's mostly clothes they just enter the total of the receipts under one classification like men's clothes and that's it. I can count on one hand the number of times we've been pulled over in the last couple of years and it's usually hubby's and son's combined beer that did it. Under 24 and they don't bother when we do groceries usually. They did get us a couple of times for 46 or more beer plus my 12 of mojito's which we gladly payed and still came out well ahead. ;)

[cwb27]

We had a hysterical experience yesterday at the Rainbow bridge. We took 2 of our kids for their annual August "jump the ditch" shopping trip. Our daughter for clothes she doesn't need (:rolleyes:) and our son for stuff he needs to go away to college. A student BSO sends us over to secondary for just over $200 in groceries and just under $400 between 4 of us. A regular BSO comes over to the van and takes a quick look at the yellow card and sends hubby and son inside. They get inside and the BSO takes a quick look at receipts and lets out a huge sigh and mumbles something about students. He quickly enters everything into the system and sends them to the cashier and they pay (son, $26 & hubby $10). Of course the $200+ in groceries is tax fee but we about pee'ed our pants reading the printouts. Hubby's is broken down into girl's clothes with no PST (bonus for us as they aren't girl's clothes but teens, aka adult), cooking utensils (a roasting pan) and liquid SOAP! Yes, they actually have that classification apparently, LOL! Our son's was just as bad as it's broken down into men's clothes and get this... The other classification is "mugs-coffee, beer, tankards, shot glasses" the funniest part is he actually bought a mug and a cooking pot at one store and they put the whole receipt through as a mug valued at $52CAN!

In the big picture it doesn't matter as everything is duty free and just taxable but now we get to kid our son to protect his $52 mug with his life in rez, LMAO!

Just wait till you import horse semen, you'll see something along the lines of ..
"Horse semen, not for human consumption"

They still have that one in the system, Ebola?

[nanook60]

Also about the armed thing, ask yourself why police officers need to be armed, why firefighters need hoses, why doctors need stethoscopes, why a secretary needs a phone.

Answer is simply, because without it, performance is hindered.

Actually there's alittle more to it than this.

The request for firearms has been initiated and promoted by their union. If the agents are trained and armed like police then they can bargain for higher wages and working conditions similar to police services.

In my informal conversations with the BorderService folks many have no interest in being armed let alone follow the two years of training that it will require.

Many, especially the ones in one person rural crossings, have said they will not try and stop anyone who is deemed to be a threat - sidearm or no sidearm. They would be calling the RCMP or nearest police to intervene.

[Ebola]

Actually there's alittle more to it than this.

The request for firearms has been initiated and promoted by their union. If the agents are trained and armed like police then they can bargain for higher wages and working conditions similar to police services.

In my informal conversations with the BorderService folks many have no interest in being armed let alone follow the two years of training that it will require.

Many, especially the ones in one person rural crossings, have said they will not try and stop anyone who is deemed to be a threat - sidearm or no sidearm. They would be calling the RCMP or nearest police to intervene.

BS on this post.

#1. Once armed, you have no choice, you have a duty to act. Not to mention, there will no longer be any one person crossings. They are all due to be doubled up. Minimum two officers present. If someone is just going to stand aside when they have the ability to stop the threat, they will be fired. You are a peace officer. That means on duty the same as a police officer. You don't get to pick and choose when you step in. Call the police for backup? sure.

#2. Two years training? where did you get that from? It's one 3 week block course, then re-certification every year, with full re-qualification every 3 years.

#3. Whether some of the old timers/ clerk types like it or not, CBSA has re-defined it's organizational identity as law enforcement. Sidearms are to be mandatory, as will a physical standard. Can't wait for those wishy washy tax collector types to retire/transfer out.

#4. The whole point of this was for safe working conditions. Yes it was pushed by the union. CBSA in the past negotiation used Federal Corrections/ Fisheries Officers/ Park Wardens (in other words federal non-police law enforcement) as a comparison for pay. But we won't go down that around about "aww no fair they can't compare themselves to police".

You either haven't been talking to anyone, informally or formally, or whoever you are talking to was out to lunch.

[Ebola]

Just wait till you import horse semen, you'll see something along the lines of ..
"Horse semen, not for human consumption"

They still have that one in the system, Ebola?


Yeah. Oh the hijinks.

[macnut]

Duty != GST/PST

While I know that is just to re-word the question you asked in your previous post,
a lot of people seem to get confused between the terms "duty" and "tax".

Duty is a form of tax but has a variable rate depending on the item in question.

Broadly speaking, duty is divided into:
- excise duty, applied to goods produced within the country, and,
- customs duty, applied to goods produced outside the country

For the most part, the introduction of the GST meant that excise tax was now paid by the consumer rather than the manufacturer.
(The retail price of most goods went down proportionately at that time - not all of them, but most.)

Customs duty is still with us for most things that are not manufactured in the U.S. or Mexico.
Computers and most electronics are one exception.

CSK'sMom could easily have been asked to pay duty on some of the clothing items if the BSO had taken the time to do it, assuming some were made in China, Eastern Europe, etc.

The rate could have been typically 15% or so.

Even with a 2-day absence, when the Most Favoured Nation special rate of duty kicks in - about 5%.

Basic groceries are in a grey area.
Technically, what you spend on groceries returning with you is meant to be included in your declaration for a 24 hour/48 hour or 7-day duty-free exemption.

On a day trip, you have no exemption - does this mean you are entitled to bring back a week's worth of groceries?
In practice, it has to be allowed.
But a conscientious BSO could look for packaged or canned items made outside the US and Mexico and see if there was duty applicable, or even check if the item was allowed into Canada.

[Narci]

I think the reasoning why they wanted ot be armed was this incident a few years back...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1564715/posts

Border crossing at Blaine, Wash., closed after shooting on U.S. side

Greg Joyce Canadian Press

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

BLAINE, Wash. -- American authorities closed the border crossing to British Columbia on Tuesday after an exchange of gunfire on the U.S. side between border guards, police and two murder suspects from California who were eventually apprehended.

The two men were pursued by American police in a high-speed chase along Interstate 5 in Washington state before the men ran the U.S. border crossing in an attempt to get into Canada. "They are very dangerous suspects," said Bill Elfo, sheriff of Whatcom County.

An unspecified number of Canadian border agents, who are unarmed, left their posts during the incident because they were concerned about their safety. Managers took over and border security was not compromised, said Paula Shore, a spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services Agency.

The chase, which reached speeds of 160 km/h, began after Whatcom County sheriff deputies were told that the two suspects had been seen in Custer, Wash., about 10 kilometres south of the border on I-5.

A deputy sheriff tried to make contact with them but they fled.

The men ran the U.S. customs station at the Peace Arch crossing, but police continued their pursuit.

Their vehicle veered across Peace Arch Park and the men were driving north in the southbound lane of I-5. They were eventually stopped by a sheriff deputy who rammed their car with his vehicle.

When the murder suspects tried to flee, shots were exchanged between them and U.S. law enforcement authorities.

One of the men was shot and taken to hospital for treatment. The other was in federal custody.

"Apparently there was a collision involved and the suspects exited the vehicle," said Trooper Bob Wilson of the Washington State Patrol. "I don't know who shot first."

The extent of the wounded man's injuries was not known. No law enforcement officers were injured, said Elfo.

When the car came across the U.S. side of the border, Elfo said two uniformed Homeland Security officers were almost struck by the vehicle.

When it did come to a stop, it was about a metre from the line designating the Canadian border, he said.

"I'm very proud of all our people involved," said Elfo. "It's a highly dangerous business trying to capture suspects such as these."

Sheriff's deputies pursued the two men based on an alert put out by police in Richmond, Calif.

A spike belt was laid across the I-5 between Custer and the border, but it didn't stop the suspects' car, Elfo said.

Lieut. Mark Gagan of the Richmond, Calif., police department said because both men were from different countries, Pakistan and Mexico, there were concerns they would leave the United States.

Gagan said Ishtiaq Hussain, 43, and 22-year-old Jose Antonio Barajas were arrested after the shootout on the U.S. side of the border.

"Right now we're working on extraditing both men back to the San Francisco Bay area to face the murder charges," he said.

Ashok Malhotra was shot to death in a Richmond, Calif., apartment on Saturday.

Gagon said police were pleased with the co-operation they received from several levels of law enforcement agencies in the Washington State area.

"It took a considerable amount of co-ordination to get them to focus on our suspects," he said. "The fact that they were taken into custody before they entered Canada helped us very much."

Shore refused to say Tuesday night how many Canadian border agents left their posts because of the perceived danger. She said less than four of the more than 20 British Columbia border crossings were involved.

"A few officers exercised their right to refuse to work because of what they perceived as imminent danger," Shore said in a telephone interview. Under the labour code, "any worker has the right to refuse to work if they feel they are in imminent danger."

Border service managers took over and "as far as the travelling public is concerned, they would notice no difference," she said. "We still have highly trained people on the front lines doing their job."

The Canadian Department of Human Resources "came and assessed the situation for us," she said, and staffing had returned to normal by late Tuesday night.

The incident prompted officials to divert traffic to the Pacific highway crossing at the border between Washington state and British Columbia. The border crossing reopened early Wednesday.

Washington's Transportation Department said it started diverting traffic on I-5 northbound at about 2:30 p.m.

After the chase across the park on Tuesday, large tire marks had been left around the Peace Arch Monument from the police pursuit.

During the summer, the park is usually filled with tourists walking between the two lanes of the I-5 Highway.

"The public is always at risk when we have crosswalks in the middle of the freeway," said Elfo. "It's a very dangerous situation."

The Peace Arch border crossing was closed for more than two hours a week ago on the Canadian side after customs officers found a suspicious package in a vehicle being driven by a man who was behaving erratically.

The RCMP explosives squad was called in to deal with the package. Four handguns were also found in the car.

Police said the man appeared to be suffering from a mental illness and no charges were laid.

© The Canadian Press 2006

Copyright © 2006 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

[nanook60]

BS on this post.

#1. Once armed, you have no choice, you have a duty to act. Not to mention, there will no longer be any one person crossings. They are all due to be doubled up. Minimum two officers present. If someone is just going to stand aside when they have the ability to stop the threat, they will be fired. You are a peace officer. That means on duty the same as a police officer. You don't get to pick and choose when you step in. Call the police for backup? sure.

#2. Two years training? where did you get that from? It's one 3 week block course, then re-certification every year, with full re-qualification every 3 years.

#3. Whether some of the old timers/ clerk types like it or not, CBSA has re-defined it's organizational identity as law enforcement. Sidearms are to be mandatory, as will a physical standard. Can't wait for those wishy washy tax collector types to retire/transfer out.

#4. The whole point of this was for safe working conditions. Yes it was pushed by the union. CBSA in the past negotiation used Federal Corrections/ Fisheries Officers/ Park Wardens (in other words federal non-police law enforcement) as a comparison for pay. But we won't go down that around about "aww no fair they can't compare themselves to police".

You either haven't been talking to anyone, informally or formally, or whoever you are talking to was out to lunch.

This feedback came from three different Officers at the small rural crossings I use - albeit the last convesation was a year ago.

No need to get huffy - I relayed what I was told.

But it seems to me there's one right answer and you've got it.
My apologies, gosh I guess I'll refrain from posting my experiences. I'm just not interested getting into one of these I'm right and you're full of crap internet debates.

[Ebola]

I'm not stopping you from posting. I'm addressing the inaccuracies, sometimes glaring, in said post.

Post away.

[brunes]

Basic groceries are in a grey area.
Technically, what you spend on groceries returning with you is meant to be included in your declaration for a 24 hour/48 hour or 7-day duty-free exemption.

On a day trip, you have no exemption - does this mean you are entitled to bring back a week's worth of groceries?
In practice, it has to be allowed.
But a conscientious BSO could look for packaged or canned items made outside the US and Mexico and see if there was duty applicable, or even check if the item was allowed into Canada.
I am pretty sure packaged groceries are always duty free, regardless of origin. NAFTA has nothing to do with it - when I bring back canned goods from France/UK on a plane trip, it is also duty free. So it makes no sense at all to ever include it as part of your exemption.

For example, say I go over for 48 hours, and I bring back 400 in electronics and 200 in groceries. Groceries are duty free so why on earth would you want those included as part of the exception? If they were then you are now 200 over on your electronics. You would always include the electronics under the exemption and put the groceries outside, since they need no exemption, as they are duty free.

Non-packaged groceries are a totally different manner, and subject to all kinds of weird restrictions. See the "Food Products" section of "I Declare" for some of them.

[macnut]

Non-packaged groceries are a totally different manner, and subject to all kinds of weird restrictions. See the "Food Products" section of "I Declare" for some of them.

Yes, good point.

I don't think many day-trippers are aware that they are limited (in theory) to 2 doz. eggs and $20 Cdn. worth of milk, butter, & cheese.

This is aside from any duty payable considerations.

[CSK'sMom]

Yes, good point.

I don't think many day-trippers are aware that they are limited (in theory) to 2 doz. eggs and $20 Cdn. worth of milk, butter, & cheese.

This is aside from any duty payable considerations.

Many who regularly grocery shop in the US are actually aware of this. If for no other eason because the only one that really gets enforced is turkeys at Thanksgiving. They never bother with anything else in our regular experience. And we're in te group that buys 10+ gallons of milk at a time. :D

[scoop]

And we're in te group that buys 10+ gallons of milk at a time. :D

Why do you hate our Canadian cows??? :D

[CSK'sMom]

Why do you hate our Canadian cows??? :D

We actually raised bovine for many a year so I don't hate Canadian cows. What I hate is the controlled dairy prices in Ontario due to the Dairy Marketing Board. When we use 1+ gallons of milk a day in this house and I pay $1.73/gallon in the US I'm sure you can figure it out. ;)

[setell]

Did you guys have more trouble with the smaller US border guys? I went to Cape Vincent the other day to mail a package via USPS (Canada Post won't insure anything higher value then 1k). It seems the US guys didn't believe me when I said I'm there to just mail a package then back home I go. Showed him what I was mailing too. Anyway they practically strip searched my car and asked me a lot of questions. I've never had problems before but was that because I went through a bigger border vs this puny one (wanted to try the ferry ride but dang...I got so nauseous on the ride so no more Cape Vincent visits for me!)? On the flip side, I've never had any problems with the CDN border folks as I just showed the CDN border services agent my registered mail receipt to prove I just went to mail a high value package. Plus, what the heck can I do in Cape Vincent in less then an hour! It's my first time with a bad experience with the US border guys.

[Bob Fugger]

Hi all - longtime lurker, first time poster. I have a skill testing question I'm hoping someone can figure the answer to.

I purchase stuff on amazon and usually have it sent to a mailing house in Blaine, WA. Either I arrange to pick it up when I'm over on the mainland or I get them to ship it up for an additional (small) fee.

This time around, I purchased a Samsung LCD TV and had it shipped to Blaine. The TV had a limited time rebate offer that I took advantage of. If I sent the UPC and amazon receipt, I could get a free Samsung Linkstick (essentially it's a wireless USB dongle that I can use to stream movies directly from my laptop to my TV), instead of shelling out $79.99USD for it. Of course, the offer is only valid in the USA, so I'm having everything sent to Blaine.

Now, when I get the mailing house to ship it up to me, what value do they write on the postal declaration? I'm going to argue zero, because it was a free gift with the TV, upon which I have already paid duty. I essentially paid nothing for it.

[macnut]

Quite a conundrum.

Putting $0 may raise a flag with the customs person,
as she eyeballs the multitude of packages on the conveyor belt,
deciding which ones to semi-randomly pick out for duty and/or tax payable.

Even though that is the actual price you paid for it.

Plus, the mail receiving company in Blaine might feel uneasy about putting $0.

I think this is an instance where a white lie is in order, to make everyone's life easier.

Request them to put a value of $19 and desc. of "electronics accessory".

Even if customs decides to open it, they should find a piece of paper inside indicating that the amount paid was $0.

Or, if needed, you will have an electronic record of the freebie.

The only other reasonable option is to put $79.99,
and if you have to pay taxes at the door, then you can fill out the back of Canada Post's receipt,
mail it in with your supporting paperwork,
wait about 7 weeks, and get a full refund.

I vote for the first option.

[Bob Fugger]

I opted to ask the mailing house to give ut a $15 value. It's also coming USPS, which makes it way easier. I'll let you know what happens when it gets here.

Thanks for the advice!! :!

[death_hawk]

I have a new one:

I was in Peace Arch, Washington a week or two ago and I noticed that in the Duty Free in Canada (going into the US) a bunch of signs said that "Anything bought here can be reimported duty free after 48 hours in the US"

I've never read that anywhere. Is it true?
And how do you declare it? Especially on a TDC.

And is there a limit? I can't see it making a bucket of sense to buy 30L in liquor or 3 gallons of perfume and reimport it after 48 hours for nothing.

[Ebola]

I have a new one:

I was in Peace Arch, Washington a week or two ago and I noticed that in the Duty Free in Canada (going into the US) a bunch of signs said that "Anything bought here can be reimported duty free after 48 hours in the US"

I've never read that anywhere. Is it true?
And how do you declare it? Especially on a TDC.

And is there a limit? I can't see it making a bucket of sense to buy 30L in liquor or 3 gallons of perfume and reimport it after 48 hours for nothing.

They're just putting up signs to encourage buisness.

Duty free stores mislead people all the time about exemptions.

Remember they are in no way affiliated with CBSA, they are a buisness.

No, after 48 hrs you only get $400CAD worth of goods, including a maximum of 40oz of liquor, or 1.5L wine, or 24 beer without paying tax.

[Pavel]

Yeah, I asked a CBSAgent about that years ago and he said the same thing as Ebola. I don't they should be able to advertise like that, but whatever.

[macnut]

I've never read that anywhere. Is it true?

And is there a limit?

It has actually been discussed on RFD before, a few months back.

They are just pointing out that the 24hr. exemption does not allow you any wines and spirits,
but the 48 hr. one does.

And at the same time, they are pointing out that you don't have to shop on the U.S. side at the last minute when coming back.

But either not well worded, or exaggerated on purpose.

People have to weigh the relative costs for whatever they might want to buy, and decide if they want breakables needlessly taking up space in their vehicle or luggage for 2 days.

[xstatik]

Do the Canadian border guards have any way of verifying how long one has been out of the country??? (ie. access to US computers when they scan passport upon entry into USA, cameras at border etc..)

[zod]

Apprently Alberta has a tax treaty with Washington state. If you provide Alberta ID you don't have to pay Washington sales tax.

Growing up in BC I never knew about this, but now living Alberta I've had several people mention it to me. I googled it and it is accurate. Any province/state without a sales tax of their own is exempt from sales tax in washington.

friend of mine says you have to fill out a form when you ask for it, so it might not be worth it on small items, but if you're buying bigger ticket item, its probably worth your time.

[sigmundb0rk]

Planning on driving down to Los Angeles for two weeks to visit family.

If I purchase a new Nikon digital camera and some Nikon brand name accessories, I think all of the products were manufactured in Japan what do I need to expect when I come back to Canada?

I live in Vancouver, BC.

The total cost of all products purchased would be $3,500 USD and with the current exchange rate being $0.95cent (Oct 9th, 2009) the conversion would be approx $3,650 in Canadian Dollars.

Have i exceeded my $750 personal exemption?
Will i need to pay GST & PST at the border or only the GST?
If I do have to pay any of the taxes is it calculated against the $3,500 USD total or the $3,650 CDN total?
Are there any other extra taxes or duties aside from the GST/PST that I may need to pay?

Are there any forms that I may need to fill out upon returning to Canada with my new purchases?

I've done some research and the cost difference now would be a savings of $900 if I were to purchase these items here in Vancouver.

I'm not worried too much about warranties.

[willietheshakes]

The total cost of all products purchased would be $3,500 USD and with the current exchange rate being $0.95cent (Oct 9th, 2009) the conversion would be approx $3,650 in Canadian Dollars.

Have i exceeded my $750 personal exemption?


Um... maybe.

[CheapScotsman]

In the 20 trips I've done in the last 3 years, I have found the drive through at blaine quite thorough in sending me inside to pay taxes.

So I would pretty much bank on paying the GST and PST.

Since the equipment you plan on purchasing is made in Japan, it could be subject to Duty as well. You could try and look at the harmonized tax code online but the easiest way is to phone Customs and ask.

No real paperwork to fill out. They do it on the spot at customs.

You pay GST and PST on the converted amount (after duty) in CDN$.

[brunes]

Many who regularly grocery shop in the US are actually aware of this. If for no other eason because the only one that really gets enforced is turkeys at Thanksgiving. They never bother with anything else in our regular experience. And we're in te group that buys 10+ gallons of milk at a time. :D

I would never buy dairy from the US. They load them up with growth hormone that is not legal to use in Canada or anywhere in the EU, and has been shown in numerous studies to affect child development as well as other things. Some people think it is why girls in the US are developing earlier than in generations past.

I don't buy meat products there either, frankly I don't trust the USDA at all, they are too in bed with big agribusiness. All kinds of strange and unusual hormones and growth treatments are allowed on US animals that are not allowed on meat products sold in Canada.

It's the main reason milk and meat is so much cheaper there. Not worth the savings IMO.

[CSK'sMom]

I would never buy dairy from the US. They load them up with growth hormone that is not legal to use in Canada or anywhere in the EU, and has been shown in numerous studies to affect child development as well as other things. Some people think it is why girls in the US are developing earlier than in generations past.

I don't buy meat products there either, frankly I don't trust the USDA at all, they are too in bed with big agribusiness. All kinds of strange and unusual hormones and growth treatments are allowed on US animals that are not allowed on meat products sold in Canada.

It's the main reason milk and meat is so much cheaper there. Not worth the savings IMO.

Your opinion only. We raised beef cattle for nearly 10 years and now the regulations on both sides of the border inside and out. In case you didn't know the vast majority of Canadian beef you eat spends several feedlot cycles in the US before before being slaughtered here to be sold as Canadian beef. Growth hormones are used here in Canada with slightly different timings than in the US. In fact, if you read a jug a US milk the vast majority are hormone free due to public opinion. As for girls developing earlier because of US milk... well tell that to my 14 yr old DD who doesn't have her period yet. :rolleyes: The fact is, obesity is what is triggering the majority of early puberties these days.

And frankly you are dead wrong as to why dairy and meat is cheaper in the US. Dairy is cheaper due to no marketing board controlling prices. Dairy can and is used as a loss leader in the US with grocery chains routinely getting into price wars which results in lower prices for the consumer. The same is true for poultry, pork and beef. Pricing is consumer driven, not marketing board driven.

[brunes]

Your opinion only.

Actually not. It is the opinion of many.

But Monsanto's own tests, conducted in 1987, demonstrated that statistically significant growth stimulating effects were induced in organs of adult rats by feeding IGF-1 at low dose levels for only two weeks. "Drinking rBGH milk would thus be expected to significantly increase IGF-1 blood levels and consequently to increase risks of developing breast cancer and promoting its invasiveness." [12].
http://www.preventcancer.com/press/releases/july8_98.htm

Such results elicit the possibility that milk consumption affects cancer risk by a biological mechanism concerning IGF-1 in the human body.[1]
http://www.organicconsumers.org/rbgh/0724_monsanto_rbgh.cfm

In Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, rBST is not approved for use.[33]

The European Union declared the use of rBST as safe in 1990, but, in 1993, a moratorium was placed on its sale by all member nations. It was turned into a permanent ban starting from January 1, 2000.[34]



Yes it is true that NOW, due to consumer pressure, more milk in the US is BGH free. But the idea that the majority is, is simply wrong - you still have to check the label. And even then, it is hard to tell with products like cheese, since they don't always have to label if the cheese is from BGH milk or not.

Frankly, I don't want to have to worry about it, thank you very much.

Say what you want, I will stick with my Canadian regulators thanks. There's a reason the stuff is cheaper just over the border and it has nothing to do with market movements or price fixing, it has to do with what is allowed and what is not WRT big agribusiness.

I trust EU and Canadian regulations over USDA ones any day of the week. Basically the whole USDA is in Monsanto's pocket. If you think otherwise you are deluding yourself - do some research into campaign donations from Monsanto and who is on the USDA and FDA boards.

http://www.politicalfriendster.com/showPerson.php?id=5580&name=Monsanto

[Messerschmitt]

In the 20 trips I've done in the last 3 years, I have found the drive through at blaine quite thorough in sending me inside to pay taxes.


Hi, do you have any experience which border crossing is the least likely to send you inside to pay taxes on items valuing ~250$?

[CheapScotsman]

Hi, do you have any experience which border crossing is the least likely to send you inside to pay taxes on items valuing ~250$?

I mostly use the Truck Crossing because its faster but sometimes use Peace Arch. I never use the ones further east as it would be too much of a backtrack to get back to Blaine.

I usually have $300 to $800 worth of stuff but I've only been gone about 2hrs before I drive back. In the last 3 years I'd say I've been waived on (and not had to pay taxes) only about 3 times in the 20.

I'm triggering it because of the amount (way over $200) and how short a trip I am making. Whether one gets sent in depends on the above plus the traffic, the mood of the officer, etc. I don't think it matter which of the two you choose as they probably share staff.

[Pavel]

And frankly you are dead wrong as to why dairy and meat is cheaper in the US. Dairy is cheaper due to no marketing board controlling prices. Dairy can and is used as a loss leader in the US with grocery chains routinely getting into price wars which results in lower prices for the consumer. The same is true for poultry, pork and beef. Pricing is consumer driven, not marketing board driven.
Isnt their dairy subsidized as well? I personally prefer US dairy as long as I am assured it's growth hormone free. As far as the USDA is concerned, I don't believe it's any worse than that if Agriculture Canada.

[setell]

Speaking of meat in the US, their chicken breasts aren't of "young" chicken but middle or old chickens. The meat is so much more tougher then the boneless chicken breasts I buy at Loblaws. Although it was just $1.99/lb I am not buying chicken in the US again. I do like their beef though....sooo tender:cheesygri:cheesygri

[Pavel]

Loblaws for meats? Argh. Overwaitea and Safeway is where I prefer to shop locally for meats, besides the butcher.

[sigmundb0rk]

There are no duties for digital cameras, but will still have to pay for GST & PST none the less. I still save $1,500 after purchasing it from the USA.

So as it works out.

Away for 2 weeks, buy a camera, total comes out to
$3,400 USD
$3468 CDN coverted at 1.04
$3884.16 GST/PST
$3134.16 deduct your $750 exemption limit

compared to the price in canada = $3,699.99 + GST/PST = $4143

save approx $1000

[Pavel]

It's my understanding that if you exceed your exemption limit, you pay PST/GST on the ENTIRE value of the goods. You get no reduction based on the exemption?? :confused:

[Jbently]

It's my understanding that if you exceed your exemption limit, you pay PST/GST on the ENTIRE value of the goods. You get no reduction based on the exemption?? :confused:

Only on the 24 hour exemption is where it's $50 or nothing. The 48 hour and 7 day ones you will only be taxed on anything about $400/$750 respectively.

[death_hawk]

I'm a resident of Alberta.

If I bring stuff over to a province which has PST/HST, do I still pay PST/HST?

I'm planning on going to the US to pick up some stuff while in Vancouver and don't want to be hit with another 7% when I can drive to Great Falls to skip it.

[xstatik]

Do the Canadian border guards have any way of verifying how long one has been out of the country??? (ie. access to US computers when they scan passport upon entry into USA, cameras at border etc..)

[1226]

Do the Canadian border guards have any way of verifying how long one has been out of the country??? (ie. access to US computers when they scan passport upon entry into USA, cameras at border etc..)

Definitely.

[xstatik]

Definitely.

Care to elaborate?? (sp?)

[GreyingJay]

Care to elaborate?? (sp?)

I don't work for CBSA so I'm no authority on the subject, but surely when they scan your passport they make a record that you are entering/leaving a country. And since you can't be in two places at once, the fact that you are entering country A must mean that you are leaving country B. The only question remaining is, does country A link their database with country B so that entering A automatically informs B that you're leaving. I can't answer authoritatively but I am certain that there is a linkup between the databases. Otherwise any given country would only ever have records of when you entered.

My anecdotal evidence: one time I drove from Canada to the USA to attend a conference. We had a box of merchandise that we were hoping to sell, but it was denied at the border. We had to leave the box at the US customs brokerage office with the intent that we would pick it up again on the way back home. Unfortunately we couldn't figure out how to get there from the other direction so we found ourselves at the border entering Canada without our stuff. We explained to the border guard that we needed to turn around and re-enter the USA so we could get our box. The guard let us through without checking our passports, so we could basically do a U-turn and go right back to the US border. The US border guard looked plenty confused, and I think it's because his records would show that we entered the US twice without ever officially leaving.

[death_hawk]

I'm a resident of Alberta.

If I bring stuff over to a province which has PST/HST, do I still pay PST/HST?


For those curious, I just talked to the CBSA. As long as I can prove I'm an Alberta resident I only get billed for GST for most goods.
The major exception would be liquor.

[mada726]

I'm planning to order at an online store that is based in the U.S. and what really bothers me is some online stores in the U.S. conduct what is called a "Small Charge Verification". This applies to International Credit Cards.

The reason of that is to protect against fraud and verifies that the card holder is me. Here is a sample on what I'm talking about (in this case, a US site called DogFunk.com (http://sales.liveperson.net/hc/s-9551721/cmd/kbresource/kb-3717120876589933954/view_question!PAGETYPE?sc=130&sp=97&sf=101133&documentid=239610&action=view&VisitorProfile=DogFunk&MESSAGEVAR!home=no&MESSAGEVAR!cookie=no&MESSAGEVAR!docid=239610)):

If you use any type of international credit card, or if we are having trouble verifying your billing information, we will conduct what’s known as a Small Charge Verification.

What we do:
• We charge your credit card an amount greater than $0, but less than $3.00 USD.
• Contact you via phone or email informing you that we have assessed the small charge.

What you do:
• Contact the bank associated with that credit card to learn the exact amount of the small charge. It will show up as a charge by either Dogfunk.com or our parent company Backcountry.com. It does not have to be in US dollars, we can perform the conversion.
• Call us at [whatever the phone number is listed on the link] to confirm the charge and finish processing your order. You can also send an email via our Service Request page. Please include the following in your message: your name, order number, and small charge amount included in the body of the email.

Why we do it:
This process is the easiest way to confirm that you have the credit card in your hands, know your account number and bank information, and are in good standing with your bank. Once we have confirmed your card, you won’t be asked to go through this process to place future orders.

I really need some "clarification" on the first point of the "What you do" portion of the question. I have a BMO MasterCard (no, it's not a US Dollar one) and I normally check my unbilled transactions online (but still receive monthly statements by snail mail), but I don't want to call BMO customer service.

Is it necessary to mention that online site about the charge that was listed in my "unbilled transactions" on the BMO self-service website? or do I simply need to phone BMO customer service?

[Hairball]

I don't work for CBSA so I'm no authority on the subject, but surely when they scan your passport they make a record that you are entering/leaving a country. And since you can't be in two places at once, the fact that you are entering country A must mean that you are leaving country B. The only question remaining is, does country A link their database with country B so that entering A automatically informs B that you're leaving. I can't answer authoritatively but I am certain that there is a linkup between the databases. Otherwise any given country would only ever have records of when you entered.

My anecdotal evidence: one time I drove from Canada to the USA to attend a conference. We had a box of merchandise that we were hoping to sell, but it was denied at the border. We had to leave the box at the US customs brokerage office with the intent that we would pick it up again on the way back home. Unfortunately we couldn't figure out how to get there from the other direction so we found ourselves at the border entering Canada without our stuff. We explained to the border guard that we needed to turn around and re-enter the USA so we could get our box. The guard let us through without checking our passports, so we could basically do a U-turn and go right back to the US border. The US border guard looked plenty confused, and I think it's because his records would show that we entered the US twice without ever officially leaving.

Many countries actually have both routine enter and exit immigration checks, mostly over in Asia and Europe. Just not Canada and the US which only usually check for entry.

I think in your case maybe they were wondering why you re-entered in such a short time period, not so much that they have did not have a record that you left.

But that being said I suspect there is probably some sort of information sharing between the two governments to track entry movements at the border.

[Ebola]

Many countries actually have both routine enter and exit immigration checks, mostly over in Asia and Europe. Just not Canada and the US which only usually check for entry.

I think in your case maybe they were wondering why you re-entered in such a short time period, not so much that they have did not have a record that you left.

But that being said I suspect there is probably some sort of information sharing between the two governments to track entry movements at the border.

Canada does have immigration exit controls, and they are fairly common, but you are right, I wouldn't go as far as to say they are routine for all foreign nationals.

[tCx]

another question about cross border thing.

I didn't cross often since it's such a hassle, but recently every time I entered Canada, I always being referred to see Customs/Immigration.
This time I was told that the reason that I was on the list is because I was rejected from entering Canada before.
Which I recall, there might be 1 time years ago when my friend asked me to bring his car up for a car show (Washington plate), had no intention of importing it whatsoever and was ignorant of whether such rules exist. So I had to turn back and switch to Canadian plates car.
Will that one incident causes me to be pulled over every time I enter Canada? is there any way to remove my name from the list (currently a landed immigrant)? or will it disappear once I obtained Canadian citizenship?

[mada726]

Me and my mum along with her friends are heading out for the day in Buffalo, New York to do some shopping.

The malls that we are going to visit are:

- Fashion Outlets Niagara Falls
- Walden Galeria

Is there any advice that you can give to me on what to expect? We are going to pay with our credit cards and I want to know if there are any helpful "pointers" that you guys can suggest for us. Thanks.

[Hairball]

another question about cross border thing.

I didn't cross often since it's such a hassle, but recently every time I entered Canada, I always being referred to see Customs/Immigration.
This time I was told that the reason that I was on the list is because I was rejected from entering Canada before.
Which I recall, there might be 1 time years ago when my friend asked me to bring his car up for a car show (Washington plate), had no intention of importing it whatsoever and was ignorant of whether such rules exist. So I had to turn back and switch to Canadian plates car.
Will that one incident causes me to be pulled over every time I enter Canada? is there any way to remove my name from the list (currently a landed immigrant)? or will it disappear once I obtained Canadian citizenship?

If you are a Canadian resident there are issues if you try to drive a non-Canadian plated car into Canada. I don't know the details, but basically they'll assuming you will be importing it here.

I don't think you were really personally rejected in entering Canada, more that car was rejected unless you paid the tax and/or charges. Once you become a Canadian citizen though you are no longer subject to immigration controls, and you will be able to enter by right.

[watodo]

My PR card is expired, have not had to chance to renew it, but I want to go down to Seattle to do some Black Friday shopping next week. Will I have issues coming back into Canada? I heard that I just need to show them that I paid the renewal fee online already if I don't have the new card yet...but..just want to be sure....

[atomiton]

My PR card is expired, have not had to chance to renew it, but I want to go down to Seattle to do some Black Friday shopping next week. Will I have issues coming back into Canada? I heard that I just need to show them that I paid the renewal fee online already if I don't have the new card yet...but..just want to be sure....

There's always the potential that you will have trouble in the border. It's your responsibility to keep it up to date. If I'm not mistaken, don't you need to keep it up to date, whether you travel or not?

[Hairball]

There's always the potential that you will have trouble in the border. It's your responsibility to keep it up to date. If I'm not mistaken, don't you need to keep it up to date, whether you travel or not?

Strictly speaking you aren't required to have a PR card to cross the land border back to Canada (say if you drive). It's only for commercial transportation that requires it, such as bus, plane or train.

Do you have other documentation that can prove your status?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/information/faq/pr-card/pr-card-faq12.asp

[watodo]

There's always the potential that you will have trouble in the border. It's your responsibility to keep it up to date. If I'm not mistaken, don't you need to keep it up to date, whether you travel or not?

yea it was my fault..just totally forgot that PR cards have expiration...PR cards expires every 5 years.....not like passports 10 years...it's annoying because before PR cards were implemented, we use the record of landing paper, which doesn't expire...and PR cards were implemented just over 5 years ago..so this is the first wave of expiration, which makes it easy to forget since we never had to do it before...

[watodo]

Strictly speaking you aren't required to have a PR card to cross the land border back to Canada (say if you drive). It's only for commercial transportation that requires it, such as bus, plane or train.

Do you have other documentation that can prove your status?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/information/faq/pr-card/pr-card-faq12.asp

thx for the link..i do still have my original record of landing paper...

[dealcatcher]

is there any duty for non NTFA laptop?

[zergbones]

I have recently returned to Canada and had paid duties/taxes on alcohol. On the yellow sheet I was wondering what it meant when the border officer wrote " 2 BH". As well, will I have complications from the Canadian border when I visit the states and return to Canada again since I have declared duties/taxes on alcohol before? Thanks.

[Ebola]

I have recently returned to Canada and had paid duties/taxes on alcohol. On the yellow sheet I was wondering what it meant when the border officer wrote " 2 BH". As well, will I have complications from the Canadian border when I visit the states and return to Canada again since I have declared duties/taxes on alcohol before? Thanks.

No, being in legal compliance would not result in your having any issues.

[bst]

I know I am allowed to bring back alcoholic beverages back after leaving Canada for 48 hours and the limits are as follow:

* 1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
* 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of alcohol;
* a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
* 24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounce) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s4x5


So, what is the different between wine, alcohol, and liquor? Is it based on the alcohol content?

[Ebola]

I know I am allowed to bring back alcoholic beverages back after leaving Canada for 48 hours and the limits are as follow:

* 1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
* 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of alcohol;
* a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
* 24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounce) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s4x5


So, what is the different between wine, alcohol, and liquor? Is it based on the alcohol content?

The literal difference or the difference in tax rates? :razz:

At any rate yes it's classified on how the alcohol is produced (grapes, hops, grains etc) and the alcohol content.

For example importing alcohol into Canada if you live in Ontario, would result at the border in GST, 12% PST, federal excise/duty tax on alcohol , and a provincial (LCBO) alcohol markup of up to 60-70% depending on what your are importing. Liquor being the highest tax, wine and beer taxed at a lower rate.

So in general what you see is say someone buys a 40oz bottle of liquor for $20 in the US. Same bottle sells for $50 in the LCBO. The taxes imposed upon importation would probably be in the $30 range, so that it's virtually a wash.

[bst]

I am looking for the literal difference between them because I want to know what kind of alcoholic beverages fall under the 53oz catergory. If I am not mistaken, wine refers to alcohol made out of grapes, eg: red wine and white wine (~13% alcohol content) whereas alcohol/liquor refers to drinks like whiskey, cognac, etc (~40% alcohol content)?

[zergbones]

Thanks, and I was wondering what it meant when he wrote "2 BH" on the yellow slip.

[Ebola]

I am looking for the literal difference between them because I want to know what kind of alcoholic beverages fall under the 53oz catergory. If I am not mistaken, wine refers to alcohol made out of grapes, eg: red wine and white wine (~13% alcohol content) whereas alcohol/liquor refers to drinks like whiskey, cognac, etc (~40% alcohol content)?

Wine falls under wine. It's not overly complicated. You have beer, wine, then liquors/liqueurs etc.