I receive many shipments from the US, both for my business and for my cars.
If the parcel is not oversize for the post office, that's the best option,
and I always insist on it, even though many US suppliers would rather use
UPS. The problem is with the charges the various carriers apply to complete
the paperwork which allows the item to cross the border. UPS charges $35.00,
and for exactly the same process, Canada Post charges $5.00. But if the item
is too big for the post office, you can't avoid the higher charge.
But there's more than just the service charge, the importer will also pay
GST (federal goods and service tax) at 7%, and PST (provincial sales tax) at
whatever rate the importer's particular province charges (here in BC, it's
another 7%). Add to that any duty which may apply. It's important to clearly
label the package as "Parts for antique vehicle", and no duty will be
applicable, although I have had experience with UPS adding duty, then
applying for and later receiving a refund from the government.
The exporter states the value of the goods when sending it off, and all the
percentage charges are applied to that value. Obviously, the lower the
stated value, the lower the taxes. Note I say STATED value, not the real
amount paid. I have never been asked for proof of what I actually paid.
Many people in Canada who live near the border have a post office box or
other drop spot in an American border community, and make periodic visits to
pick up their goods and avoid all of the above. I often have things sent to
my hotel when I am in the US. When you live in a country that strives to be
among the highest taxed in the world, you do what you can.....
Doug Ingram
Victoria BC
1958 Sprite (AN5L/636)
1963 Sprite Mk II project (HAN7L/30003)
----- Original Message -----
From Kent J. Miller <Bushwacker4 at prodigy.net>
To: Spridgets <Spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2000 5:23 AM
Subject: Need Advice from Canadian Listers (No LBC)
> Anyone have experience shipping TO Canada or receiving in Canada. I sold a
> TR250 fender on Ebay to a Canadian. He says that I should try to avoid UPS
> and/or FedEx because of extra charges for documentaion, etc.
>
> If it is too big for the US Postal Service, what are my options?
>
> TIA,
> Kent
> 1960 Bugeye
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