LitigatorChick
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2007
- Messages
- 1,543
This is a rant/warning to any Canadians trying to get diamonds into Canada, particularly Calgary.
I managed to chip one of the diamonds in my Signed Pieces e-ring, which my FI bought last summer. When he bought it last summer, we paid the $200 duty based on the full value of the ring.
I decided it was best to have the repair done by Signed Pieces, so off it goes. SP does a quick repair, replacing the one diamond, and sends it back via FedEx. It arrives in Calgary Customs on April 16. And there it sits.
They have denied my import application, AFTER charging me another $200 for import duty - they base the duty not on the value of the work done in the trip ($160 in this case), but on the entire value of the ring.
So here is my warning:
- avoid the Calgary customs office for import of diamonds/jewellery. My FedEx Agent (Steve, we are very close now....) tells me that Calgary is being very very tough on jewellry. Ship through Vancouver or Toronto.
- be cautious of doing repairs in the US, cause you will basically get to pay full duty again. Steve tells me that we can apply to waive the duty on the second "import", but I am sure it going to be a giant pain in the ass.
Rant complete.
I managed to chip one of the diamonds in my Signed Pieces e-ring, which my FI bought last summer. When he bought it last summer, we paid the $200 duty based on the full value of the ring.
I decided it was best to have the repair done by Signed Pieces, so off it goes. SP does a quick repair, replacing the one diamond, and sends it back via FedEx. It arrives in Calgary Customs on April 16. And there it sits.
They have denied my import application, AFTER charging me another $200 for import duty - they base the duty not on the value of the work done in the trip ($160 in this case), but on the entire value of the ring.
So here is my warning:
- avoid the Calgary customs office for import of diamonds/jewellery. My FedEx Agent (Steve, we are very close now....) tells me that Calgary is being very very tough on jewellry. Ship through Vancouver or Toronto.
- be cautious of doing repairs in the US, cause you will basically get to pay full duty again. Steve tells me that we can apply to waive the duty on the second "import", but I am sure it going to be a giant pain in the ass.
Rant complete.