Import/Duties and taxes to Canada

[Valjean]

Hello all! Any Canadians or fellow BC residents on here can share their experiences with ordering from GOG or WF? What should I be expecting when it comes to import fees, duties and taxes? Do online retailers agree to "undervaluing" to save on taxes?

 

[sirbenson]

I live in Ontario and our experience is that when the ring got to the border, we got a call to pay the HST on the Canadian dollar value of what we bought. We paid the taxes and the item was released. As far as I know there are no extra "duties". Its just the tax you would have paid if you would have bought the product at a store where you live. I don't think a reputable vendor would undervalue an item as a) they insure it for the full value while in transport so would want to disclose the actual value and b) its likely illegal to "lie" about the value.

 

[chamois]

Another BC'er here. Have worked with GOG & Whiteflash. I paid taxes and a small Fedex handling fee, all worked out smoothly.

 

[Valjean]

Thanks for the replies! Do I pay the taxes directly to the Fedex guy when he delivers it or I have to go the Fedex office? Also I assume they take CC?

 

[HopeDream]

Another BCer here. I've ordered from both GOG and Whiteflash and both times went well.

When my engagement ring was shipped by GOG via fedex, the fedex customs conveyancer called me and emailed me power of attorney customs clearance forms to fill out and email or fax back, and I gave my credit card number to pay for the GST (pre HST days) and conveyance fee. It was really easy (but did delay shipping a day - something no vendor could avoid). Then the package was delivered the next day.

When I purchased my Diamond studs from Whiteflash, the HST and conveyancing fees were low enough that fedex took care of it without requiring extra forms, and I paid the tax and fees when I went to pick up my package at their office.

No undervaluing occured to save on taxes, but I still got a better deal and higher quality than what I could have purchased at a local jewellery store for the same price.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

What others have said. I live in AB where only the GST applies. No issues whatsoever.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Blackpaw]

Valjean, im in AB and will be doing the same in the next little while. So i cant speak from experience but all my research supports the advice you've got here! i did find that you definitely need to go with Fedex as there always seems to be issues with brokerage when UPS is involved...

let us know how it goes!

 

[Valjean]

Valjean, im in AB and will be doing the same in the next little while. So i cant speak from experience but all my research supports the advice you've got here! i did find that you definitely need to go with Fedex as there always seems to be issues with brokerage when UPS is involved...

let us know how it goes!

Thanks again for all your input! I will be ordering the diamond in early January and will report back my experience. Too bad for us here in BC, we have to deal with HST!

 

[chamois]

If my memory is correct and the amount hasn't changed, $1,500 is when signing paperwork is involved and the taxes are charged prior to releasing the goods for delivery or pickup.

 

[simpleton]

What's the best method of shipment to Canada? I usually avoid UPS or Fedex due to the high brokerage fees when I order non-jewelry related items.

 

[Valjean]

I wasn't aware of brokerage fees, I thought we only pay the GST? WF I know ships via FEDEX, expecting mine to arrive next week.

 

[Valjean]

Another BC'er here. Have worked with GOG & Whiteflash. I paid taxes and a small Fedex handling fee, all worked out smoothly.

Hi Chamois, how "small" was this Fedex handling fee?

 

[chamois]

If I remember correctly it was about $10.

 

[bluegirl123]

Hey there, im from BC too!

Just a quick question -- sorry dont want to hijack the thread!
if we send stones we've already purchased to the US for a custom setting, and it gets sent back to us, do we have to pay taxes on the cost of the stone as well???

Thanks!

 

[Valjean]

If I remember correctly it was about $10.

Thank you Chamois! I will be picking it up on Tuesday, I hope it is around $10 for the handling fee.

 

[Valjean]

Hey there, im from BC too!

Just a quick question -- sorry dont want to hijack the thread!
if we send stones we've already purchased to the US for a custom setting, and it gets sent back to us, do we have to pay taxes on the cost of the stone as well???

Thanks!

No. The vendor will invoice you just on the setting and you will only have to pay for taxes on that amount. Just to make sure, bring your receipt for the stone when you claim the ring to prove that it was bought locally and the associated taxes have already been paid for.

 

[infinite]

another idea if you want to minimize on taxes is to send it to an Amerifriend living close to the border (I'm in Toronto so Buffalo works great for me) or even send it to a FEDEX prepaid mail dropbox, pick it up, spend a few days in that city (maybe the weekend plus tack on a day or two), then come back across the border and declare it that way. usually the custom officers are more lenient and there's a good chance they wno't pull you over to pay taxes (unless your item was thousands and thousands of dollars). even if it was many thousands, you'll get a credit against the tax of the limit you are allowed to bring back to canada (i think).

 

[chamois]

You're welcome Valjean. Good luck ! Please let us know how you get on when you pick your package up, thx.

 

[Valjean]

You're welcome Valjean. Good luck ! Please let us know how you get on when you pick your package up, thx.

Just picked it up today! The Fedex fees came up to $11.20 + the 12% HST tax due, ouch! I miss the GST days :\