US-Canada duty rates?

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I'm thinking of ordering a couple of T5 HO Actinics for my tank from a site in the US. Total would be just under $60US. Anyone have an idea what the duty would be on this amount? Is there a set percentage? Want to find out if it's worth it. Looking for a Cdn source for a Helios T5 HO Actinic 36" unit (with built-in ballast). Thanks in advance.

Anthony

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

I'm thinking of ordering a couple of T5 HO Actinics for my tank from a site in the US. Total would be just under $60US. Anyone have an idea what the duty would be on this amount? Is there a set percentage? Want to find out if it's worth it. Looking for a Cdn source for a Helios T5 HO Actinic 36" unit (with built-in ballast). Thanks in advance.

Anthony

Have it sent by USPS. there is no duty, but you will pay GST, and a $5.00 handling charge. I have done this many times. BTW the Helios T5 actinics crap out in a week. Reefsolutions used to carry them, but stopped because of the problems. The US wholesaler would not back them up.

[Willito]

UPS is the biggest RIP-OFF. The brokerage fee that they charge will make you pull your hair. I recently bought a wave maker that cost $10 to ship and UPS charged $20 for brokerage. I will never use them again. USmail or Canada Post is usually the cheapest, delivery time is about 5-8 biz days.

[Skimmerking]

Anthony You might break out in the good with the CDN dollar @ 83 cents, so you might save on the taxes or the UPS charge..

Mike

[Bryan]

NO duty or brokerage fees is charged on any parcel regardless of the shipper if the value of the goods is under $20.00 Cdn.

If over $20.00

USPS/Canada Post regular mail or parcel post is $5.00 brokerage fee plus applicable duty/GST

UPS rates are on a sliding scale and are posted on their web site

http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shi...ration+Charges

add and additonal $7.00 for their disbursement fees.

Fedex brokerage fees are slightly cheaper.

Another option is to ship by UPS/Fedex and have it delivered to a mailbox outlet in Blaine, drive down and pick up. You will only have to pay the appropriate duty and taxes when you cross back into Canada. Mailbox International in Blaine priovides this service or http://www.thelettercarrier.com/index.htm in Point Roberts.

Of course if you don't live in the Lower Mainland it's not much use
Hope this helps.

[Dez]

I used UPS last week and the shipping was $14, and the brokerage and other fees and gst came to $40. So I paid $54 extra on $150 worth of stuff. Kind of ridiculous for a gate valve and some seals.

UPS

des

oh well, paid for with Christmas money and it's definitely a lesson learned. My list of things never to do again has just increased.

[Bob I]

Why is everyone talking about UPS . I was first to answer the post, and I said USPS, which stands for United States Postal Service.

[Dez]

Originally Posted by Bob_I

Why is everyone talking about UPS . I was first to answer the post, and I said USPS, which stands for United States Postal Service.

Bob,

NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT YOUR REPLY ABOUT USPS The subject title is "US-Canada duty rates." I am just emphasizing the fact NOT to use UPS. I believe the other members are just venting as well. Congrats on you being the first to answer the post Bob.

Des

[Canadian Man]

I'm worried. I ordered a Fender Guitar amp from us and I am frightened about the duty amount Oh and it's being shipped UPS.

[Samw]

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

I'm thinking of ordering a couple of T5 HO Actinics for my tank from a site in the US. Total would be just under $60US. Anyone have an idea what the duty would be on this amount? Is there a set percentage? Want to find out if it's worth it. Looking for a Cdn source for a Helios T5 HO Actinic 36" unit (with built-in ballast). Thanks in advance.

Anthony

I tried to look up the amount of duty online but can't seem to find it. I vaguely remember seeing a list of rates based on country of origin. But now, I can't find it. Anyhow, if the country of origin of your bulbs is USA, then I think it is duty free under NAFTA. If it comes from a non-NAFTA country, then duty applies (ex. If the bulb was made in Germany, I think you are suppose to pay duty, but most of the time, the US retailers will write USA as the country of origin on the EXPORT forms so then you don't have to pay duty).

Here's a useful link:
Importing Non-Commercial Goods by Mail

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/.../rc4051-e.html

Generally, when you mail order products from outside Canada, you need to pay a brokerage fee, duty (for goods originating outside N. America), GST, and PST. Check out the link. Its tells you all of this. The only thing I can't seem to find is the duty rates by country (The duty rates are different depending on the country of origin).

So the answer to your question on the amount of duty is probably $0 because of NAFTA and the fact that the retailer will probably put USA as the country of origin (intentionally or accidentally) regardless of the true country of origin. But of course, as everyone else already mentioned, GST, PST, and brokerage fee will apply.