US-Canada duty rates?

[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.