customs duties?

[j_anderson]

How do I find out what the customs duties are for a guitar that is Made in Japan and shipped from the U.S. to Canada?

I was thinking about buying a Fender Mustang 65 Reissue from the U.S., for around $600 new. If I bought that same guitar at Long and Mcquade or Steve's Music in Toronto it would cost $850 plus tax, so even with the customs duties I might still save some money.

If anyone knows what the customs duties would be, I'd appreciate the info.

Thanks

 

[alexmst]

Call 1-800-461-9999 to speak to a border information service agent during regular business hours, press "0" to speak to an agent, and ask them.

Duty is charged based on country of original manufacture. So even though it is coming from the U.S., if it was made in Japan in would be charged as such. Different countries have different rates of duty. Call and ask - they are helpful whenever I call to ask duty by item/country.

 

[Anynym]

You should be able to contact the Canada Border Services Agency and ask. The information might be linked from their publications page. In particular this document (page 5) discusses in general how you can determine in advance what duties you will have to pay, and the final few pages discuss how you can find out the details (e.g what phone numbers to call for automated information, and further references).

My own understanding is (and I am not an expert) that what you describe would likely not qualify for reduced duties (e.g. under NAFTA), and that although it's commercial goods you aren't acting as a commercial importer (so the discussion about setting up a BN probably wouldn't apply to you).

 

[gordie 269]

Last time I had a fender guitar shipped it was about $200 in duties and taxes for a guitar worth about $550. Remember you have to pay GST and PST at the border. The best idea is to go to Buffalo, do some shopping hang out for the weekend and bring it back duty and tax free. I usually wait until I am going on vacation or work and fly out of Buffalo.

 

[j_anderson]

Last time I had a fender guitar shipped it was about $200 in duties and taxes for a guitar worth about $550. Remember you have to pay GST and PST at the border. The best idea is to go to Buffalo, do some shopping hang out for the weekend and bring it back duty and tax free. I usually wait until I am going on vacation or work and fly out of Buffalo.

The amount I was told is (GST + PST + 6% duty) x declared value

so it's basically 20%.

Are you sure your amounts are correct?

 

[smitherz]

The amount of duties also depends greatly on the type of goods being imported, and not just the country of origin. For instance, most types of textiles or clothing have an 18% duty alone. Lots of goods have no duties at all.

GST and provincial sales tax are always collected unless it's a small, low value shipment (under $20).

Then there are brokerage charges you'll need to pay to the mail carrier which could really hike up the cost. Rates differ from one mail carrier to the next. UPS and Fedex have the most expensive brokerage fees, but usually waive this fee if you use their expensive Express services.

 

[j_anderson]

fuck it. I'll just spend the money on hookers.