Canada Customs costs...

[Sample00]

I cant find the information so I am asking the CP faithful.
Is there a formula or a percentage amount that one pays when purchasing goods in the United States and bringing them into Canada.
Here's my quandry...
I am wondering what kind of duty or customs charges I might have if I were to buy a used guitar in the United States through ebay and then have it shipped here.
The price on the guitar is $1200.00 and its an 2004.
anybody know?

[ken0042]

Get it shipped via USPS. UPS, fedex, et al have very high "customs brokerage" fees; often more than customs itself.

Not sure about guitars, but most stuff is 0% if made in USA/Mexico, 3% if elsewhere; plus 5% GST.

[Rathji]

Where the guitar was made will play a role in how much duty you get charged. Check Canada Customs website and I know they have stuff on it. Something like 5% at most iirc, but thta might have been with spending time in the states.

[BlackEleven]

As mentioned, ship with USPS to avoid brokerage fees. They'll only charge a $5 flat fee for handling at the border.

To determine duty check here.

Point 92 at the link above covers guitars. Looks like duty is 6% of purchase price. So including the handling fee, you should get charged $77 at the border.

If they charge you more (and they do screw up fairly often), you can appeal and get your money back.

[Sample00]

you guys are awesome.
thanks so much
I emailed the guy and asked him to send it USPS instead of UPS.
I am just waiting to hear back from him
its a Gibson, USA made.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Sample00

you guys are awesome.
thanks so much
I emailed the guy and asked him to send it USPS instead of UPS.
I am just waiting to hear back from him
its a Gibson, USA made.

I think where the parts are made is also taken into consideration.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Rathji

I think where the parts are made is also taken into consideration.

What parts? The parts of the guitar? It is where the product was assembled.

[CubicleGeek]

One thing I want to point out is that when using USPS and the product is insured, it is no longer insured when it crosses the border into Canada, since it changes hands to Canada Post (the insurance is only applicable to the original carrier). If it's fragile, I would recommend using UPS Worldwide Expedited, since the rate includes all brokerage fees and since the carrier doesn't change when it crosses the border, the product is insured to the door.