I am hoping some of my Canadian friends can help me figure this out... what is the correct tax rate (GST/HST) for incoming international shipments?

The reason I ask is I was nabbed twice this week: once from the UK delivered by Canada Post for 5% (GST) and once from the US delivered by FedEx for 13% (HST here in Ontario).

Anyone with another experience or knowledge of the correct amount?

Thanks in advance

Mars wrote:Canada customs is generally not the greatest for being consistent with these sorts of things.

Part of the tax is based on where the item is from and what it is classified as.  Classifications such as "books", "used books" and "games" are different categories.  I think "books" and "used books" incur the 13% but "games" only 5%.

However, with the new HST in Ontario, I am guessing that all of these will now be charged 13%.

David,

Mars is correct concerning the HST charge.  There's also the $5.00 handling fee ($8.00 if sent via priority courier).

The CBSA website update:  http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/facts- ... 1-eng.html

The Goods Exempted portion is an interesting change, and explains why you were only charged 5% for the one item.  The declaration description and amount may have also factored into their decision.

Best,

Paul

Best to always mark things 'used books' in my experience. Most countries have either an very low tax rate or a zero tax rate on that description. Best also to avoid any superfluous or additional information. I.e. Don't say '12 used games books' or '8 used magazines' or '3 rare books'. Don't even say '4 used books + figures' or '+ dice'. Ignore any other small items in your package.

Simply going with '12 used books' is about as bland and innocuous as you can get, and about as customs friendly. If it has a high declared value they set it asside for customs. Customs X-ray it and if the image is consistent with the decaration they simply apply the appropriate tax based on your declaration label and get it on its way.

X No. Used Books will always be how I describe things, even when they're sold mint in shrink. Just so people get a better chance of not getting hammered with tax.

Tharizdun wrote:davidc,

Your Caldwell logo thing reminds me of Conan oddly enough. I didn't even realize it was Caldwell for a bit, which is very strange if you ever saw my stash of top secret art goodies here

Ah yes, CC was my first & most favourite fantasy artist from way back... funny how kids pick up on things... I thought since we shared a surname, there must be a connection, lol... his Dragon covers (#67 & 69 I think) are my faves.

I'm trying hard not to develop an art addic... er, habit... er, persuasion though... not enough wall space & wallet

(And as someone smart said here not long ago, now my OT thread is OT, haha).

puterdragon wrote:I thought "games" were exempt anyway.
Also, last time I checked, $20 value or less is exempt.
That's all I know.

Not sure how it all works out now (with HST) but I would have things labeled as "games" because this was a lower tax rate than "books" - even "used books" were taxed.