Question
that you can put in the US value box on the customs forms before the buyer winds up paying an arm and a leg in fees?
And Is there any problem sending herbal supplements? Is it OK to put that in the description of contents box?
This isn't something I normally sell and the buyer paid a nice price for it. But I don't want them to get hit with all the high fees.
Thanks, y'all
Pat
Answer
Packages with a value under Cdn $20 (currently approx. U.S. $16.60 but exchange rates can be volatile) won't be charged anything. Packages over that value may or may not be charged. Sometimes, packages slip through, particularly around Christmas. Generally though, the recipient will be charged the following:
- 7% GST (federal tax) on the value of the package
- provincial tax on the value on the package. This tax ranges from 0% for residents in Alberta to 7% or 8% for residents in other provinces
- customs duty if applicable (not applicable for many, many items)
- flat Cdn.$5.00 handling fee per package by post office for collecting all of the above taxes and duty charges
When you mark the value on the package, show auction price only - don't include the shipping cost.
Answer
Shipping by priority or exrpess will guarantee the buyer will pay the extra fees and tax. Airmail is the best way to go incognito, and that isn't guaranteed, and it can be insured of course.
Answer
Thanks. I am shipping airmail letter post. And I'm still wondering if putting herbal supplements in the contents box will be ok? I don't know if things like this are ever checked at customs and don't want to put a red flag on it, ya know? What about vitamins? Could I say that? Should I?
Pat
Answer
herbal supplements gets pulled for inspection, on the look out for banned herbs....we might get healthy or happy ya know
mine come through regular parcel post, marked vitamins all the time and they get here fine, send express or that global thing you got, and some brokerage company nails me 25.00 brokerage fee plus all the other uneccessary expenses.
Answer
According the U.S. Postal Service web site:
Prohibitions for Canada
Restrictions for Canada
Answer
Didn't see vitamins on those lists, so vitamins, it is.
Pat