Date:         Wed, 20 Nov 1996 06:55:15 +0000
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         VWnut@smus.bc.ca
Subject:      Re: Canada Customs

> Hi Everyone.  A few weeks ago I mail ordered something from the US, 
> and today I got a card in my mailbox for a parcel.  GREAT, I think!
> 
> I ordered some auto parts from Connecticut for $35.00 US.  Canada 
> Customs wrote me up for the following:
> 
> Value:  $35.00 US X 1.3316 = $46.61 CDN
> Duty:                 $0.84 
> GST:                  $3.32
> Handling fee:     $5.00
> Total Payable:  $9.16
> 
> Ironically, I ordered the EXACT same thing EXACTLY a year ago, and 
> none of these charges were applied.  
> 
> So, fellow Canucks, be aware of the tax man when ordering from 
> outside of Canada.  I am a little confused as to why I have to pay 
> GST for something that wasn't purchased in Canada.  Hmmm....
> 
> Harry.

I think it may be related to which courier is used, and how it's 
declared - I've had packages reach me overnight from the US, with 
value over $1000, and paid NO taxes, then waited 2-3 days for a $50 
item to clear customs other times... If it's a large $ item, it might 
be worth paying extra for FedEx or DHL.

Shawn & Janis Wright
'88 Westy (336k) '85 Jetta TD (361k)
VWnut@smus.bc.ca (swright@smus.bc.ca)
http://www.islandnet.com/~swright/vw.html