Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

"hosiers"? Since when did we Canadians become sock and nylon purveyors, eh?

...Dean

I have always used a birth certificate at the Detroit/Windsor boarder. Same at Port Huron/Sarnia. In the old days a voters registration along with photo ID would work.

You'll pay duty on guitars coming into Canada if they don't have the appropriate NAFTA documentation. For goods under $1500 (I think, check with customs) there is a Certificate of Origin that basically certifies that the instrument was made in the US. Over $1500 (or whatever) you need a different form that is more elaborate, and customs may make you have it brokered by a third party, depending on whether its a business or personal import. You can always appeal the tariff, which takes about 6 months to get a rebate. Eh.

O well,

I guess that I will not be joining our Northern brothers.

Dave: The duty thing is only for guitars to be left here or sold here, payed by the buyer. By registering your instrument(s) at US customs you'll be fine. BTW, I travel frequently to Warrington and Warminster, anywhere hear you?

Jeff: The two guitars I brought in this year (2005)were stamped/inked "Made in USA" and were more than $1900 CDN in value each. No duties at all, just a broker fee and GST/PST bill from UPS.

...Dean

There shouldn't be any problem for U.S. citizens bringing personal instruments into Canada as long as they are not for resale. The only issue will be how U.S. customs treats them when they re-enter the states. I think all you need to do is declare any guitars at U.S. customs on the way into Canada so that you have documentation that shows you didn't buy them in Canada when you return to the U.S.

Of course Brian C. would have to leave his "little friend" at home (and I'm not talking about his dog) .

Another issue I will bring up is the weather. I have a friend who's band had a gig in Canada. When returning on a cold winter night US customs had him open the case of his guitar. He watched the finish crack before his eyes.

Ooh, that sounds nasty. Thanks to everyone for their insight into customs crossing but Ken, now you have me plain scared!

It's only feasible to do it during summer, anyway.
Man, those customs buggers are arrogant!

Ken: Argh! That hurt! Customs agents for both countries have no heart when it comes to inspections. But then again, these days maybe that is a good thing (except, of course, when our guitars are the victims).

There definitely has to be some care taken when traveling with gear in some areas of our climate during the winter.

Spring/Summer is definitely more the time to hold a Ricfest. Still count me in. I'll be there. I would suggest Montreal during the Jazz Fest, but accomodations get way to pricey at that time of year.

...Dean

Dean; It all depends who does the paperwork. I was dinged over $300 in bogus duties on two Rics shipped in and brokered by UPS - they didn't bother to look at the invoice that clearly stated "made in USA" and would never have even been in the same region of the country as the actual instruments to physically inspect them (paperwork is done in Ontario, guitars came through Vancouver). There is now supposed to be a NAFTA document accompanying any "high value" shipments.

If you are carrying an instrument, the others are correct, just register it at US customs and you should be good to go.

Just carry some guns and drugs I guarantee they won't be the least bit interested in the guitars!
(joking, of course. Bring along a dummy dressed as a terrorist instead, & lock it in the trunk. Hours of fun for everyone!)

N.B. would be great since that's where I am.
But I could swing Montreal. Toronto is a bit far!

I still think N.B. would be nice just because it could happen in Peter's backyard. It would be a nice way to thank him for all he does to maintain this forum. If he's into the idea of course.