Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Say I was to buy a POD on eBay from the states. What kind of taxes & duties am I looking at to get it across the border? I realize I will have to pay GST, but is there any import duties on used electronics?
Thanks

There are no import duties Greg. Strictly speaking, just exchange and GST on the Canadian equivalent.

Having said that, much depends on how the manner in which seller decides to send it to you and, of course, the risk you are prepared to take regarding the shipping arrangements.

Thanks Peter. I wasn't sure if the complex rules about country of manufacture applied to used gear.
Guess what I'm getting for Christmas?

Actually, there may be duties whether it is used or not. At issue is where it was manufactured and whether it falls under the free trade agreement. If it was built in the states and meets the free trade specifications then you should only have to pay tax and a "handling fee" which is probably about $5.00 that goes to the customs broker.

However, if it was built outside of the states you will likely be on the hook for duty, taxes and the brokerage fee.

The shipper has to fill out some paperwork; it's not too hefty (three pages) but it's a pain...then there's the customs declarations and the commercial invoice, in triplicate...

Screw it, I'll just buy a new one at a store. For the $100 I might save (before shipping) it's too much hassle. Plus I'll have the ability to inspect it, full warranty, know where to return it if I have a problem, etc....

Much simpler!
Anything manufactered in Canada, U.S., or Mexico is exempt from duty.
The brokerage fee may depend on the declared value of the item, or maybe they use a Ouija board, I don't know & they aren't telling unless you ask the specific question exactly right during the correct times of day, depending on the phases of the moon, alignment of the planets, etc.

You know what I mean: they don't volunteer any information. Typical government foolishness!

You'll also get hit with the 8% Ontario PST. USPS/Canada Post isn't too bad of a brokerage charge, but watch out if something comes via UPS. As others have suggested, it's probably just as cheap to get it in Canada.

Mine came UPS/Sameday & it was $75 for the brokerage fee, in addition to the HST, exchange, shipping cost, & insurance.

Of course, small stuff I've gotten in the mail had none of these additions. Just a straight sale & tax with the exchange.
Using a courier opens the door for all those additional fees.