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pasusan's avatar
pasusan
Explorer
Sep 27, 2013

Question about American buying goods in Canada

I figured someone here might know...

We are going to cross the border into Canada tomorrow to buy some parts for our trailer (Canadian made). I just started wondering about paying duty when we come back to the US. I read a bunch of stuff about having a $200 duty free allowance - what if we spend $1000 or more??? Will we have to pay some special tax or duty on that when we come back?

Anyone know about this or how much of a percent of the cost we'll have to pay? Should we bring cash?

Thanks much and please don't laugh - never did this before. :)

28 Replies

  • pasusan wrote:
    loulou57 wrote:
    Just curious, where are you shopping and parts from Canada is unusual
    Our trailer is a Canadian made Award. They no longer manufacture new units, but still sell parts and do repairs. They are located in Dunnville, ON - we're going to have a picnic at Rock Point Provincial Park. :)

    Thanks again.


    LOL......you are heading about 45 min to an hour away from us.
  • Try to have them dirty the parts up and mark them as used parts. I ship used boat and car part to and from Canada all the time and as long as they are used they never say a thing.

    Matt
  • loulou57 wrote:
    Just curious, where are you shopping and parts from Canada is unusual
    Our trailer is a Canadian made Award. They no longer manufacture new units, but still sell parts and do repairs. They are located in Dunnville, ON - we're going to have a picnic at Rock Point Provincial Park. :)

    Thanks again.
  • loulou57 wrote:
    Just curious, where are you shopping and parts from Canada is unusual


    Although I agree it is uncommon we see bigfoot owners up here all the time, mods, parts etc. The factory is 10 minutes from our lot.
  • Just curious, where are you shopping and parts from Canada is unusual
  • Before you cross over stop in at the duty free and get some info from them.
  • Thanks for the quick reply! I was searching and all I could find was the $200, or $800 if over 48 hours - and they kept talking about alcohol and tobacco which isn't our case. So - hopefully the 3% is correct which won't be killing...
  • You need to stay in Canada 48hrs to take home $800 in merchandise. Under 48 hours you are allowed $200. If you have over that amount you will pay duty. They will take debit, credit or cash to pay the duty. I think your duty rate is 3%
    You may take groceries back no citris but veggies grown in Canada are ok as well as canadian meat

    You may combine your amount together within a family at the same address.

    I hope this is up to date, our friends live in Virginia and this is what I recall. You could go online and check with your customs officer.

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