Question about American buying goods in Canada

[pasusan]

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. 🙂

[atreis]

robatthelake wrote:
Ethics and guilt about giving the Government money!

Whether you agree with the law or not, it is still the law.

If you disagree with it that strongly, there are processes in place for pushing for changes in the law - up to and including running for office yourself. Good luck.

[popupcamping]

stubblejumper wrote:

Risk being never allowed back in and having a criminal record for fraud and smuggling, all over 3 cents on the dollar after your deduction ??

They are American citizens. How are they not going to be allowed back in their own country? No declaration has to be made at Canadian Customs:h

[Grey_Mountain]

We just returend from Canada and declared about $1300 for various purchases. We were allowed $800 each after a 48-hour plus stay.
We were not allowed to bring our tomatoes across. Had no citrus on board. Had no problem with beef and pork products.
Had $1300 repair bill on the toad, didn't even consider declaring the parts.
There will always be some who will tell of an illegal way around the law.


GM

[robatthelake]

Ethics and guilt about giving the Government money!

Oh come on, the OP is buying a few parts to repair a worn out Camper!

The easiest route would be to have whatever is required installed at the Factory.

I don't think anyone would consider "Repairs" as anything other than maintenance , it wouldn't even be classified as merchandise or Imported Goods.

Of course there will be some folks that would declare the Hot dog they ate at Costco as a purchase.

[stubblejumper]

reasley wrote:

Matt_Colie wrote:
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

Wow I have real ethical problems with this.

X 2

Risk being never allowed back in and having a criminal record for fraud and smuggling, all over 3 cents on the dollar after your deduction ??

[reasley]

Matt_Colie wrote:
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

Wow I have real ethical problems with this.

[loulou57]

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.

[Matt_Colie]

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

[pasusan]

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.

[John___Angela]

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.

[loulou57]

Just curious, where are you shopping and parts from Canada is unusual

[loulou57]

Before you cross over stop in at the duty free and get some info from them.

[pasusan]

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...

[loulou57]

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.