Coral Tulip
New Member
I would like to clear up some misinformation posted about import fees to Canada. 1) Due to NAFTA, there is NO DUTY on anything that is manufactured in the USA or MEXICO. This means that Cathe DVDs will never incur duty. I don't know where the bands are manufactured, so that is a different discussion. 2) Everything over the exemption limit(s) does get taxed (GST & PST) which varies only by province. 3) Since this discussion is about UPS and no presale bundle is over $150 CAD, there is NO DUTY on DVDs or bands (regardless of country of origin) due to CUSMA which came into effect on July 1, 2020. Under CUSMA, the exemption limit for imports via couriers is now $150 CAD for duty & $40 CAD for taxes. The exemption limit for imports via the postal service are not affected by CUSMA and remain at $20 CAD for both duty & tax. 4) Duty & tax percentages are not different based on the choice of carrier. 5) Couriers are generally more expensive because they act as a customs broker. Canada Customs (CBSA) is covered by tax payer money in Canada, thus there is no charge for their services. Couriers tend to add very unreasonable charges for doing the same thing CBSA does free of charge. 6) Canada Post/CBSA charges a flat rate service fee of $9.95 for any shipment that incurs duty or taxes. The processing fees of couriers vary widely. (This processing fee is in addition to the customs brokerage charge.)
Note: In summary, if you qualify for free shipping and your order total is less than $150 CAD, the only fees can be GST/PST. The shipping is not free if you order any fitness equipment though (which includes the bands & loops). The example by livbc above seems correct. The taxes on the loops/bands/DVDs bundle were only $9.25, but the order came out to $121.22 CAD due to $34.89 in UPS shipping charges.
In addition to these facts, based on my experience (about 100 imports per year for the past 20 years), CBSA does not process all shipments, especially those under about $100. They do not have the manpower to do so. It is hit or miss & I have not noticed any increase during 2020/2021 as has been claimed. About 50% of the time, I pay absolutely nothing for postal service shipments. This is especially true of small value orders such as this preorder. Couriers try to maximize their profit, so they will always charge every fee they possibly can. They want your package to incur duty/tax as their brokerage fees are generally a % of the duty/tax they collect for the Canadian government.
Generally I always choose USPS as I have a good chance of paying no fees at all, but CUSMA has impacted my choices slightly. It would be nice if Canadians had both choices at the Cathe checkout. Those that prefer to know for sure what they are paying upfront (even if it is more $ or not accurately calculated) can choose UPS prepaid tax (there can be no duty legally for this preorder no matter which package is chosen) & those who prefer the postal service could have that option.
Note: In summary, if you qualify for free shipping and your order total is less than $150 CAD, the only fees can be GST/PST. The shipping is not free if you order any fitness equipment though (which includes the bands & loops). The example by livbc above seems correct. The taxes on the loops/bands/DVDs bundle were only $9.25, but the order came out to $121.22 CAD due to $34.89 in UPS shipping charges.
In addition to these facts, based on my experience (about 100 imports per year for the past 20 years), CBSA does not process all shipments, especially those under about $100. They do not have the manpower to do so. It is hit or miss & I have not noticed any increase during 2020/2021 as has been claimed. About 50% of the time, I pay absolutely nothing for postal service shipments. This is especially true of small value orders such as this preorder. Couriers try to maximize their profit, so they will always charge every fee they possibly can. They want your package to incur duty/tax as their brokerage fees are generally a % of the duty/tax they collect for the Canadian government.
Generally I always choose USPS as I have a good chance of paying no fees at all, but CUSMA has impacted my choices slightly. It would be nice if Canadians had both choices at the Cathe checkout. Those that prefer to know for sure what they are paying upfront (even if it is more $ or not accurately calculated) can choose UPS prepaid tax (there can be no duty legally for this preorder no matter which package is chosen) & those who prefer the postal service could have that option.
