Customs fees experience?

[auld argonian]

Oh, please...don't get me started on what a fraud NAFTA was (I speak as a big fan of Canada).

best

AA

[GlassMan]

But remember, even if it is labeled as a gift the value has to be listed as less than $200 on the customs form otherwise it will still be slapped with a US tariff.

If you are in Canada, I know quite a few Canadians who have set up PO Boxes in the US, have goods delivered here to take advantage of the lower US customs duties and then just driven over and picked it up.

Also, many sellers in Scotland already know the tricks. Last time I ordered a kilt, plaid & flashes from Scotland it arrived with $0 duties because they'd made sure to place the value under the customs minimum.

[Iolaus]

I got a call from FedEx yesterday, asking if the item from the UK was for personal use or resale. Since it was for personal use, there was no extra charges.

[bubba]

Iolaus, that's unusual. Given the couriers fees for collecting duty and such they generally go ahead and nail you for it. It also doesn't help that the duty lists are vague and somewhat capricious allowing inspectors to ring up inappropriate totals, maximizing the take rather than a fair collection.

[Bob C]

I paid duty on a jacket and waistcoat. I have ordered several other things, including my most recent budget kilt, without duty.

I suspect Glassman is exactly right. The jacket/waistcoat was over $200. Everything else was under. That must be the limit.