I forgot something in USA. Can my friend ship it back to me without duty fees?

[sebasdess]

Hi!

I forgot an item at my friend house in USA. I wont go back there soon, and I need this item in 1-2 weeks.

I asked him to ship me back the item. However, the item is really new (it's a goalie trapper and a goalie blocker and it was use only once during my stay) and I pay 350$ in Canada for that and my friend is telling me that maybe the custom will charge me something if he ship me this, as the item is new.

So my question may look dumb a bit but... Can he ship me the item without me having to pay any custom fees? If so, do he need to fill any form or something? Or he just need to put those 2 items in a box, then ship it to Canada and that's it? Is it best to ship it via USPS then (people sometimes say that ups/fedex have huge fees and sending stuff from usa to canada)?

[Tijuana]

If you have the receipts it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but as far as what to do prior, I don't know.

[atong]

If you bought the item in Canada and you have the receipts to prove it then you can get back any duties/HST that is charged to the item by going here and filing a request: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/dispute-contestation-eng.html

Your friend will just need to pay for shipping but make sure to avoid UPS/Fedex or else you will have to pay brokerage fees which you cannot get back...if you ship via USPS/Canada Post once the items are determined to be duty/tax free you will receive the $8.50 handling charge refunded.

[Ojam]

Your friend will just need to pay for shipping but make sure to avoid UPS/Fedex or else you will have to pay brokerage fees which you cannot get back...if you ship via USPS/Canada Post once the items are determined to be duty/tax free you will receive the $8.50 handling charge refunded.

You should be more specific, UPS and FedEx standard has the extra fees at delivery, their expedited services do not, and if the OP needs the item quickly they might be a better option than USPS.

[Coz4k]

Mark it as gift

Value : 10$

/topic

[EnyCe]

Mark it as gift

Value : 10$

/topic

This isn't Hong Kong. :facepalm:

[Coz4k]

This isn't Hong Kong. :facepalm:

I'm whiter than sour cream

[rrraven]

There is a specific category for this situation. The proper term is "Canadian Goods Returning" and no tax or duty should be charged since presumably you already paid the taxes when you purchased the item in Canada. I'm surprised this isn't more well-known.

If it's something major (computer, expensive stuff) be prepared to prove that it is a previously owned item, either by showing the receipt or photo of it in use or something. You won't necessarily be asked for this but you don't want to be caught lying as the consequences of fraud dwarf the tax savings!

[sebasdess]

There is a specific category for this situation. The proper term is "Canadian Goods Returning" and no tax or duty should be charged since presumably you already paid the taxes when you purchased the item in Canada. I'm surprised this isn't more well-known.

If it's something major (computer, expensive stuff) be prepared to prove that it is a previously owned item, either by showing the receipt or photo of it in use or something. You won't necessarily be asked for this but you don't want to be caught lying as the consequences of fraud dwarf the tax savings!

Thx! It was exactly what I was looking for! I couldnt believe there wasnt anything about this situation!

[tylergee79]

You want to ship anything from the USA with the USPS (US Postal Service) this should avoid any brokerage fees at the boarder. Almost every other carrier charges you extra to bring an item into CANADA. You might still need to pay GST/HST but it pales in comparison to the fees UPS, FEDEX and the like charge.