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Returning to Canada and shipping items separately - What's required to not pay tax?

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  • Mar 15th, 2022 11:48 am
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Mar 11th, 2022 11:57 am
IceBlueShoes [OP]
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Mar 11th, 2022 11:57 am

Returning to Canada and shipping items separately - What's required to not pay tax?

Hello,

I recently returned from a trip to Europe and had to have something shipped separately (waistcoat) since it wasn't in stock)
Anyways, I declared it at the airport, got it approved within my personal allowance, but I was only given a personal exemption form from CBSA (red and white with a maple leaf on the front) from them when I left the airport.

There's no number or anything on it, but I did have to fill out a form at the airport, but wasn't given a receipt.
Is this slip all I have to show the delivery driver in order to not get dinged on taxes? Or do I need to contact the CBSA and somehow track down a copy of the form I filled out to show them?

Thanks!
7 replies
Mar 11th, 2022 12:23 pm
thriftshopper
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Mar 11th, 2022 12:23 pm

Declared as "goods to follow" or some such? Not sure how you're gong to avoid tax if it is not shipped by yourself though. I think to qualify, you have to have it in your possession and ship (and clear) it yourself. Someone else shipping for you e.g., by vendor may not qualify.
I smile when I see container ships sailing past my house laden with stuff made in China
Mar 11th, 2022 1:31 pm
IceBlueShoes [OP]
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Mar 11th, 2022 1:31 pm

thriftshopper wrote: ↑ Declared as "goods to follow" or some such? Not sure how you're gong to avoid tax if it is not shipped by yourself though. I think to qualify, you have to have it in your possession and ship (and clear) it yourself. Someone else shipping for you e.g., by vendor may not qualify.
Yeah, I declared it at the airport and went through CBSA to get the personal exemption.
Mar 11th, 2022 9:30 pm
westcoastyvr
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Mar 11th, 2022 9:30 pm

If it's coming via Canada Post you can refuse the package at time of delivery and check the box on Form E14 to return to CBSA for adjustment and provide your phone number. Once CBSA has the package back they will call you for more information. Alternatively, you can pay the amount deemed due and then submit a claim for an adjustment.
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Mar 14th, 2022 3:12 pm
Kiraly
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Mar 14th, 2022 3:12 pm

I did this once before. Canada Post wanted me to pay the duties, taxes, and its $10 brokerage fee when the item arrived. I paid and later submitted a refund claim to CBSA through snail mail. CBSA refunded everything, including Canada Post's brokerage charge.
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Mar 14th, 2022 6:14 pm
IceBlueShoes [OP]
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Mar 14th, 2022 6:14 pm

So the item came today (via fedex) but they just left it at the door.
During this I was at the airport getting CBSA to redo the exemption.

Is there a specific dept I look for at Fedex to self-declare since I technically never agreed to anything and don't have to pay for anything.
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Mar 14th, 2022 10:19 pm
Kiraly
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Mar 14th, 2022 10:19 pm

IceBlueShoes wrote: ↑ So the item came today (via fedex) but they just left it at the door.
During this I was at the airport getting CBSA to redo the exemption.

Is there a specific dept I look for at Fedex to self-declare since I technically never agreed to anything and don't have to pay for anything.
Just ignore it. When FedEx does this drop & dash nonsense and doesn't give you the option to self-clear, it has lost any recourse for collecting from you. If it tries to collect from you later, tell them to stuff it.
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Mar 15th, 2022 11:48 am
IceBlueShoes [OP]
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Mar 15th, 2022 11:48 am

Kiraly wrote: ↑ Just ignore it. When FedEx does this drop & dash nonsense and doesn't give you the option to self-clear, it has lost any recourse for collecting from you. If it tries to collect from you later, tell them to stuff it.
I also called them and they said there's no duty, Apparently the shipper took care of it on their end and didn't require any signature.
Either way, I have the CBSA declaration showing I don't have to pay anything, but if they complain or try to bill me later, I will take your suggestion. :)
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