posted on December 10, 2000 06:01:27 AM new
Hi - Can anyone point to a link that explains custom fees on items that come into the U.S.? I just bought a ring from Belgium ($285 total). Within a couple of days of receiving the ring, I got a bill for the customs fees for $18.50.
No problem, I'm not complaining. But I just read a thread about a Canadian buyer who bought a scarf (approx. $150) and the scarf was returned because she never paid the Customs fee of **over $100**!!!
(Over $100 on a $150 scarf!!!! I'm still shocked by that!!!)
Obviously, I realize that is Canadian customs. But it made me realize that I better check the customs fees if coming into the US (because that might affect me). I'd hate to get a surprise like that.
posted on December 10, 2000 11:55:04 AM new
When an items is shipped into Canada and it is over $20.00--(and being a gift or merchandise is not important)---the item is charged the taxes that it would have been charged if it had been purchased in a store in Canada.
The $150.00 US funds turns into $225.00 Canadian--the Federal Tax would be 7% and the Provincial tax would vary for 0% to 9% depending on the province the person lived in. So the $100.00 bill from Canadian customs would have been $5.00 Handling, approximately $70.00 in taxes and the balance would have been duty--so about $25.00---some things get charged duty--some things don't--it is dependent on the item and sometimes the place of manufacturing
and the $100.00 Cdn bill from Customs would be about $65.00 US Funds.
That is one real important reason to NOT over estimate the value of something that you are shipping internationally
posted on December 10, 2000 12:17:33 PM new
Im Confused at times about shipping international at times myself since some time the PO makes me fill out customs papers and other tiems they dont.
A few weeks ago I shipped a package that was 18 inches by 18 inches under a pound to ont canada they didnt ask me to fill out any peper work just charge me $1.65 shipping buyer got there item in three days.
other times PO trys to make a big deal out of it spend 10 mins filling out paperwork.
I have found it easyer just to get the shipping on line and put the Item in my mail box with postage on it let them pick it up when they deliver the mail Items seem to get to my International buyers far faster this way.
NO customs papers no confusion I guess they just send this stuff as a standard letter or what ever. http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
posted on January 10, 2001 10:11:14 PM new
So, in the Value field of the U.S. Customs form, should I put the high bid of the item, or my purchase price of the item?
posted on January 10, 2001 10:18:47 PM new
I too would like to know whether to put high bid on the form, or the value? I have put the high bid on the forms that I have been selling, but I just started selling international, so not sure if I am doing this right. Could some help please?
