Hi guy's can anyone tell me the actual deal about bringing parts across the boarder?
I have done this several times when going to Florida and I just declare the $700 for my wife and I and on occasion when they had asked what I had to declare I told them Motorcycle or car parts and all has been good.
Recently, I thought that I read on one of the forums that car parts are not exempt and they charge you the tax and duty.
I'm at the point where generic hot rod parts are not what is needed and I need some Ford specific parts and was going to order them to a friend in Detroit then pick them up on a weekend visit.
Is there a decisive answer as to legalities or should I be ok if I do not spend more than the limit and if so pay the tax and duty on the difference?
I'm sure many have done this and perhaps some of you guys closer to the boarder are up to speed on the proper way to do this and avoid the legal head aches.
My understanding is if the parts are not made in the USA, you will be dinged tax and duties.
I ordered a set of tubular a-arms and disk brake upgrade from CPP and had them delivered to CBI. Went to pick them up and when crossing back had to pay the tax on them.
I know some who go, pick stuff up at CBI and just drive right back into Canada and keep on going.
Luck of the draw maybe, or they just like to hassle me every time I cross the boarder.
I have been doing this for years and its no big deal. First have any reciepts ready and or a printed off copy of the sale if its E-Bay etc .
In my case im going through Port Huron MI and may spend a hour .I tell the boarder guards why im going in and what i have when coming back. I disclose the value pay my 13 % and go. When paying make sure any shipping costs are removed before they do the calculation. The shipping isnt a taxable item but you do get the odd guard who thinks different.
Sometimes i have been let go with 5-600 hundred bucks,not to often but some days im guessing they want to keep the traffic moving.
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gotta be young and dumb before you get old and wise
I have been doing this for years and its no big deal. First have any reciepts ready and or a printed off copy of the sale if its E-Bay etc . In my case im going through Port Huron MI and may spend a hour .I tell the boarder guards why im going in and what i have when coming back. I disclose the value pay my 13 % and go. When paying make sure any shipping costs are removed before they do the calculation. The shipping isnt a taxable item but you do get the odd guard who thinks different. Sometimes i have been let go with 5-600 hundred bucks,not to often but some days im guessing they want to keep the traffic moving.
So is this the case only if you go over for a day to pick things up? or even if you are there in the US for 3-4 days?
I would still disclose and have paper work. The only difference with the time across is the amount you can bring back before getting taxed.
Ok so if I'm there for 4 days and I have $600 worth of car parts and I disclose this should I need to pay Tax and Duty or does it fall under the normal allowable limit of $700 after 4 days.
In the past I used to tell them everything I had, then I started to just answer the questions!
How long have you been in the US ? 4 days
do you have any alcohol or cigarettes to declare? NO
How much money did you spend while away? $600 (of which I always have my receipts ready if required!)
Usually I receive a thank you and I'm on my way
should I be offering more information or just what they ask, or are car parts a red flag and a definite pull over for inspection?
You are correct it will fall under normal allowable limits ,they arent worried about car parts just the dollar figure.
The only time i have been questioned is if its a very large sum. I may have lots beacuse im bringing back for 3-4 guys and its my turn to go. They want to know if im running a buisness (not) then its another set of rules.
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gotta be young and dumb before you get old and wise
I go over all the time for parts. Just came back on Thursday with parts. I am building a car that wasn't available here in '65 so pretty well everything comes from the states. I just end up paying 13% on the value after it is converted to Canadian. If you bought it here you would have to pay tax on the inflated Canadian price. They have never questioned where the parts were made. I have never paid duty on them just the 13%.. Some times I have to pay tax on most of it some times if I only have a few hundred dollars in parts they let us go. I don't try to pull any thing on them I treat them with respect and they have always been good to me. Don't know for sure maybe it's been 20 or so years since they looked at the stuff in my vehicle. TMJ
I should add we never bring booze or tobacco back,make a list of everything we bought on a piece of paper and sit there with the bills visibly ready to hand them over
if asked to do so.
I live 45 minutes from the boarder and it works for me
TMJ
-- Edited by toomuchjunk on Tuesday 24th of March 2015 10:38:42 PM
Perfect that is how I understood it to be, I will not try to deceive them how ever I was told to just answer their questions and be honest, that way if they want they will pull you over and you only need to show them the receipts and all is ok. I have declared over the limit at one occasion and the guy told me to have a nice day! Not much mind you maybe $50 but I thought I would need to pay and was ok with it, but didn't need to.
Thanks for the replie
V2addict
I have also always followed the same attitude as you described for the most part they are always friendly, I usually time it so I'm in the US long enough to allow me the limit, and If I go over I'm only to happy to pay what I owe, and as stated above they have let me go being slightly over.
The reason for the post is I read somewhere that car pars had a differed rule, and I had not heard of it!
Ok so if I'm there for 4 days and I have $600 worth of car parts and I disclose this should I need to pay Tax and Duty or does it fall under the normal allowable limit of $700 after 4 days.
In the past I used to tell them everything I had, then I started to just answer the questions!
How long have you been in the US ? 4 days
do you have any alcohol or cigarettes to declare? NO
How much money did you spend while away? $600 (of which I always have my receipts ready if required!)
Usually I receive a thank you and I'm on my way
should I be offering more information or just what they ask, or are car parts a red flag and a definite pull over for inspection?
My wife picks up my stuff once a month She does the same answers just the questions asked never a problem (at least in last 40 years)
I was across Lewiston two weeks ago and picked up a handout from CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency). We only had about $75. between the 2 of us so no problem going over and back within the hour. To summarize the handout bring identification and what can I bring back with me..
When you return to Canada, duty and taxes are applicable on all purchases unless you qualify for a personal exemption. Personal exemptions allow you to bring goods of a certain value into the country without paying the regular duty and taxes. If you bring in more than your personal exemption you will have to pay regular assessments on the excess amount.
24 Hours....CAN $200. You cannot include alcohol or tobacco
48 Hours...CAN $800. You may include alcohol and tobacco but must be in your possession upon entry
7 Days......CAN $800. You may include alcohol and tobacco with the exception you don't need to have them with you at entry. (Not sure how that works)
Alcohol....1.5 litres of wine or a total of 1.14 litres of alcohol or up to 8.5 litres of beer or ale
Tobacco..200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200 grams of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks.
Before you purchase or import a vehicle consult the publication called "Importing a Vehicle into Canada"
Additional info call 1-800-461-9999 or www.cbsa.gc.ca
I can't find a date on the handout but the first paragraph says the information provided was accurate when it was published; however, legislative provisions and requirements can change at any time.
Like was already stated, I take any ebay print outs and have receipts ready and only answer what is asked. And if we have been away for more than a couple hours we always claim some amount. Never tell them we didn't buy anything ; harder for them to believe.
When crossing back in to Canada , no matter what crossing you use you should only answer the questions asked directly with a yes or no . If asked how much you spent , amount only will do. I learned years ago from my brother , who worked at MTO that to answer the question asked only with a yes or no and not to volunteer any info. He said the more info you volunteer the more suspicious you look. Its worked well for me and I have never been pulled over whether over for a couple of hours or a couple of weeks. All in all , the border agents are just doing a very tough job and if you treat them right they will treat you right.
OF COURSE THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO EVERY RULE.
We just came back after 2 months away and had paperwork for 1550 US. We were told thank you and to have a nice day. Last year we were informed that we had to include and taxes and shipping in the declared value. I was not going to argue with the fellow. Does someone have any documentation on the shipping part?
