shipping to Canada question

[bitshird]

I've been shipping quite a few tools to Canada, I understand that when you fill out the customs forms that you are under Federal law if you put down faulty info. My question is How do you class the item, your options are Gift, Commercial sample or other and the other gets into some areas that I don't understand. I don't have an export registration How the heck do I get one and do I need it. I do put the correct values for the merchandise but it's the classification thing, I hate to keep sending the stuff as gifts, and have started using commercial samples, but a few of the recent orders have been over 200.00 does this sound like I'm doing the right thing, or any one have a recommendation on who to contact??
Thanks
Ken

 

[GaryMadore]

Ken,

In the day and age of eBay there are cross-border transactions happening every millisecond and lots of them are for pretty decent coin (> $250, let's say)

You don't need an export licence unless you're Big Business - none of the eBayers I've bought from have 'em.

I'd suggest that you just tell the truth: It's "other" if it's neither a gift nor a sample, and the value is what you sold it for: Customs duties, taxes, etc., are our problem not yours.

If you want The Word, though, contact Canada Border Services Agency and ask them. Ensure you tell 'em that you're just a hobbiest who sells some of his tools to "friends" from your woodworking communities.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/menu-eng.html

My advice? Don't sweat the small stuff. Mark it as what it is and what it's worth. CBSA ain't out to get you. Besides, they have no jurisdiction over you 'Mericans

Cheers!

Gary

 

[bitshird]

Thanks Gary it was the Feds on our side of the creek that worry me.

 

[mywoodshopca]

I wouldnt worry about it Ken.

I usually write the things as a sample or gift and an approx value for insurance reasons.

I do have a commercial import/export license but never use it for hobby things like pens.

I used to import vehicles and still have all my paperwork active incase I want to buy another vehicle sometime :biggrin:

 

[dogcatcher]

This is the basics.
Any person who knowingly submits false or misleading export information through the Shippers Export Declaration (SED) (or any successor document) shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000 per violation or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both. Source: U.S. Code: Title 13 : Section 305