It's not just these, the declared value for CAD tax supposed to be the total COST; meaning the exact amount you paid to get the good in your hand.

My friend got dinged once for some heavy used equipment he had it shipped to near border. It was a only about 2k worth, but the shipping was a few hundred bucks due to size/weight. And as the shipping charge showed on the receipt, he was charged CDN tax on the total: value+US tax+shipping.

Your friend got screwed. They are not supposed to include the shipping charge on the receipt. The lady at the cash register told me it is only the value of the goods, and do not include the shipping price.

the reason your friend was probably charged tax on the shipping was because he probably declared the total amount, shipping included.
cbsa agents are lazy, they probably just invoiced him based on the slip he was given and didn't check to receipts.

they are not going to intentionally charge you on the shipping. Some agents might be dicks, but they aren't going to intentionally screw you over.
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CBSA has training issues.
I imported a used car a few years ago, Pacific truck crossing.
The officer was incompetent, several 'phone calls were required to figure out the deal. After all that it was still wrong.
I got it straightened out at the bonding warehouse in Burnaby with a different officer. This saved me $$$.
It all depends on the individual you get.

sorry i meant motorcycle helmet

Some people will go to great lengths to save a couple bucks. I know someone who bought four tires and had them shipped to Blaine Enterprise. He went over four different times to get groceries and fuel up. He brought back one tire at a time in his spare tire compartment. Only once did the border guard pull him to the side. When they asked why he had a new tire as a spare, his response was, "I don't like the dinky little spare tire" and he was on his way. He did end up saving hundreds as oppose to a couple bucks for the tires by doing this.

i've been asked that question before. i just tell them i get much better deals on amazon.com vs .ca and it's free shipping within the US.

LOL well, 20 minute drive x both ways x 4...that's not too bad if you had time to plan it out and didn't need the tires immediately.

That is actually a great idea. Given the low cost fees for holding it at TLC or whatever at PR. Thanks for the idea :considered:

Just hope no CBSA officers are reading this thread! :troll:

An older border agent told me the same thing as Hehe. Technically it's the cost to acquire the goods, which includes shipping. However, almost none of the border agents actually do this though.

Exactly. It's more about the technicality of the definition. My friend needed proof of custom clearance. So, he just went in with the sales bill, which showed both the shipping and value, and got charged for the total amount.

The same friend who got dinged told me, he now just have them billed him separately. One for goods and another for shipping charges, and never had any problem.

That excuse should only work if the tire was mounted on a rim. Otherwise you can't really call it a spare.

how much are you allowed to declare if your staying over in the states for over 48 hours


also how do you declare something that is used with no receipt?

if you get a really good deal on something and they don't believe the value you declare is there anything you can do

Residents Returning to Canada

48 hours or more: up to CAN$800

May include alcohol and tobacco products, within the prescribed limits set by provincial or territorial authorities. Goods must be in your possession at time of entry to Canada. Travellers absent for periods of 48 hours or more will have the applicable exemption level credited against the total value of goods.

If you have no receipt, they are supposed to go by fair market value.

Print out the ad (craigslist or whatever). Up to you to figure out something. If they don't believe you they may actually phone the seller to confirm the selling price.

Like stated above after an absence of 48 hours you are entitled to an $800.00 exemption. As well as a limited alcohol and tobacco exemption.
You should be able to create a bill of sale with the sellers info/contact info on it and a description of the item, with both parties signatures.