Tips for customers importing from the US to Canada
For Canadians looking to save on import and broker fees when buying from the USA, here are streamlined tips:
1. **Self-Clearance**: You can avoid brokerage fees by self-clearing your items. Contact the courier to obtain the necessary paperwork and present it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to pay any duties and taxes directly[5].
2. **Choose a Different Broker**: If you don't want to self-clear, consider using a third-party customs broker. They may offer more competitive rates than the brokerage service provided by the shipping company[5].
3. **Plan Ahead**: If you're a frequent importer, establish a relationship with a customs broker before you make your purchase. This can streamline the process and potentially reduce costs[5].
4. **Understand Duties and Taxes**: Be aware of the types of items you're purchasing and the associated duties and taxes. Use the CBSA's duty and taxes estimator to get an idea of the costs involved[5].
5. **Examine Shipping Options**: Some shipping options may include brokerage fees in their overall cost, which might be more economical than paying for shipping and brokerage separately[5].
* contributed by customer Mason - shipped to Saskatoon SK S7K 6A5
Citations:
[1] https://betterdwelling.com/this-weeks-top-stories-canada-cant-double-its-housing-output-rate-hike-impact-still-coming/
[2] https://betterdwelling.com/canada-cant-double-housing-output-it-cant-even-stop-it-from-dropping-bmo/
[3] https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/funding-financement/rbm-gar/tip_sheet_2_2-fiche_conseil_2_2.aspx?lang=eng
[4] https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/goals-aspirations/travel-and-cross-border/travelling-and-shopping-in-the-us/cross-border-shopping-10-quick-money-saving-tips-for-canadian-travellers/
[5] https://www.newscanada.com/en/cross-border-shopping-hacks-92932
1. **Self-Clearance**: You can avoid brokerage fees by self-clearing your items. Contact the courier to obtain the necessary paperwork and present it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to pay any duties and taxes directly[5].
2. **Choose a Different Broker**: If you don't want to self-clear, consider using a third-party customs broker. They may offer more competitive rates than the brokerage service provided by the shipping company[5].
3. **Plan Ahead**: If you're a frequent importer, establish a relationship with a customs broker before you make your purchase. This can streamline the process and potentially reduce costs[5].
4. **Understand Duties and Taxes**: Be aware of the types of items you're purchasing and the associated duties and taxes. Use the CBSA's duty and taxes estimator to get an idea of the costs involved[5].
5. **Examine Shipping Options**: Some shipping options may include brokerage fees in their overall cost, which might be more economical than paying for shipping and brokerage separately[5].
* contributed by customer Mason - shipped to Saskatoon SK S7K 6A5
Citations:
[1] https://betterdwelling.com/this-weeks-top-stories-canada-cant-double-its-housing-output-rate-hike-impact-still-coming/
[2] https://betterdwelling.com/canada-cant-double-housing-output-it-cant-even-stop-it-from-dropping-bmo/
[3] https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/funding-financement/rbm-gar/tip_sheet_2_2-fiche_conseil_2_2.aspx?lang=eng
[4] https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/goals-aspirations/travel-and-cross-border/travelling-and-shopping-in-the-us/cross-border-shopping-10-quick-money-saving-tips-for-canadian-travellers/
[5] https://www.newscanada.com/en/cross-border-shopping-hacks-92932