Carrying electronics from USA to Canada

I (a Canadian citizen) bought some consumer electronics in the USA and I will travel back to Canada, carrying the electronics. Some of these are intended as gifts, and some are for my personal use.

Under what circumstance will I have to pay import taxes?

The law indicates that anything entering by mail/courier will have to pay duty. Does this apply to items carried on person as well?

Best Answer

You will have to pay duties on the total value of the goods if this total exceeds the allowed personal exemption, whether the goods are meant as gifts or are for personal use.

If some items were bought during your US visit but will arrive (by mail or otherwise) after you cross the border back to Canada, you must declare these items along with other items you bring back with yourself so the total value of goods your bring back to Canada for this trip includes the value of those items arriving separately from you.

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Will I get charged import tax from USA to Canada?

Any item mailed to Canada may be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty. Unless specifically exempted, you must pay the 5% GST on items you import into Canada by mail.

How do I avoid customs charges from USA to Canada?

Summary of How to Avoid Paying Custom Fees

Don't pay taxes/duties and if they try to deliver, refuse the package.

Wait for the package to arrive in Canada.

Call the courier and let them know you'd like to self-clear. ...

Find your closest CBSA Inland Office.

At the CBSA office, pay the taxes and duties owed.

What can I not bring into Canada from the US?

Services and information

Firearms and weapons.
Food, plants and animals.
Explosives, fireworks and ammunition.
Vehicles.
Cannabis.
Consumer products.

Do you have to declare electronics at Customs?

You must declare all items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States, including gifts for other people as well as items you bought for yourself. This includes duty-free items purchased in foreign countries, as well as any merchandise you intend to sell or use in your business.

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