Does anyone know what the import duties are to Canada for gifts valued higher than CND $60? I have something at a value of $600 that is going to be a gift. As it is an electronic thing with serial number, I would need to declare it and if I don't have it with me if I leave, I'd be up shit creek, right?


I like to keep things straight with customs.

If you bring in goods with you as personal belongings as an immigrant, no tax or duty to pay. Tools of the trade are different and do attract tax and duty. Goods sent by mail or in excess of personal exemptions as taxable and may attract duty.

Personal exemption for over 7 day absence is $750.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...f5056-eng.html

Depends what it is, you need to look up the tariff for it and find out, or phone CBSA - 800-461-9999

If I could find where to look up the tariff, that would be great. I've googled and googled for it but no result.

Tried calling the number. Not available from here.

Would not even bother going there, it is extremely complex and there are hundreds of them. Even brokers get it wrong on occasion. My broker at a land crossing came up with a totally different code to my broker at the airport (same company too). Bring it as a personal import and take a chance, in all likelihood you would be OK. If it is a business import, then get the tariff classification number.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-com...blmod-eng.html

Here is a link to the Canadian Customs Tariff showing all chapters

http://www.canadacustoms.ca/trade-co...blmod-eng.html

Here is a link to Chapter 98. You will see code 9816.00.00.00 this cover casual imports under $60

http://www.canadacustoms.ca/trade-co...010-03-eng.pdf

Here is the description of this for you

9816.00.00 00 Casual donations sent by persons abroad to friends in Canada, or imported personally by persons who are not residents of Canada as gifts to friends, and not being advertising matter, tobacco or alcoholic beverages, then the value thereof does not exceed sixty dollars in anyone case.

If above $60 I am not totally sure, but if Customs insist you/person you are sending the shipment to has to pay duties/taxes on a higher value item

If I read between the lines correctly, you are bringing some piece of electronic equip with you that you plan to give to someone? If it's something that a normal traveller would carry e.g. laptop as opposed to guidance module for a missile, then I wouldn't bother declaring it. How are CBSA to know that you are not taking it back with you when you leave the country?
OK, I know that strictly speaking you should declare it, but I suspect you'd be in the minority if you did.

Coming over and declaring the list of goods accompanying and goods to follow with the B4 I would have to jot down the serial number of the equipment. It is one of the two you mentioned and as I have one for myself I'd be carrying two with me + a screen to use at home.

When we landed in August, I personally was carrying a laptop and a netbook. My wife and daughter each had laptops as well. These were all declared on goods accompanying. In this age of communication, I would be surprised if anyone took any notice. It is easy to argue that you want multiple computers for different rooms and a larger screen to hook up to one.