Scribble

If I import something from the US that is second hand/used, why am I charged GST&PST?
The item I bought (skis) is not elligible for duty due to Canada/US trade agreements so it passes for free therefore why do I have to pay tax? I don't pay tax on second hand items within Canada.

Novocastrian

You do if it's a car.

Scribble

that's a different tax...it's labelled some sort of admin fee and I'm surprised it's even legal for them to get away with

Novocastrian

It's not. It's HST (GST+PST to be precise: PST as you'd expect in Province dependent).

Aviator

All imported goods are subject GST and in some instances PST, the act does not differentiate new or used.

On used goods, if the province has PST, the seller should by law be charging and self reporting PST to the provincial govt. Sellers at garage sales should under some provincial tax legislation be charging PST.

If you buy used goods from a retailer, you will be charged PST and if they are registered, GST as well.