kingpenman1

Hi guys,

I am travelling to Barrie, Ontario in May to see a friend who lives there and i hope to cross the border at Niagara Falls and maybe do some shopping at the other side. I was wondering, as a temporary resident of Canada, when i re-enter if i would have to pay any Duty/Tax on any items i have bought?

Thanks in advance.

Former Lancastrian

Same day trip no personal exemption taxes applicable on all items though you might get away with $100 worth of goods.
Over 24 hours less than 48 hours $200 no alcohol or tobacco personal exemptions.
Over 48 hours $800 personal exemption including 1.14 litres spirits OR 1.5 litres wine OR a 24 of beer
200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 200 grammes loose tobacco
http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/...2-3-1-eng.html

kingpenman1

Ok so what if the tags are off the clothes and just in luggage?

Former Lancastrian

Well I hope you have washed them several times so the tags at least look used and the clothes have been worn. There again lack of bilingual labelling and the CA identifier on the tags might be a clue the items were not originally from Canada.

Jerseygirl

At this point it may be worth mentioning what you do for a living.

kingpenman1

Sorry i dont know if i mentioned, i'm a British citizen on vacation, so i wouldnt have CA or bilingual tags.

Former Lancastrian

If only a visitor and returning to the UK and the officer believes you will take the items back then no taxes are payable.
Temporary residents can be also those on work and study permits who are actually living in Canada albeit for a temporary time and they would have to pay if not meeting the personal exemptions for residents.

kingpenman1

Ok thanks, i'm only staying for 10 days, you think proof of my return flight home would be enough for an officer?

Jerseygirl

I have crossed over into Canada dozens of times. When asked what I am bringing into Canada my reply is usually 'nothing that I am not taking with me when I leave'. I have always found the officers at Niagara/Lewiston border crossings to be friendly and courteous. I would be more concerned about getting stuck in the traffic waiting to cross the border.

kingpenman1

Okay thanks very much.

Novocastrian

You do realize that it's a 3 hour drive (depending on the border crossing time) from Barrie to Buffalo?

kingpenman1

Yes

Novocastrian

Good. Now assuming you'd be driving an average vehicle, that'd be about $50 in gas.

Let's imagine that prices are 15% cheaper for clothes in the Walmart in Buffalo compared to the Walmart in Barrie (I assume there is one there but I can't be certain), you'd have to spend at least $500 to make a saving. Plus, presumably the cost of another suitcase to take it all back to the UK.

Why not just shop in the UK in the first place?

kingpenman1

I'm not talking about palces like Walmart, more like Outlets with American brands such as Ralph Lauren and Nike which are considerably cheaper in the states.

Aviator

Do you not also have to pay the NY sales tax of 8.75%?

BC'ers have to pay the WA state sales tax, then BC taxes coming into Canada, so if you get dinged, that can be 20% sales tax, plus any duties if applied.