hi all

i have searched the wikki and have been reading the item regarding taking tools for my job, what i want to know if any of you have got around this by saying that these are for DIY use, can this be done, do they check, and do i need to list every item

thanks for your help
paul

I am sure other people will have done this (not that I am recommending you lie to avoid tax).

There is not a lot of point bringing power tools, even if there is a 220V supply on site you will have to use tools that are CSA/UL certified.

i have no need for power tools in my job, its just hand tools some knifes spanners drivers etc, but some hand tool are quite obvious that they are for my trade not diy, i was just wondering if i could get them through as diy

For DIY I brought all mine over and run on a tranformer when needed

It is customary for a tradesman to have his own tools. If your are on a work permit as a carpenter, for example, it is going to be quite a task to persuade a customs officer that your tools are only for personal use.

You should value your tools as used, and not new, and I guess that if there is a range of possible values there is nothing to stop you choosing the lowest. And, if you have to decide which tools are for work and which are for DIY, remember that tools made in Europe and Asia will have customs duties, as well as sales tax, applied. You will only pay the sales tax on tools made in North America.

If it's obvious that these tools have been used I can't see how it would be a problem. If it is then any Canadian who has ever driven into the USA with a tool kit in the car is a smuggler.

Try driving into the US with a professional quality tool kit and you'll be in for an interesting, extended and tense interview with US Customs Officers.

Coming back into Canada no one is interested in personally owned DIY tools that are already duty and tax paid in Canada. You might be OK with your trade tools as well, but it is worth remembering that they can assess duties and taxes every time you cross the border.

Hubby shipped all his tools over with our household stuff - no one asked if they were for DIY or for his job (here on carpenters visa). He uses them for both, but has never been asked.