when ordering from the US site:

"For AmazonGlobal items, you won't be charged additional fees if the actual Import Fees exceed the Import Fees Deposit we estimated"

From the UK site:

"For items sold by Amazon EU Sarl, you will not be charged any additional fees if the actual Import Fees exceed the Import Fees Deposit we estimated"

Verdict on what happens if ordering from Marketplace Sellers on Amazon.co.uk:

Parcel delivered today, postman just shoved it in the mailbox - no hassle for extra taxes on book. Clearly stated on customs declaration that it was a book value £5.

Incidentally, also received today a magazine order from Ebay.co.uk - stated as "book" value £7. Nothing asked for on that either.

Thats because the items are less than $20 Canadian not including shipping.

I just got a OBD2 reader for our cars from the states on Amazon.com $27.00 no tax on that either :@)

Its hit and miss if CBSA elect to collect on items. Sifting through thousands of boxes daily and deciding if to collect or not

Yeh I know, I'm sure they log what items go where and to whome? I was buying 2 and 3 cell spy cams from china on ebay, over a few months, moving them on at a few dollars profit, then I ordered 10 !!! Cost almost $450. And I got taxed Lol. $36....ouch....Maybe they thought I was a business, I was selling them on for a few extra $$$ to guys in the spy biz. :@) (tech a business I know)

I Still buy cams but mostly for myself now.

Specifically discussing books/magazines which seem to not come within the $20 rule?

The item’s value in Canadian dollars

Under the provisions of the Postal Imports Remission Order, if someone mails you an item worth CAN$20 or less, you don’t have to pay duty or taxes on the item. If the item is worth more than CAN$20, you must pay the applicable duty, the GST or HST, and any PST on the item’s full value.

Items that do not qualify for the CAN$20 exemption include the following:

tobacco;
books;
periodicals;
magazines;
alcoholic beverages; and
goods ordered through a Canadian post office box or a Canadian intermediary.

This seems more likely the reason we weren't charged.... I suspect they just look at the $20 and ignore it. Perhaps if it were fags or booze they'd look closer.

Amazon is now set up on a way where you pay for the taxes/duties at the time of ordering, and they will even refund if the taxes/duties are less. I just got a 3.65 refund from them for it, and according to Amazon you will not be charged more if the taxes/duties are higher then what Amazon charged, so assume they eat the difference if they screw up.

When ordering from Amazon.com, you should never be charged anything additional on delivery.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=201117970