Bringing goods back to Canada

canadianexpat96
Junior Member



Joined: 28 May 2006
Posts: 14
Location: Cambridge, ON

Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:10 pm

 

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My husband and I are in the US on H1B/H4 visas. We are Canadian citizens but we are not considered residents of Canada for tax purposes. If we are coming for a short visit to Canada do we have any exemptions as far as bringing goods to Canada? I am thinking of buying a new computer monitor for my parents' anniversary(about US$200 in value). Can I bring that in Canada without paying any duties/taxes if I say it is a gift? Is there a difference if the goods are for your personal use or gift for someone? The CBSA website does not have anything for situations like this one.

Thanks

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1449
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:36 am

 

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I think the exemption would be the same as for any traveller to Canada bringing goods in. I think the limit is something like $300 maybe?
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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1582
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:11 pm

 

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The exempt limit is $60 per transferee, i.e. you can buy various people gifts, but each gift(s) is only tax-free up to $60 per person. Over that you would have to pay GST and import duty on the value over $60.

If you say it's for your personal use you have to take it out with you when you leave. You don't benefit from the amounts for Canadian residents obviously.

The idea behind the $60 limit is that in the US it's $50, and at the time that limit was adopted the exchange rate made it $60 in Canada.

At the moment though you'd probably be paying GST and duty on around $145 given the exchange rate.
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Steve.

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1449
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:35 pm

 

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Something like a computer monitor, I'd buy in Canada anyhow, in case they need to have it serviced or there is some other problem. I bought my Mum a computer for her birthday a couple of years ago, but I bought it there, in case she had any problems after I left.
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Are you in the US or Canada? Want to make some extra money? Check out My Watkins website for some awesom products and business opportunity.

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