Canadian customs

Prune · 15th February 2005, 10:56 AM

Can I expect trouble if importing laboratory glassware? I know that in recent years hobby chemistry has become frowned upon (i.e. the terrorists have won -- welcome to our police state). I wonder if I should call customs before hand. I bought quite a bit of stuff from an eBay seller, and he said he'd label is as a gift.

macboy · 15th February 2005, 01:19 PM

I suspect that you'll have more trouble with items marked under real value or as a gift. Besides, the gift exemption only applies to items under $40 (last time I checked), and it may not get you out of paying broker fees. Have the seller ship either using USPS (mail) or one of the more expensive Fedex options, which include brokerage fees in the shipping price (see website to see which exactly). Believe me, it is worth the extra cost since you won't have to fork out another $40 to $60 afterwards. Canada Post charges only $10 for broker fees.

Prune · 15th February 2005, 01:35 PM

I'm not talking about customs charges. I'm talking about customs refusing to let something through. I've had a case before where I ordered a bunch of cooking knives and they sent them back, the *****. In these paranoid times, they might think I'm making drugs or something -- I don't have a chemist license, as this is a hobby.

macboy · 15th February 2005, 04:45 PM

I'd be wary of importing something like chemistry supplies. Even if there is no apparent problem getting the stuff into your hands, you could end up on some kind of "list". So don't be surprised if you are singled out for a full search and other hassles the next time you try to cross the border!

thomas997 · 15th February 2005, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prune
I'm not talking about customs charges. I'm talking about customs refusing to let something through. I've had a case before where I ordered a bunch of cooking knives and they sent them back, the *****. In these paranoid times, they might think I'm making drugs or something -- I don't have a chemist license, as this is a hobby.

Thats such a joke..

I dont see why they would be strict about stuff coming into canada, its more for tax value, etc. It should be the other way around (strict shipping to US).

chemelec · 24th February 2005, 01:30 PM

Why not just buy the glasswhare from a Canadian Supplier?

If the guy on Ebay is a Company, (Most of them Are) and he sends it to you as a Gift, It will create a Delay with Customs and you will still wind up paying Duty and Taxes after a lot of hastle with them. Been there Done That.

Need a Canadian Supplier?
Phone "Anachemia Science" in Vancouver at 604-270-2252

Take care........Gary

dmfraser · 24th February 2005, 11:27 PM

Having once lived in the meth lab capital of Canada, Surrey BC, when you import chmistry equipment into Canada, don't be surprised if the RCMP takes an interest in you. Maybe not today but someday????

planet10 · 25th February 2005, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by macboy Canada Post charges only $10 for broker fees.

Canada Post's fee is $5.

Usually only GST (and maybe PST) is applicable. Make it look official... and have it sent USPS.

dave

rcavictim · 25th February 2005, 06:43 AM

Come up with a company name as part of the shipping address that identifies you as an 'alternate or green fuels research interest'. Canada Customs should get a woody and deliver the stuff to you themselves at no charge after that! If anyone asks tell 'em you are developing a green power source for your Kyota.

Mark A. Gulbrandsen · 4th March 2005, 01:53 PM

Phew! I've spent many an hour at Windsor Customs when going to Canada and taking new cinema sound equipment for customers up there. The actual customs is not that bad but what is annoying are all the stupid French Canadian truck drivers. The way they talk to each other they sound like fools!

Mark

15th February 2005, 10:56 AM	#1
Prune Account Disabled Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vancouver	Canadian customs Can I expect trouble if importing laboratory glassware? I know that in recent years hobby chemistry has become frowned upon (i.e. the terrorists have won -- welcome to our police state). I wonder if I should call customs before hand. I bought quite a bit of stuff from an eBay seller, and he said he'd label is as a gift.

24th February 2005, 11:27 PM	#7
dmfraser diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orange County, CA	Canada Customs Having once lived in the meth lab capital of Canada, Surrey BC, when you import chmistry equipment into Canada, don't be surprised if the RCMP takes an interest in you. Maybe not today but someday???? __________________ Dan Fraser

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15th February 2005, 01:19 PM	#2
macboy diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada	I suspect that you'll have more trouble with items marked under real value or as a gift. Besides, the gift exemption only applies to items under $40 (last time I checked), and it may not get you out of paying broker fees. Have the seller ship either using USPS (mail) or one of the more expensive Fedex options, which include brokerage fees in the shipping price (see website to see which exactly). Believe me, it is worth the extra cost since you won't have to fork out another $40 to $60 afterwards. Canada Post charges only $10 for broker fees.

15th February 2005, 01:35 PM	#3
Prune Account Disabled Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vancouver	I'm not talking about customs charges. I'm talking about customs refusing to let something through. I've had a case before where I ordered a bunch of cooking knives and they sent them back, the *****. In these paranoid times, they might think I'm making drugs or something -- I don't have a chemist license, as this is a hobby.

15th February 2005, 04:45 PM	#4
macboy diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada	I'd be wary of importing something like chemistry supplies. Even if there is no apparent problem getting the stuff into your hands, you could end up on some kind of "list". So don't be surprised if you are singled out for a full search and other hassles the next time you try to cross the border!

24th February 2005, 01:30 PM	#6
chemelec diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2004	Why not just buy the glasswhare from a Canadian Supplier? If the guy on Ebay is a Company, (Most of them Are) and he sends it to you as a Gift, It will create a Delay with Customs and you will still wind up paying Duty and Taxes after a lot of hastle with them. Been there Done That. Need a Canadian Supplier? Phone "Anachemia Science" in Vancouver at 604-270-2252 Take care........Gary

25th February 2005, 06:43 AM	#9
rcavictim diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cool end of a soldering iron NW of Toronto	Come up with a company name as part of the shipping address that identifies you as an 'alternate or green fuels research interest'. Canada Customs should get a woody and deliver the stuff to you themselves at no charge after that! If anyone asks tell 'em you are developing a green power source for your Kyota.

4th March 2005, 01:53 PM	#10
Mark A. Gulbrandsen diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salt Lake City	Phew! I've spent many an hour at Windsor Customs when going to Canada and taking new cinema sound equipment for customers up there. The actual customs is not that bad but what is annoying are all the stupid French Canadian truck drivers. The way they talk to each other they sound like fools! Mark

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