How do I import stuff from the States?

[murphymurf]

Hey Guys

I want to order parts from Turner motorsports. Basically I'll order some suspension parts/brake parts and so on.......

Could someone educate me on the best process. I have no problem driving down to Point Roberts and picking stuff up from there becuase I've heard that is one way to save.

So if you have done it before could you explain the steps and expenses I should expect.

Thanks!

[Bimmer_Racer]

well from experience, don't ship cross border with anything OTHER THAN USPS. UPS will rip you a new one, and fedex is hit or miss on border fees. other than that you can pick it up and declare it yourself and pay the taxes at the border.

Good luck man sounds like you're gonna be having some good projects ahead.

[onaquest]

all very good points

I always use United States Postal Service (USPS) whenever possible.

[redhatpat]

I had UPS ship up some parts to me once and it was very nearly criminal what they charged me for duty/customs etc. What sort of fees does USPS charge for bringing in parts?

[murphymurf]

So do I just request them to send via UPPS?

[MikesJo]

I get stuff shipped to thelettercarrier.com (located in pt. roberts, less than a minute over the border) and pay something like $2.50 to pick up stuff. Just put your name and use their address. No calling in advance necessary. Make sure you pick up stuff w/ in a few days. They don't verify if it's you or not :).

[redhatpat]

Depot Services & Fees:
Package Handling (Receiving):
1 to 24 Lbs $ 2.00
25 to 70 Lbs $ 2.50
Over 70 Lbs $ 3.25
C.O.D.s $ 4.50
Pallets $ 5.50

Arrival Notification: Phone $ 0.75

Hmm, very attractive pricing.

[murphymurf]

Cool, so upon return through the border I claim it and expect what additional charges?

[arthurmchan]

Assuming that you aren't out of the country long enough to claim a personal exemption, PST (7%) and GST (6.5%). Bring you receipts. Technically, I believe they could also charge you some duty as well if the parts are not made in USA. However, I have only ever had one incident where the official questioned the country of origin for my parts. This happened to be at Point Roberts, and it took a bit of explaining that "Ireland Engineering" is actually in California :lol:

[MikesJo]

13% for taxes. I've only gotten hit with duty once.

[KDS]

Not to sound like a criminal or anything, but I thought the whole point was to NOT declare the items to avoid paying GST, PST and duty. Dishonest? Yes. Risky? That too.

Does anyone know what sort of trouble you'd get into for not declaring items to Canada Customs?

[e30_m3]

I believe car parts are all duty free, except for tires. I've brought tons of stuff through using both The Letter Carrier in Point Roberts and Blaine Enterprises in Blaine. Blaine enterprises is open until 7 on wednesdays which works awesome for me as the border line up short at that time and it seems like the return border gaurds can be lienant.

As for not declaring, never a good idea. If its $75 or less they usually let you go without paying any taxes. If they ask just tell them how much it is and have receipts to back it up. The last thing you need is to have some anal border gaurd blacklisting you.

The reason for shipping to depots on the other side of the border is for saving on the shipping costs. When using UPS you can expect it to cost 3 times more to get over the border. Plus they charge you an insane rate for brokerage.

[edwinelisia]

Yeah, you dont want the border guard always searching your vehicle whenever you go back to canada ! + you will get fine too, around 30-50%, not sure the exact ammount. a friend of mine paid 1G fine for 2G laptop.

[MikesJo]

It's not worth it not declaring and getting caught. Having worked with some of them in the past I know how thorough some of them can be and what a power trip they can go on if they catch you.

You'll get a fine in the amounts of 25-75% of the value of what you bought, plus pay gst+pst as well as having to pay duty if there is any. Then your car gets red flagged for the next 5-10 years meaning a mandatory inspection each time you cross a border point. If they really want to be mean they'll even hold on to your goods. Then penalty goes in increments/levels.

I've had a few friends who've been caught and in the end it's totally not worth it. After paying gst+pst on goods from the US you are still saving money.

It's pretty hard to lie to an officer once they start questioning you :). I've questioned more than a handful of people in the past and every little respect you gained when you first met the officer is lost once they find out you're lying.

[redhatpat]

I believe car parts are all duty free, except for tires.
The last time my wife brought some car parts across the border for me (she works down there) she was asked if any of the parts were OEM. Apparently those aren't duty free.

[rkettner]

i have driven down to seattle or blaine half a dozen times in the last year to get wheels, parts, or other ebay items. not once have i been really raped by the border people. I have just brought my reciepts and had to pay gst and pst.

the last time though the guard was a bit suspicious since it has been frequent. i'll ship stuff across the border for a few months to remain inconspicuous.

they are very familiar if you drop the names of the websites like craigslist or ebay. print out all email correspondence too. they become far more leniant the more paper you show them.