iamcanadian

For those that have imported wheels from the US, do you have any idea what fees we get nailed with if we order wheels from the states? I heard that there is a 6% duty on Japanese wheels and would expect one on non-US made tires. Is there an enviro tax on tires? Also, as far as broker fees go my experience is that USPS and FedEx are the 2 best. Can anyone confirm? Thanks in advance for any answers.

M

Rick/Kimberly

I'm guessing you bought a set of 4 wheels with mounted tires. I'm not 100% sure
but if your supplier ships UPS or FedEx, ask the supplier to write in the declaration as "aftermarket auto parts". If they do this, there is no duty as it doesn't apply to parts. You can check the CCRA website for official info. This is what I do when I order parts for my VW from Chicago. Before I did this I always paid duty.

Wing

I bought a set, I had them shipped to the US and I drove back over the border with them, I was only charged PST and GST no Duty. I am guessing if it is used there is no-duty? Not sure why I expected to pay 6%.

Oh and they do not charge you tax on your shipping cost, so declare only the value of the goods not the total shipped value.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

'Wing' has a good handle on the problem - there is only GST for you in AB.
Japanese items have to pay the duty when they enter the 'Free Trade Zone', but it is paid by the importer, unless YOU are bringing direct from Japan. Once in the zone they move around duty free, just pay sales tax.

If you can do like Wing, and get them dropped off to someone near the border, you can drive them in for just GST. I am quite a ways north, I have used 'Colepak' brokers, in Sweetgrass Montana. They look after the paperwork, then ship them on, but they're not exactly cheap.

S

scoop

I would check some Canadian prices first . . . When I bought some mags and tires in the past some of the guys in Toronto ended up being cheaper and they will ship. Specifically I have had good luck with Tireworks (Mississauga) and Steelcase Tires and Mags (Markham?). There is some real competition in Toronto, unlike other areas in the country (like here) were they want ridiculously inflated list prices for performance tires. Anyhow it might be worth a couple quick phone calls before laying down the cash and dealing with the cross border logistics. And rule number one, watch out for stuff shipped with UPS that is not sent at the international rates with pre-clearance, they will rob you blind on brokerage fees. They got me badly a couple times and once on Christmas gifts sent to the kids by a relative, to them I deliver a lump of coal . . .

iamcanadian

Thanks for the insight everyone, good suggestions and helpful. The difference in price is very large (duty or not) and I have made many a call in Alberta and BC, perhaps I will follow Scoop's advice and call a few spots out east. Word on UPS, I think everyone has been robbed by those guys! Cheers.

M

Danielson

I personnally used UPS and I made the promess to never do it again !!
Way too expensive !!

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Talon tire in Montreal came up with the original winter tire group buy for us early owners, give them a try -
Talon
Ask for John, he did all the fitting for the 17" snow tires/wheels.

It is really competitive to order your tires, even as far as Quebec, KAL Tire here in Edmonchuk couldn't (wouldn't) beat the price. It was $50 shipping, plus $16 tire tax for Alberta. They came wrapped, and well balanced.

S

RX4life

true that....their base shiping rates are cheap but when you tack on customs charges.. duty charges..GST.. PST and all that ****.. its gets pretty steep..

bean438

Here is the lowdown on UPS (or any courier) and customs.
Anything US, or Mexico made, there is no duty, only gst/pst.
No duty on electronics, regardless of country of origin. gst/pst applies.
As for the "brokerage" fees, yes they are criminal but you do not have to pay them.
You have the option of clearing your own parcel through customs. Depending on the individual and actual fee it may not be worth your while. For me it is.
Once you get a tracking number, phone the customer service 1 800 line. Tell them you will "clear your own parcel through customs". When it arrives they will call you to tell you your parcel is in.
You go down to the courier and pick up the paper work, and take it to customs. (most courier warehouses are very close to the customs office).
Customs looks at the paperwork and will charge you the duty/gst/pst that is due.
They stamp your paper work. Go back to the courier and take your parcel home.
It really is that easy. UPS makes it sound like its is a big deal, and that they are doing you a huge favor by clearing your parcel for you.
The only time it may be a hassle is if customs decides to inspect your parcel.
*Most* of the time if your package is from a reputable firm it is just a matter of paying the taxes.
If they want to inspect, then you will have to make a second trip a day or 2 later to pick up your parcel.
The minimum charge is around 28 dollars. UPS charged me this to "clear" a 25 dollar book.
You read correctly...28 dollar broker fee to clear a 25 dollar book.
Many online shops will ship via USPS if you ask them to. The broker fee is 5 dollars for the post office to clear your parcel.
Bottom line, clear your own package or use USPS if possible.

iamcanadian

That is really helpful bean438. Exactly the sort of info I was looking for. The brokerage goes up with the value, but I noticed it started high and then does not go up THAT much. For instance on $100 it is $28 but on $2K it is $65. Its easier to take on the $2K. Not sure if I will clear them or pay UPS, but I called them to nail down the fees. Thanks again.

bean438

No problem at all. I just wanted to de mistify the whole customs thing.
For some people 65 bucks is no big deal. For me I dont mind doing it and I am close enough to do it.