When it comes to ordering new car parts for personal use from the USA, can anyone summarize the do's and don'ts? For example are there minimum or maximum $ amounts that one should be mindful of? Thanks in advance.
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
When it comes to ordering new car parts for personal use from the USA, can anyone summarize the do's and don'ts? For example are there minimum or maximum $ amounts that one should be mindful of? Thanks in advance.
There's no duty on car parts so you just pay the taxes and go.
If you do use UPS or FEDEX (which you should avoid because of brokerage fees) make sure both you and the seller check off the right options so that you can clear customs yourself (if you want to save some $$)...
Those of us close to a border will use a parcel service and pick up the parts on a road trip and clear customs ourselves at the border... there are services along the border towns that give you a US address for $2-5/box. Even better, if you drive down on empty, fill up over the line, the gas savings pays for the trip!! (can you tell i'm ukrainian?!)
Do you also have to prove that the parts are made in the USA in order to avoid duties?
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
A UPS guy told me that if the customs form states: "Parts made in USA", there will be no Brokerage fees or duty. not sure if its true, but it was right from the horses mouth
And you would have to have the seller on board to get the wording right when it is sent.
This only aplies if the part was made in the usa, of couse all the good old greasy car parts are!
-- Edited by beaumontguru on Tuesday 15th of February 2011 06:29:44 PM
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Beaumontguru
MY BEAUMONT HAS 4 STUDDED TIRES AND 2 BLOCKHEATERS......AND LOTS OF OIL UNDERNEATH. The other one has a longer roof.
I find it's easyer to drive down to pick up the parts or have them shipped to US addr. Went to Summit last mth, brought home almost $800 in parts after staying 2 nights, your allowed 400 after 48 hrs. My buddy didn't buy anything so he declared his $400. had no problems crossing back,asked for "bill" went to back & looked at the boxes gave us the bill & passports back & said "have a save trip home" also filled up with $ 2:80 a Gal gas b-4 hitting the border. What a shock on the next fill up back in "highway robbery" at the pumps CANADA
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
I went over to N.P.D. (national parts depot) last friday. I picked up $629.00 worth of parts. When I was asked if I had anything to declare I told him and he gave me a slip of paper and told me where the customs and duties dept. was. When I went in a women told me she would help me. I gave her the slip of paper and my licence, and she asked me what school I went to. I told her and she introduced herself. She was a class mate of mine, and we had not seen each other in the last 45 years. Since there was no-one behind me we talked about the old days and other classmates for about 15 minutes. I tell you this story so you know it was not a stranger I was dealing with. She apologized and said I'm sorry but you owe $80.88 duty. I wish I could do something for you, but I can't. Two weeks ago when I went to NPD I told the guy at The border I bought $109.00 worth of parts for my classic car and he said you can go. I think there is a dollar limit they will let go before they charge you. It's some-where between $109 and $629. Leo
Antique Auto Parts (I believe for cars 25 years or older) do not have duty applied to them, but you have to pay the 5% GST.
I cannot comment regarding other Auto Parts - I suspect they may have both duty and GST.
When getting parts for my 70 from the US (typically from ebay), I always instruct the sender to describe the items as "Antique Auto Parts", and for them to claim the actual value of the item in US funds. When sent via USPS Mail, Canada Post does the customs brokerage for a $5 fee, adds in the GST on the amount converted to Cdn funds, and leaves a slip in my mailbox to pick up over at the post office. On occasion (typically if the item is small, and always if the item is less than $20), Canada Post leaves it at my front door and I pay no brokerage or GST.
UPS & Fedex will charge much more to do the customs brokerage, and will also charge an amount in conjuction with the amount they needed to pay out for duty or GST.
However, many US individuals and companies prefer UPS or Fedex because they pick up, where as for many they need to take it to the post office to send via USPS. Many towns still only have 1 post office, so the sender needs to go there and stand in line for an hour, etc.
Clint I was going to correct you on the TAX, but I see where you live & you don't have the HST [Harper Screw Tax] 13 o/o now since this came to Ontario!! OH Joy OH Joy!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
We have all U.S. purchases sent to "shipping store" in Port Huron Michigan 80 miles away.. Barbara goes over once a month... We always tell what the amount of goods are! and if there two of us we seem to get up to $400.00 duty free
I had two 275/40R-20 Pirelli Take offs sent from Arizona and they were 375.00 for 2 plus what she bought and it was no problem.. The shipper in Arizonia taped a nice tag on each tire, that said Used Tires, but no one looked I always pull up close to the booth window, take off my sunglasses, and look at them eye to eye.. They think I am a harmless Senior loll
I usually have the same scenario that Clint had. That is until I had an order over $1600. I don't think customs had any idea it was for my business as the parcel was addressed to me. Your best bet is to call customs.
I think I've got to go on a vacation to the USA, packing light with some empty duffle bags, and coordinate a free delivery to the hotel. Thanks for the feedback.
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
I've got a brake porportioning valve coming up by mail from South Carolina. Will let you know how it cross the border & if any "extras" attached to it!!! Small pkg. should be no problem????
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
I just received a package from summit , shipped uspost .It came to my door ,no gst or canada post charge. Sometimes I get gst and postal charge added, don't know why. I've been happy with uspost.
I just received a package from summit , shipped uspost .It came to my door ,no gst or canada post charge. Sometimes I get gst and postal charge added, don't know why. I've been happy with uspost.
Probably a Customs charge. Sometimes they just x-ray a parcel and sometimes they open it. It's random. Sometimes a parcel will go from A to B without being touched by Customs.
-- Edited by Pontiacanada on Wednesday 16th of February 2011 10:13:50 AM
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
I have brought many parts up from the states. Smaller stuff I have shipped direct and the larger, as in more money I have shipped to the birder and then pick it up. I have never been charged dutu on car parts, just gst.
I just received a package from summit , shipped uspost .It came to my door ,no gst or canada post charge. Sometimes I get gst and postal charge added, don't know why. I've been happy with uspost.
U.S Post is the best for shipping to Canada a little slower but no charges
Thanks for all the feedback. Some of the items I require are "bulkier". (IE Carpet, interior door panels, etc.) I think I need to find a way to coordinate the purchase with a trip to Disneyland as the savings would help fund the trip. (I'll file this experience under "If you want something bad enough, you can justify it". LOL)
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
If you are looking for carpet and that sort of stuff, you may want to consider going to the Portland, OR swap meet in April 1-3. There are usually lots of vendors there selling repop stuff and others selling used stuff. Best thing is that OR does not have sales tax!!
I usually go every year with my son-in-law. My wife's parents live in OR so I get to do what I want and my wife can visit her parents. Win win.
I have run across guys from Edmonton before, might be worth it. Other wise set up a delivery address in Sweetgrass, MT and get stuff shipped there. Probably will save enough on shipping and brokerage to pay for the gas.
I've also had stuff shipped to hotels that i was staying at in the states if i happened to be down there.... surprisingly they were ok with accepting a box or two for me!!
Clint I was going to correct you on the TAX, but I see where you live & you don't have the HST [Harper Screw Tax] 13 o/o now since this came to Ontario!! OH Joy OH Joy!!!
Sorry, I was incorrect in my last post. After reading what dualquadpete wrote above, I re-read my bill. It was tax for $80.88 I paid not for duty. Leo
