I always have US parts suppliers indicate that they are
shipping "Parts for antique vehicle". This category is exempt
from duty (and is the correct category for a 20+ year old
vehicle like Pokey).

NEVER indicate that they are volkswagen parts. There is a
differential in duty between US parts and import parts.

Thanks,
Chris

---- Original message ----
>Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2003 09:28:34 -0600
>From: Kevin McLean <KMcLean@MORROWENV.COM>
>Subject: Re: Shipping to Canada and customs
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
>> I recall a former posting regarding shipping items to
Canada and a way
>to
>> avoid customs charges.
>>
>> I am shipping some used parts to Canada in the next few
days and do not
>> recall the best method. I do recall not to use FedEx or
UPS but to use
>USPS.
>>
>> Does anyone recall if shipping as a gift is one way to
have the
>recipient
>> not pay customs fees. We will insure the item for $900.
>>
>> Advice needed ASAP
>>
>> William
>
>Canada Post charges a flat $5.00 CDN handling fee, on top of
what ever the
>shipping charges are.  I believe this is less than FedEx,
UPS, etc.
>
>Shipments with a value of less than $20.00 CDN are not
subject to any duty
>or taxes.  Gifts under $60 CDN are also duty and tax exempt.
>
>For shipments over these values, the receiver must pay GST,
PST, HST as
>applicable for each province.  No PST in Alberta :)
>
>I believe auto parts can be subjected to a duty (up to 6% I
believe) but I
>have never had this happen to me.
>
>Typically, USPS - Canada Post is the cheaper way to go.
Keeping the
>declared value low, but still reasonable, will minimize the
taxes.
>
>
>Kevin
>Calgary, AB