In a message dated 16/09/2005 2:23:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Can  anyone help me understand customs duties?

I imported $408 US worth of  parts from the US to Canada and got charged $74
in duties/taxes.   There was no form on the parcel to indicate what the
charges were.  Is  this typical?  I was thinking about getting an engine from
the US to  Canada next year and I wonder if I'd face a big duty  hit.

Jeff, was there not a customs form outlining the  charges for Duty, PST & GST
?  All packages I receive have them if they  get charged.  Some packages slip
through without being charged, no  explanation and I don't ask so the worms
stay in the can !  The law is that  if the item being imported is new,
manufactured in Mexico, USA or Canada there  is no Duty.  PST & GST always apply.  If
the item is new,  manufactured outside of Mexico, USA or Canada then there may
be Duty  applied.  Used parts should have no duty but PST & GST apply on all
sales !  Actually, before I say any more without current first hand
knowledge why don't you pick up the phone and call your local Customs office and  ask
what the current rules are.  Very simple phone call to those who  actually
make the charges will get you the correct information.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat & Lionel  Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or http://frankcondelli.com
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 09 ~ 12,  2005