[sweetbear8]

Hey everyone, I'm thinking of buying a pair of jeans on ebay for around $70. The item is in US, I live in Canada. Will I be ordered to pay duty or custom charges? I have bought other jeans on ebay for around the same price before, and was never asked to pay duty fee. However I heard horror stories about other Canadian residents having to pay duty fee for items they bought that were less than the amount I paid.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated! I apologize for asking a question that had been answered a couple times already in the past but all the answers were from a few years ago, so I'm not sure if the US/Canadian customs regulations/rules have changed in the recent years.

 

[crazeee4u]

In my experience, it's really a hit or miss. In the 5+ years I've bought stuff online, I was only charged duties once. It really depends on who they ship with. If it is UPS ground, stay far far away! They have brokerage fees as well as custom fees. That's usually who the horror stories are about. If they ship with USPS, that's the best. It transfers to our Canada Post. For those, that was me getting charged duties once. Sometimes you have to pay a $5-$10 fee for their handling fees. Sometimes you'll have to pay tax (but that is determined by which province you're in). The only times you have to pay for duties is if the item is not made in North America (NAFTA).

I hope I made enough sense! haha I just kind of typed in what came into my head.

 

[sweetbear8]

Thanks for all the help! I live in Ontario btw, is that one of that provinces that might make you pay tax? The pair of jeans I'm looking to buy is Diesel... and I heard that the vast majority of Diesels are made in Italy does that mean Diesel jeans are not under the NAFTA?

Thanks again!

 

[crazeee4u]

It's not province-based as to whether or not you'll get charged taxes. What I meant was that in my province (Alberta) we would be charged our GST of 5% as if I'd bought the item in stores here. I think Ont's tax is at 14%? So you may have to pay that but it really depends on if they check your package or not. Since they're Diesels and not made in North America it is subject to duties which I believe is 18%. It really depends on if they check your package or not. Some people get lucky and some don't

 

[sweetbear8]

Oh I see! Haha I thought that certain provinces get away with it while others get slammed with duties. Thanks for all the useful info!

 

[crazeee4u]

no problem!