U.S. resident has questions re buying used lens from a Canadian

**UncleVanya** · 04-19-2016, 10:40 AM

Originally posted by Ontarian50

Ebay sent me this notice on March 11, 2016.

"Selling to US buyers just got easier.

As of yesterday, the United States has increased their de minimis threshold from US$200 to US$800. In practice, this means that goods shipped by Canadians to US buyers will only be assessed for duties if their value exceeds US$800.

This change should make Canadian exporters on eBay even more competitive: Canadian inventory does well in the US and now a key barrier for US buyers has been lifted. Canadian sellers who have previously shied away from listing high-value items should re-consider these decisions in light of this de minimis increase.

The threshold change is due to the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which President Obama signed into law in late February. eBay actively supported this legislation and we’re pleased to see it finally come into effect – it will be a huge benefit for international sellers who ship to the US. (Learn more.)

Sincerely,

eBay Canada"

I can confirm that coming back from the EU that's the amount we were told was duty free for goods purchased overseas as well.
We just got back 4/4/16.
My recent tripod purchase was just over $200 and came from Canada this week - no duties.

stevebrot · 04-19-2016, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

I maybe wrong but NAFTA should only apply to good produced in North America.

The pertinent regulations for importing from Canada are those involving "most favored nations". NAFTA is not involved. Photographic cameras, lenses, and accessories come in duty-free from Canada and many other countries. To the best of knowledge, the ability of local jurisdictions in the U.S. to collect sales taxes is limited for goods purchased outside the country, so that should not be a problem.

Exporting to Canada is similar in regards to duty, but since there is a national VAT, I think it is safe to assume that will be assessed to the recipient at some point. If so, it will not be the responsibility of the seller to collect the tax.

I have found that it is best to use the Canada and U.S. postal systems. UPS and other package delivery services will impose a customs brokerage fee ($$) that is usually completely unnecessary. My understanding is that they do this as a form of insurance regarding their service level. A customs broker is bonded to pay any duty with the result that the goods are not held at the border or post office or a customs warehouse and the carrier is able to deliver 2nd day or whatever.

Steve

(...bought from Canada and sold to Canadians...used to do work related to import/export and customs laws...)

Newfie · 04-19-2016, 11:20 AM

While the OP is discussing a purchase from the US, I live in Canada and will never again buy from anyone on ebay that uses the awful ebay Global Shipping program that is administered (or should I say racketeered) by Pitney Bowes.

Just google it. Lots of Canadians burned by it, me included. They use outrageous brokerage fees and trying to find someone accountable when shipping gets delayed, etc., is near impossible.

If the person you are buying from in Canada is using this service, then you might experience some headaches. I know that Canadian ebayers have been burned by the Global Shipping program in the past.

Other than that, if the Canadian seller gives you a hard time, just tell him Gord in Toronto or Frank from Saskatoon will come knocking at his door ... we're a small country and know each other ... ;-)

Take care,
Newfie

pathdoc · 04-19-2016, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by johnyates

So, only buy from sellers who ship Canada Post.

Within Canada, absolutely.

It may be CRA - all I know is that I'm getting plugged. I'm not sure it isn't customs - I have something arriving from the US soon, and I shall take more careful note of exactly who is claiming my money.

**gofour3** · 04-19-2016, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

I'm in Canada. Customs have hit me with something for foreign lenses EVERY TIME (doubtless NL sales tax). It takes the shine off buying from ebay in the US. Buying new, the Canadian prices are so crazy for some things that B&H has a slight edge.

You can get charged sales tax for anything you import by mail for over $20.00. It just depends on the mood of the CBSA agent, sometimes you get lucky sometimes not.

Importing by Mail

Phil.

slip · 04-19-2016, 02:40 PM

If it is sent from Canada with Canada Post, once it gets to the US USPS takes it from there. As far as I know, neither postal service charges brokerage fees, which can be $$.
I once paid $60 brokerage fee for a $150 lens. Never again make that mistake

Randy

**Quartermaster James** · 04-19-2016, 04:41 PM

I have friends in Canada. I can't send them gifts without someone hosing them.

Originally posted by pathdoc

Within
Canada, absolutely.

It may be CRA - all I know is that I'm getting plugged. I'm not sure it isn't customs - I have something arriving from the US soon, and I shall take more careful note of exactly who is claiming my money.

dsmithhfx · 04-20-2016, 05:29 AM

Originally posted by slip

If it is sent from Canada with Canada Post, once it gets to the US USPS takes it from there. As far as I know, neither postal service charges brokerage fees, which can be $$.
I once paid $60 brokerage fee for a $150 lens. Never again make that mistake

Randy

Yep, the brokerage fees are killer. 'Customs' is usually just the destination province GST (federal + provincial sales taxes). Avoid UPS and FedEx, always go with USPS if possible. Otherwise factor the huge markup into what you are willing to pay.

pathdoc · 04-20-2016, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by dsmithhfx

Otherwise factor the huge markup into what you are willing to pay.

E-bay is usually reasonably honest at indicating what this is going to be - for BIN purchases. And I can factor that in and live with it, if it's stated up front and I really, desperately want what's on offer. For bidding wars that might end high, though, it's a different matter.

My biggest gripe/puzzlement with E-bay is that two different sellers from California (about as far from Newfoundland as it's possible to get and still be in the lower 48) can ask $20 or close to $60 (sometimes even more) in postage for an item of about the same size and nature, and sometimes a great BIN price is wrecked by hideous postage. It sort of sucks to be in NL because air or sea transport is mandatory; nothing can come purely by road.

But that's an entirely different gripe.

dsmithhfx · 04-20-2016, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

E-bay is usually reasonably honest at indicating what this is going to be - for BIN purchases. And I can factor that in and live with it, if it's stated up front and I really, desperately want what's on offer. For bidding wars that might end high, though, it's a different matter.

My biggest gripe/puzzlement with E-bay is that two different sellers from California (about as far from Newfoundland as it's possible to get and still be in the lower 48) can ask $20 or close to $60 (sometimes even more) in postage for an item of about the same size and nature, and sometimes a great BIN price is wrecked by hideous postage. It sort of sucks to be in NL because air or sea transport is mandatory; nothing can come purely by road.

But that's an entirely different gripe.

I think P & S and 'brokerage' are two areas open to abuse by unscrupulous sellers, who low-ball their asking price then make up for it on these 'hidden' extra charges. Noticed this a lot when pricing film on ebay.

IgorZ · 04-20-2016, 11:32 AM

I wonder if there is a difference between buying from a business vs buying from an individual. I never had problems buying from Americans on Ebay and never paid anything above the purchase price. I once bought a $115 item from a US business and had to pay duties and a $70 brokerage fee. Wasn't happy at all about that, as there was no prior indication of such costs.

johnyates · 04-21-2016, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by Newfie

or Frank from Saskatoon will come knocking at his door

Had a beer with Frank last night . . . .he sez to tell you 'hello'

Church Key · 04-24-2016, 06:50 PM

Bought a lens from a Canadian a few weeks ago. Was an excellent experience. Shipping was by Canadian Post (cost $19 USD), sent on Monday, delivered by the USPS on Thursday. I wish all transactions went this smoothly.

**c.a.m** · 04-24-2016, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by johnyates

Had a beer with Frank last night . . . .he sez to tell you 'hello'

(How is Frank? I haven't seen him for quite a while.)

I have sold a number of cameras and lenses to buyers in the US through eBay. I ship by Canada Post, and the items are delivered by USPS. I am not aware that any of the items attracted any additional fees such as customs or sales taxes. And the delivery times were fairly speedy.

- Craig

**pepperberry farm** · 04-25-2016, 03:18 AM

I just received a lens from Canada, via Canada Post (and then USPS) - no additional fees beyond shipping charges at all...

04-19-2016, 10:55 AM	#17
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Not a Number I maybe wrong but NAFTA should only apply to good produced in North America. The pertinent regulations for importing from Canada are those involving "most favored nations". NAFTA is not involved. Photographic cameras, lenses, and accessories come in duty-free from Canada and many other countries. To the best of knowledge, the ability of local jurisdictions in the U.S. to collect sales taxes is limited for goods purchased outside the country, so that should not be a problem. Exporting to Canada is similar in regards to duty, but since there is a national VAT, I think it is safe to assume that will be assessed to the recipient at some point. If so, it will not be the responsibility of the seller to collect the tax. I have found that it is best to use the Canada and U.S. postal systems. UPS and other package delivery services will impose a customs brokerage fee ($$) that is usually completely unnecessary. My understanding is that they do this as a form of insurance regarding their service level. A customs broker is bonded to pay any duty with the result that the goods are not held at the border or post office or a customs warehouse and the carrier is able to deliver 2nd day or whatever. Steve (...bought from Canada and sold to Canadians...used to do work related to import/export and customs laws...) Last edited by stevebrot; 04-19-2016 at 11:02 AM.

04-19-2016, 11:20 AM	#18
Newfie Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 65	The only concern on ebay is their Global Shipping Program While the OP is discussing a purchase from the US, I live in Canada and will never again buy from anyone on ebay that uses the awful ebay Global Shipping program that is administered (or should I say racketeered) by Pitney Bowes. Just google it. Lots of Canadians burned by it, me included. They use outrageous brokerage fees and trying to find someone accountable when shipping gets delayed, etc., is near impossible. If the person you are buying from in Canada is using this service, then you might experience some headaches. I know that Canadian ebayers have been burned by the Global Shipping program in the past. Other than that, if the Canadian seller gives you a hard time, just tell him Gord in Toronto or Frank from Saskatoon will come knocking at his door ... we're a small country and know each other ... ;-) Take care, Newfie

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04-19-2016, 10:40 AM	#16
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,476	Originally posted by Ontarian50 Ebay sent me this notice on March 11, 2016. "Selling to US buyers just got easier. As of yesterday, the United States has increased their de minimis threshold from US$200 to US$800. In practice, this means that goods shipped by Canadians to US buyers will only be assessed for duties if their value exceeds US$800. This change should make Canadian exporters on eBay even more competitive: Canadian inventory does well in the US and now a key barrier for US buyers has been lifted. Canadian sellers who have previously shied away from listing high-value items should re-consider these decisions in light of this de minimis increase. The threshold change is due to the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which President Obama signed into law in late February. eBay actively supported this legislation and we’re pleased to see it finally come into effect – it will be a huge benefit for international sellers who ship to the US. (Learn more.) Sincerely, eBay Canada" I can confirm that coming back from the EU that's the amount we were told was duty free for goods purchased overseas as well. We just got back 4/4/16. My recent tripod purchase was just over $200 and came from Canada this week - no duties.

04-19-2016, 11:54 AM	#19
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by johnyates So, only buy from sellers who ship Canada Post. Within Canada, absolutely. It may be CRA - all I know is that I'm getting plugged. I'm not sure it isn't customs - I have something arriving from the US soon, and I shall take more careful note of exactly who is claiming my money.

04-19-2016, 02:21 PM	#20
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	Originally posted by pathdoc I'm in Canada. Customs have hit me with something for foreign lenses EVERY TIME (doubtless NL sales tax). It takes the shine off buying from ebay in the US. Buying new, the Canadian prices are so crazy for some things that B&H has a slight edge. You can get charged sales tax for anything you import by mail for over $20.00. It just depends on the mood of the CBSA agent, sometimes you get lucky sometimes not. Importing by Mail Phil.

04-19-2016, 02:40 PM	#21
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	If it is sent from Canada with Canada Post, once it gets to the US USPS takes it from there. As far as I know, neither postal service charges brokerage fees, which can be $$. I once paid $60 brokerage fee for a $150 lens. Never again make that mistake Randy

04-19-2016, 04:41 PM	#22
Quartermaster James Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 653	I have friends in Canada. I can't send them gifts without someone hosing them. Originally posted by pathdoc Within Canada, absolutely. It may be CRA - all I know is that I'm getting plugged. I'm not sure it isn't customs - I have something arriving from the US soon, and I shall take more careful note of exactly who is claiming my money.

04-20-2016, 05:29 AM	#23
dsmithhfx Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 5,155	Originally posted by slip If it is sent from Canada with Canada Post, once it gets to the US USPS takes it from there. As far as I know, neither postal service charges brokerage fees, which can be $$. I once paid $60 brokerage fee for a $150 lens. Never again make that mistake Randy Yep, the brokerage fees are killer. 'Customs' is usually just the destination province GST (federal + provincial sales taxes). Avoid UPS and FedEx, always go with USPS if possible. Otherwise factor the huge markup into what you are willing to pay.

04-20-2016, 09:28 AM	#24
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by dsmithhfx Otherwise factor the huge markup into what you are willing to pay. E-bay is usually reasonably honest at indicating what this is going to be - for BIN purchases. And I can factor that in and live with it, if it's stated up front and I really, desperately want what's on offer. For bidding wars that might end high, though, it's a different matter. My biggest gripe/puzzlement with E-bay is that two different sellers from California (about as far from Newfoundland as it's possible to get and still be in the lower 48) can ask $20 or close to $60 (sometimes even more) in postage for an item of about the same size and nature, and sometimes a great BIN price is wrecked by hideous postage. It sort of sucks to be in NL because air or sea transport is mandatory; nothing can come purely by road. But that's an entirely different gripe.

04-20-2016, 10:31 AM	#25
dsmithhfx Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 5,155	Originally posted by pathdoc E-bay is usually reasonably honest at indicating what this is going to be - for BIN purchases. And I can factor that in and live with it, if it's stated up front and I really, desperately want what's on offer. For bidding wars that might end high, though, it's a different matter. My biggest gripe/puzzlement with E-bay is that two different sellers from California (about as far from Newfoundland as it's possible to get and still be in the lower 48) can ask $20 or close to $60 (sometimes even more) in postage for an item of about the same size and nature, and sometimes a great BIN price is wrecked by hideous postage. It sort of sucks to be in NL because air or sea transport is mandatory; nothing can come purely by road. But that's an entirely different gripe. I think P & S and 'brokerage' are two areas open to abuse by unscrupulous sellers, who low-ball their asking price then make up for it on these 'hidden' extra charges. Noticed this a lot when pricing film on ebay.

04-20-2016, 11:32 AM	#26
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	I wonder if there is a difference between buying from a business vs buying from an individual. I never had problems buying from Americans on Ebay and never paid anything above the purchase price. I once bought a $115 item from a US business and had to pay duties and a $70 brokerage fee. Wasn't happy at all about that, as there was no prior indication of such costs.

04-21-2016, 09:55 AM	#27
johnyates Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saskatoon, SK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,345	Originally posted by Newfie or Frank from Saskatoon will come knocking at his door Had a beer with Frank last night . . . .he sez to tell you 'hello'

04-24-2016, 06:50 PM	#28
Church Key Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: West (By Gawd) Virginia Posts: 133	Bought a lens from a Canadian a few weeks ago. Was an excellent experience. Shipping was by Canadian Post (cost $19 USD), sent on Monday, delivered by the USPS on Thursday. I wish all transactions went this smoothly.

04-24-2016, 07:31 PM	#29
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,194	Originally posted by johnyates Had a beer with Frank last night . . . .he sez to tell you 'hello' (How is Frank? I haven't seen him for quite a while.) I have sold a number of cameras and lenses to buyers in the US through eBay. I ship by Canada Post, and the items are delivered by USPS. I am not aware that any of the items attracted any additional fees such as customs or sales taxes. And the delivery times were fairly speedy. - Craig

04-25-2016, 03:18 AM	#30
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,797	I just received a lens from Canada, via Canada Post (and then USPS) - no additional fees beyond shipping charges at all...