To Canadian's who buy from the US.

[tallshorty]

I have 2 questions:

1) Can camera/lense purchases from the US be warrantied in Canada?

2) I just bought the Canon 40D from the US and I was wondering what kind of customs/taxes am I to expect? It is shipping to BC.

I am aware that there isn't any duty fee on camera equipment but will I get charged only GST or both GST and PST?

The reason i am asking is because I hear that I should get charged GST and PST but I swear that I got charge only GST on a phone I bought from the US last year. I am really hoping that I will only get charged GST.

 

[greylady]

I have 2 questions:

1) Can camera/lense purchases from the US be warrantied in Canada?

2) I just bought the Canon 40D from the US and I was wondering what
kind of customs/taxes am I to expect? It is shipping to BC.

I am aware that there isn't any duty fee on camera equipment but will
I get charged only GST or both GST and PST?

The reason i am asking is because I hear that I should get charged
GST and PST but I swear that I got charge only GST on a phone I
bought from the US last year. I am really hoping that I will only get
charged GST.

1)Canon service depot in Calgary told me they are required to service U.S.product

2)I would say PST,GST and whatever the broker wants to charge for"handling"(COULD HURT)

I avoid the last charge by dropping across the border and picking it up myself(computers,printers,paper,etc.i then claim it coming across and pay the GST(and in your case...PST)

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloppyshooter/

 

[louie pang]

I think:
1. Canon Canada will service your camera under warranty.
2. GST + PST. + whatever shipping/handling charge.

 

[Ron_M]

My camera and lenses came with an international warrantee. It is good in both Canada and U.S.A.
--
Ron_M

 

[Team Critter]

Just curious, was there any specific reasoning for purchasing from the US? The 40D can actually be had for cheaper here in Canada - oddly enough (and about time!).

-
Team Critter

 

[Ubilam]

I avoid the last charge by dropping across the border and picking it
up myself(computers,printers,paper,etc.i then claim it coming across
and pay the GST(and in your case...PST)

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloppyshooter/

 

[tallshorty]

Well, i bought the 40D with 17-85mm lens in the US for $1440 + $40 shipping = $1480 US. Still cheaper than in Canada but if I get charged GST and PST, then it won't be much cheaper.

Does anyone have any actual experience with custom's charging GST/PST vs. the speculations thus far?

Just curious, was there any specific reasoning for purchasing from
the US? The 40D can actually be had for cheaper here in Canada -
oddly enough (and about time!).

-
Team Critter

 

[Team Critter]

Well, it's my understanding that you will probably get charged both PST and GST, as well as a brokerage fee from the courier company. Who is delivering it? USPS/Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.?

If it's USPS, you are in luck because they charge a $5 flat rate. If it's any of the others, the charges can be all across the board but usually seem to be around $35 and up.

Does anyone have any actual experience with custom's charging GST/PST
vs. the speculations thus far?

Just curious, was there any specific reasoning for purchasing from
the US? The 40D can actually be had for cheaper here in Canada -
oddly enough (and about time!).

-
Team Critter

 

[globe]

1) Can camera/lense purchases from the US be warrantied in Canada?

Everything I have ordered (Canon) from the US comes with an international warranty that is valid in Canada.

2) I just bought the Canon 40D from the US and I was wondering what
kind of customs/taxes am I to expect? It is shipping to BC.

You will get charged both PST and GST shipping into BC. I think that other provinces do not charge PST on imported goods but BC does for sure.

Your shipping method is important too. If you shipped via UPS, make sure that you ship UPS airmail which INCLUDES brokerage fees. If you ship UPS ground, it may be cheaper up front (barely) but will be much more expensive when it arrives. I always felt that USPS was better, but UPS Express is actually a great way to go.

I bought my 70-200 F/4L IS back in June for $1275CDN taxes/duties included.

One other thing to note (not applicable now) is that rebates in the US are instant, whereas rebates in Canada are mail-in. I would say the only reason to shop local is for customer service, and to be able to test different copies of lenses. I was cheap and took a gamble with my lens (from Adorama) and scored on a great copy.

 

[CapnM]

As others have said:

1. You get charged GST + PST.
2. Equipment is covered under North American (USA and Canada) warranty.

3. Brokerage/ shipping depends on the company - I used USPS and was charged only $5 flat rate - beware UPS.

Have you thought about buying from Alberta? The Camera Store ships anywhere in Canada and only charges GST. You're supposed to declare the PST to your province and volunteer payment ;-)

40D US and Canadian prices seem to be on a par, so that might be a way you can save the 8% PST if you decide not to voluntarily declare it.
Cheers

--
http://www.pbase.com/capnm

 

[tallshorty]

Darn, I was really hoping that I'd get charged only GST. But I am 100% certain that my last purchase from the US got charged only GST. That is why I decided to buy it in the US.

If I get charged GST and PST, I'd only save about $80 compared to the BB/FS 10% off sales. If I knew this earlier I would much rather have spent an extra $80 and bought it in Canada than in the US.

It is being shipped via USPS Priority International Mail with no tracking.

 

[greylady]

Not yet....
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloppyshooter/

 

[globe]

beware UPS.

UPS Ground is the one you have to be weary of. UPS Air includes brokerage charges. There are a few UPS "products" for shipping via air, but I believe they all include the fees. I've never had a problem.

Have you thought about buying from Alberta? The Camera Store ships
anywhere in Canada and only charges GST. You're supposed to declare
the PST to your province and volunteer payment ;-)

I've ordered from Ontario before too (www.adencamera.com) and have only been charged PST also. I do know that if you're declaring any of this as a business expense on your income tax, you might get audited for your volunteer PST payments. I myself have never had a problem, but I know some people who have.