Mailing to Canada via USPS and about those customs fees...

[Condottiere]

Sold some stuff on the forum marketplace, but realized I haven't mailed anything to Canada in ages, could someone help me out?

The package will be shipped via USPS, since I know UPS and Fed Ex charge those fees, but excluding postage, it's $50 of figures. Will the buyer be dinged by customs? 

[Braz]

It's out of your hands but best to forewarn the recipient if they are not aware of the possibility. It's highly unlikely to be dinged by customs for such a small amount. USPS is good , couriers bad, bad, bad . Won't order if ships by courier. If labelled toys, models, or figurines usually passes unscathed in my experience.

[Condottiere]

It's out of your hands but best to forewarn the recipient if they are not aware of the possibility. It's highly unlikely to be dinged by customs for such a small amount. USPS is good , couriers bad, bad, bad . Won't order if ships by courier. If labelled toys, models, or figurines usually passes unscathed in my experience.

Thanks...

Royal Mail is rather fastidious when it concerns thresholds, but wasn't sure about Canada Post: $20 CAD seems too low and differing opinions on other fora whether toys will get one dinged or not. The buyer's aware and and I'm declaring it at value, but planning on ticking the "Gift" box - will this make it worse? 

[grant]

There is NO DUTY on minis. They fall under the "Hobby Collectables" part of the CBSA duty regulations.

Do not tick gift box if it is not a gift. This is fraud. Bad! Although for the amount you're talking about it wouldn't be cared about.

The fees charged are by FedEx ($$$$ 50-100), UPS ($$$ ~50), and USPS via Canada Post - a measley $5 plus GST if the order exceeds $85. Most of the time the $85 limit doesn't get taken into account nor does the $5 fee, and the buyer is free and clear.

The best way to ship to Canada from the US remains USPS.

[Condottiere]

There is NO DUTY on minis. They fall under the "Hobby Collectables" part of the CBSA duty regulations.

Do not tick gift box if it is not a gift. This is fraud. Bad! Although for the amount you're talking about it wouldn't be cared about.

The fees charged are by FedEx ($$$$ 50-100), UPS ($$$ ~50), and USPS via Canada Post - a measley $5 plus GST if the order exceeds $85. Most of the time the $85 limit doesn't get taken into account nor does the $5 fee, and the buyer is free and clear.

The best way to ship to Canada from the US remains USPS.

Thanks. So writing "Toy Soldier" or "Toy Soldier Parts" on the form and ticking "Merchandise" qualify it as under "Hobby Collectables" for the CBSA? Wasn't trying to commit fraud and didn't know about the $85 threshold and that minis have no duty - whenever I Googled, $20 CAD came up and a Canadian got dinged for a model kit from Japan.    

[grant]

Thanks. So writing "Toy Soldier" or "Toy Soldier Parts" on the form and ticking "Merchandise" qualify it as under "Hobby Collectables" for the CBSA? Wasn't trying to commit fraud and didn't know about the $85 threshold and that minis have no duty - whenever I Googled, $20 CAD came up and a Canadian got dinged for a model kit from Japan.    

Do exactly that.

[Sterling Moose]

The correct description is important.  A buddy and I ordered some WOTC Star Wars stuff from Troll and Toad in the US a while back.  T&T put 'Gaming Supplies' on the CN50, we got hit hard by customs fees. I guess 'Gaming Supplies' could be construed as gambling components.

[Condottiere]

Do exactly that.

Thanks...

[Braz]

@Grant  - Thanks for the info about "Hobby Collectables"

[grant]

No worries. I called CBSA one day some years back and chatted. Very much enlightening.

[Mason]

@Grant  - Thanks for the info about "Hobby Collectables"

Grant is spot on with that one.

I have been writing....

Hobby Collectables
(Pewter miniatures)

.....on my Customs forms (from the UK) for all of my parcels to Canada and I have sent dozens without a problem so far.