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Topic: Importing a Steel from Canada to USA |
Tim Walker
From:
Marin County, CA (originally U.K)
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Posted 6 May 2010 2:15 pm |
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Hi,
I know this isn't really a pedal steel question but I've looked online and can't find any straight forward answers.
I'm interested in buying a used steel from Canada but need to find out how the import duties work - does anyone have experience of this ?
I've spoken to Fedex and they can do the brokerage but couldn't give me an idea on the actual duty fees. The guitar was made in Canada - new models are covered under a free trade agreement but I can't find out if that extends to used models.
Any tips/direction would be great.
Thanks alot,
Tim |
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Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 6 May 2010 3:10 pm
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Tim, it would be best for you to contact your nearest customs office. They will have all the answers for you. Even if there is free trade on a steel (I am not sure of this) you might still be liable to pay local state taxes, if any.
_________________
BenRom Pedal Steel Guitars
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212050572323614/ |
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Keith Davidson
From:
Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted 6 May 2010 5:45 pm
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hey Tim, don't know how much help I'll be with this question (it's been a while and I'm not sure how accurate this is) but anytime I purchased goods from the US and brought into Canada I THINK I had to pay approximately $60 in brokerage fees per $500. Pretty sure taxes would have to be added in as well.
It's the exact opposite (US to Can. vs Can to US) of what you are doing but I don't think there would be much difference.
Like Bent suggested though the best idea might be to contact customs.
Surprises are not much fun as that is what happened to me, I was totally unaware at that time about brokerage fees.
Sorry couldn't be of more assistance. Best of luck with your transaction.
Keith |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 6 May 2010 8:11 pm
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If the steel weighs less than 65 pounds it can be shipped through Canada Post, which only charges a nominal $5.00 brokerage fee. I strongly suggest you get the seller to go through the Post Office if you can. Fedex and UPS can get pricey with brokerage. Just tell him to ship it ground. It will probably be about $100 shipping. It might take two weeks to get to you, but it will be fine.
With any shipping company you will probably have to pay some tax. However, I've sold guitars to US buyers through the post office and I don't think any of them saw much cost on their end. If they did, they didn't complain to me about it. BTW, there is no duty on a guitar made in the US, Canada or Mexico.
If you want the steel and are willing to see a couple of hundred bucks added to your cost, I'd just get it. Tell the seller to insure it at $1,000 and pack it very well. You won't have to pay much taxes on a grand.
(When I receive guitars from the US through Canada Post, I pay federal tax and the $5.00 brokerage. So a $2,000 guitar will cost me about $2,300 including shipping.)
Eyeing Bruce's Fulawka, are we? 
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
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Tim Walker
From:
Marin County, CA (originally U.K)
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Posted 7 May 2010 10:48 am
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Thanks guys - great advice. Will check with the local customs to make sure there are no surprises.
Chris,  |
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Edward Efira
From:
California, USA
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Posted 8 May 2010 10:11 am
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If it's a US made instrument, there are no taxes incurred (returning to country of manufacturing)
Ed
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<small><b>'75 Sho-Bud 4&4, '01 Zumsteel 8&8, 2012 Zum Hybrid 4&6</b></small> |
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Greg Simmons
From:
where the buffalo (used to) roam AND the Mojave
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Scott Howard
From:
Georgetown, TN, USA
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Posted 10 May 2010 2:22 pm
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I bought a MSA from Canada a few years ago and other than shipping I was billed later for a fee for something from FedEx . Not sure what they called it but it was around 15 or $ 20.00 best I remember .
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"The Oddball" A MSA Keyless with pedals to the right. |
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