I live in Ontario, Canada. I am planning to take some Maverick parts that I have sold to a fellow board member across the border, in the U.S. I was wondering if any of you have had experience with doing this. I am looking for info on what costs might be involved, such as taxes, and duty. Any other info you can share on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. John B
check with USA customs. From my expiernce I just drove across and when asked where I was goin ,just said to a annual car club meeting.ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS ASKED.
And if they catch you, you will get flagged, and maybe refused entry into the USA for up to 2 years. Call Canada customs, and US customs and ask them.
Either that .... or drive the car there with the parts for sale bolted on your car, and drive it back without them. Hopefully it's not steering or brake parts ....
Hi John: The worst case situation is that you would have to pay taxes for that state you are entering based on price that you have sold the part. Would have to show proof of sale, either transaction via PayPal or other. Customs may also ding you an additional Commerical fee around $5 I have been buying/selling both new/used car parts for my vehicles for over 20 years and only once was I ever dinged the Commerical fee and never had to pay any taxes or duties when entering the US. When asked by agent what purpose is your trip, be honest and tell them you have sold your used Mav/Comet parts to member and either delivering to him or shipping via the US. Depending on how much you sold the part for, 99% of the time you will not have any problem. But like what Dave B. said, if you do not tell them the truth and they find out...........it is not worth it, you will be flagged!!! Even contacting Can/US Customs can be a challenge, again depending on who you are talking to, you can get different answers. Regardless, figure on paying the taxes (duty on car parts basically zip) and if they don't bother, then you are free sailing! Good Luck! David Alot just depends on the total cost, it seems if any duty/tax total is less than approx $40, not worth their time to process......but again, it just depends on agent you have, whether or not they are having a bad day or ? One other thing, if you are shipping the part via US, do not fully seal the box, just in case customs want to inspect, you don't want to repack/seal twice!
Of course, I was posting in jest, but working it the other way, it really is a tremendous way to get a new hood home.
like I said. Only answer the questions asked., There are no questions at the Canadian side when entering the USA.You drive bye the dutyfree, then onto the bridge, then to the US customs booth.I have taken more parts back and forth ,Can to the USA or USa to Can than any1 esle here in Ontario. I also hauled cars both new and exotic back and forth.They are not interested in parts selling for small amounts. I have never had any problems crossing.I only answered the questions they asked. Even with my enclosed trailer neither Can or USA customs inspeced my trailer or its contents. Its not brain surgery. Its easy.
I have my parts from the USA shipped to a US border town where there is a small store that will accept parcels and hold them on your behalf. The last time (just two weeks ago) we went down to get the parts, the US Agents asked several times if I was buying parts for a business. I respnded, "no" and then they asked what the parts were for. I told them I am restoring a 71 Maverick Grabber and he handed my passport back to me and we were on our way. On the way back into Canada with the parts, I declared ALL the stuff I had, plus a few things we picked up at the Wal-Mart. I had made a spreadsheet listing all the vendors, tracking numbers, box sizes (where available) and the total price of each order, minus shipping. I also had copies of each invoice and/or PayPal transaction. I produced the spreadsheet, then they asked for the "receipts". He checked the first line on the spreadsheet, confirmed it with the receipt and then plucked the prices off the spreadsheet. You will have to pay the taxes on the value of the items you are transporting (importing), but if the buyers had you ship the parts from Ontario, the BUYERS would be paying this anyway. I would be prepared to pay the taxes on the value, and then just pass along the taxes to each buyer. Even though my example is the opposite of what you asked, it is only opposite in direction, not principle. As long as you have everything laid-out well so that they can easily determine what you have, and you are truthful, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
I have found out dealing with any law enforcement/government agency you ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT ARE ASKED! and just as important DONT CHANGE YOUR STORY if you change one detail youre suspected of lying and things can go bad in a hurry remember YOURE NOT DOING ANYTHING ILLEGAL SO DONT SWEAT IT TOO MUCH
Thanks for all of the help guys. As usual, the members of the MMB came through with the answers. John B
