As some of you may already know as of December 27th, 2011 the CBSA (Canada Border Services Authority) has introduced new regulations on customs fees for items imported to Canada (and what I have heard the USA) from most other countries. What I have found as of today, is just how much this will effect all products coming from Japan.

Here is a breakdown of the fees assessment:

• For items marked clothing, they are now subject to a 18% customs fee charge for any product purchased by a business over $20.
• For items marked clothing, they are now subject to a 18% customs fee charge for any product that is marked “gift” over $60.
• On top of the 18%, you are also subject to PST and GST if applicable in your state or province (ex. Mine is 5% PST and 5% GST for a running total of 28%)
• On top of this percentage, Canada Post of $8.50 also now charges you a handling fee.

So, say you declare a package for $200 and mark it as a gift. $60 of this is exempt, therefore, you will be taxed 28% of $140 + $8.50 for a grand total of $47.70, or a grand total of $53.50 if the item is not marked as a gift.

This post was originally made on EGL — reposting here because this is super important. Essentially Canadian Customs is now charging 28% + $8.50 for clothing imported into Canada. This is absolutely insane. Make sure you have your proxy services mark your packages as gifts and mark them under $60 if you don’t want to get robbed (also, it’s actually cheaper to use a proxy service now and have them mark the value lower than to legitimately order from foreign stores).

I’m all for paying my fair share of taxes — I live in Québec for God’s sake — but this is robbery, plain and simple.