How much is Canadian import fee?

Understanding Canadian Import Fees

Importing goods into Canada can involve additional costs in the form of import fees. These fees cover the expenses incurred by the Canadian government in processing and handling imported items. The amount of import fees you will owe depends on several factors, including the total cost of the item, the country of origin, and the type of goods.

Calculating Import Fees

To calculate the import fees for an item you plan to bring into Canada, you will need the following information:

• Total cost of the item, in Canadian dollars: This includes the purchase price, shipping charges, and any applicable sales tax.
• Country of origin: The country where the item was manufactured or shipped from.
• Type of goods: Different types of goods have different import duty rates.

Step 1: Determine the Duty Rate

The duty rate is the percentage of the total cost of the item that is charged as import duty. The duty rate varies depending on the country of origin and the type of goods. You can find the duty rate for a specific item by visiting the Canadian Border Services Agency website (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

Step 2: Calculate the Import Duty

To calculate the import duty, simply multiply the total cost of the item by the duty rate. For example, if the total cost of the item is $100 and the duty rate is 5%, the import duty would be $5.

Step 3: Calculate Other Fees

In addition to import duty, you may also owe other fees, such as:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST): A 5% tax applied to most goods and services imported into Canada.
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST): A combined tax that includes GST and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). The HST rate varies by province.
• Excise Duty: A tax applied to certain goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, and fuel.

Step 4: Total Import Fees

To calculate the total import fees, add the import duty, GST/HST, and any applicable excise duty.

Example

Let’s say you want to import a watch from China that costs $150, including shipping and sales tax. According to the CBSA website, the duty rate for watches imported from China is 6%.

• Import Duty: $150 x 0.06 = $9
• GST: $150 x 0.05 = $7.50
• Total Import Fees: $9 (duty) + $7.50 (GST) = $16.50

Paying Import Fees

Import fees are usually collected by the shipper or courier when the item arrives in Canada. You may be required to pay the fees before the item is released to you. You can pay the fees online, by credit card, or by cash or check at the time of delivery.

It’s important to note that import fees are subject to change without notice. Always check the latest information from the CBSA website before importing goods into Canada to ensure you have an accurate estimate of the fees you will owe.