Dollar Lets Canadians Flock To Cross Border Shopping - And Most Pay No Duty
Monday October 1, 2007
CityNews.ca Staff
Did you make a run for the border this weekend? If you did, you weren't the only one. A quick scan of the parking lots at the big malls in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, N.Y. showed a sea of Ontario license plates, as shoppers from the Great White North took advantage of a Canadian dollar that was worth slightly more than its U.S. counterpart for the first time in more than 30 years. And if the Canuck buck continues its torrid pace, it's a trend you can expect to see growing as we head towards Christmas.
Many are sure there are bargains to be had across the great divide, and they may be right. And once they find a good deal, they may not have to pay duty on a lot of it to bring it home. According to the Canadian Border Services Agency, there are a plethora of items you can buy in the U.S. that you can declare without falling victim to that dreaded levy on the way back.
Things like cell phones, microwaves, toasters, books, cameras, certain kinds of toys, even jewelry are all exempt from the extra charge. And that applies even if you're not over there for the required 48 hours, which allows you to bring back as much as $400 duty-free. Taxes will still be required but it may be a small price to pay if you're saving big bucks elsewhere. And it's all perfectly legal.
But like all good things, there's a catch. Some items are duty-free depending on what they are and where they were made. Buy something in America manufactured in a place considered a 'favoured nation' - like China, Japan, Mexico or the U.S. - and the duty's non-existent. So be sure to check the label.
How can you tell who's most favoured and who isn't? The government has set up a website that tries to explain the sometimes convoluted rules. Or if you prefer a human voice, you can call them toll free at 1-800-461-9999. "If they know the item they're specially looking to purchase, and they want to know what duty they'll face, they should call the line," advises Border Agency spokesman Chris Williams.
So what if you prefer to shop Canadian? Consumer advocates claim Canuck competitors are going to have to realize the landscape has changed and prepare to meet customers who can get it cheaper elsewhere halfway or risk losing business to the Americans. Because when it comes to saving money, most of us think of it as a sacred duty. Especially when you don't have to pay it.
Which items are exempt from the charges? Here's a short list:
(Remember that taxes still apply and should be factored in to the purchase to determine how good a deal it really is.)
Almost anything made in the United States or Mexico
Toys, including puzzles, trains, dolls, action figures
Video games
Cellphones
Antiques
Most kinds of original art
Downhill skis and boots
Toasters
Breadmakers
Electric irons
Artificial Christmas trees
Billiard tables
Chess sets
Office furniture
SLR and instant cameras
Unset diamonds, pearls and precious stones
Golf bags made mostly of synthetics.
Books
Glassware (including crystal)
(Source: Canadian Border Services Agency)
AmbergrisCaye.com 
Now if they'd only reduce the price of wine....
