Importing a Rolex into Canada

[Maiden]

Just google Canadian Duty Calculator, it's all there.

[LawMan]

You have to pay duty and taxes on gifts over 60.00



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shlomom]

Originally Posted by LawMan

You have to pay duty and taxes on gifts over 60.00



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Okay - but if I receive a watch in Canada as a gift, wear it across the border and then return you think I need to prove that duties/taxes were paid for?

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by shlomom

Okay - but if I receive a watch in Canada as a gift, wear it across the border and then return you think I need to prove that duties/taxes were paid for?

Every article of clothing you are wearing or item you are bringing home is subject to inspection if they really wanted to. Obviously it would be an extreme to challenge something like your underwear, but the border has the right to if they are suspecting you are "importing" something without declaring.

I would not recommend anyone hide a watch purchase. Definitely not worth the repercussions if you got caught.

[LawMan]

Same questions each time Canadian returns and enters canada. How long were you gone for you and do you have anything to declare. Once you fail to declare, should they ask about your watch you are cooked


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[goodolejr]

Originally Posted by LawMan

Same questions each time Canadian returns and enters canada. How long were you gone for you and do you have anything to declare. Once you fail to declare, should they ask about your watch you are cooked


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So what you're saying is that Canadian citizens should bring along either the bill of sale or warranty card each time they travel internationally?

I'm not questioning the validity of your information. I'm just curious.

This just seems remarkably burdensome. So a couple traveling must bring their watches' paperwork, and all the paperwork associated with the jewerly the woman might choose to wear for the trip?

[diharv]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

So what you're saying is that Canadian citizens should bring along either the bill of sale or warranty card each time they travel internationally?

I'm not questioning the validity of your information. I'm just curious.

This just seems remarkably burdensome. So a couple traveling must bring their watches' paperwork, and all the paperwork associated with the jewerly the woman might choose to wear for the trip?

That's just ridiculous . If its used and shows signs of wear there's not gonna be an issue . Just wear long sleeves. It it's brand new and flashy and you're flaunting it around like a rapper then yes expect some questions.

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

So what you're saying is that Canadian citizens should bring along either the bill of sale or warranty card each time they travel internationally?

I'm not questioning the validity of your information. I'm just curious.

This just seems remarkably burdensome. So a couple traveling must bring their watches' paperwork, and all the paperwork associated with the jewerly the woman might choose to wear for the trip?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer, there is a way around that with just pictures, etc. My post above. It's not common for them to inspect and hassle you. It's not their primary job, but the border does do it and have done it before.

It's also not just Canada. I'm pretty sure the US or anywhere else that has import taxes, VAT, duties, etc. are subject to these inspections. How often or whether they decide to do it is solely up to them as well the international trade agreements established between countries on particular goods.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

I'm pretty sure the US or anywhere else that has import taxes, VAT, duties, etc. are subject to these inspections. How often or whether they decide to do it is solely up to them as well the international trade agreements established between countries on particular goods.

[Crazy Canuck]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

So what you're saying is that Canadian citizens should bring along either the bill of sale or warranty card each time they travel internationally?

I'm not questioning the validity of your information. I'm just curious.

This just seems remarkably burdensome. So a couple traveling must bring their watches' paperwork, and all the paperwork associated with the jewerly the woman might choose to wear for the trip?

Take a photo of warranty card to be sure.

It could happen but I've never done it and have gone back and forth over the border without issue.

[cuibono]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

So what you're saying is that Canadian citizens should bring along either the bill of sale or warranty card each time they travel internationally?



I'm not questioning the validity of your information. I'm just curious.



This just seems remarkably burdensome. So a couple traveling must bring their watches' paperwork, and all the paperwork associated with the jewerly the woman might choose to wear for the trip?

"When you show your valuables to a border services officer and state that you acquired them in Canada or lawfully imported them, the officer will list the valuables and their serial numbers on a wallet-sized card called a BSF407, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. This form is only available at the port of entry. If you are questioned about your goods when you return to Canada, show your card to the officer. This will help identify the valuables that were in your possession before leaving the country"

https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/declare

Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk

[TickTockChuck]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

So what you're saying is that Canadian citizens should bring along either the bill of sale or warranty card each time they travel internationally?

I'm not questioning the validity of your information. I'm just curious.

This just seems remarkably burdensome. So a couple traveling must bring their watches' paperwork, and all the paperwork associated with the jewerly the woman might choose to wear for the trip?

I've had this thought too. In fact this would apply to anyone leaving their home country with luxury items. There must be a practical limit on customs challenging folks about ownership of their stuff (?).

At the same time, for new purchases, it's proper to pay the taxes & duties due and have no issues down the road.

[2nastie]

*No affiliation*

But I've dealt with Dave at Distinctive Time many times and he's a forum member here. He would be a ideal person to transact with in Canada. Really straightforward, smooth, etc. You should probably give him a shout first.

[LawMan]

If it’s a Canadian watch purchased in Canada you have nothing to worry about it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shlomom]

Originally Posted by LawMan

If it’s a Canadian watch purchased in Canada you have nothing to worry about it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Right, but that's not the OPs question...Just wondering if you've heard of this happening or if this is your understanding of how the law applies?

[LawMan]

When I take my watch out of Canada I bring my warranty card in my wallet shows the country code . if they ask they ca match the serial number on the warranty card to the serial number on the watch. No issues no problems. Or I go to customs in Canada before I leave canada they will record the serial number and give me a piece of paper showing that the watch left Canada.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Quangtungnguyen]

Let's just say for conversation sake, you come back into Canada how can they prove you purchased the watch in the states if you mail the box back. Unless they go to the extreme lengths of looking at video of you going into the states. I don't think it's really normal to go on "vacation" with their bill of sale/receipt.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by Quangtungnguyen

Let's just say for conversation sake, you come back into Canada how can they prove you purchased the watch in the states if you mail the box back. Unless they go to the extreme lengths of looking at video of you going into the states. I don't think it's really normal to go on "vacation" with their bill of sale/receipt.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

It's not up to them to prove where the watch originated (from Canada or not). It is up to you to prove it.

Have picture of your warranty card or receipt on your phone. With a picture of it beside your watch, etc. That should be good enough. Or you can go to a border service agency prior to leaving the country have them record the serial number, etc. (they don't even need the receipt or card if you record it with them). They write it down on a little green card, stamp and sign... and you can then bring that with you leaving or coming back to the country if they ever ask you.

Even if you bought the item in Canada. It is subject to inspection as its the not the border's obligation to know. Again, it's your obligation to prove it.


...

If you are wondering, any border has a legal right to take your phone, papers, etc.to inspect whether you are lying about importing, working, etc. You can try to take them to court but guess what... in a situation like that, it's something you won't win nor is worth the hassle.

[Dj_masse]

Originally Posted by Quangtungnguyen

Let's just say for conversation sake, you come back into Canada how can they prove you purchased the watch in the states if you mail the box back. Unless they go to the extreme lengths of looking at video of you going into the states. I don't think it's really normal to go on "vacation" with their bill of sale/receipt.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

This is what they can (and have done). Hire investigators and get credit card receipts etc.:
https://www.narcity.com/news/canadia...oods-at-border

What you do is get a BSF407 from customs at the airport or at a border crossing BEFORE you go over. Bring a receipt or a recent appraisal within Canada when you take it to customs. The agent will record this information on the form and will sign and stamp it. This proves that you brought the item with you when you left the country.

I’ve done this for watches and camera gear with serial numbers. The BSF407 has no expiration date and is a green coloured card that you can keep with you indefinitely for future trips. No need to bring warranty cards, receipts, etc. that you may lose on vacation.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rori]

Holly moly this sounds complicated :-(

[LawMan]

You guys are so naïve. I have heard of cases where the RCMP has shown up at somebody’s door because they have opened packages and found empty watch boxes being sent by mail


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dj_masse]

5% duty plus your provincial sales tax. Ie. 18% in Ontario. 10% in Alberta.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WatchLurv]

Originally Posted by Dj_masse

5% duty plus your provincial sales tax. Ie. 18% in Ontario. 10% in Alberta.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's 5% in Alberta. 12% in BC and 13% in Ontario. That's if you buy a watch in either of those states. Alberta would be the cheapest place to buy your Rolex if you were Canadian.

Nevermind ^ I didn't read it correctly for duty + state tax.

[Dj_masse]

Originally Posted by WatchLurv

It's 5% in Alberta. 12% in BC and 12% in Ontario. That's if you buy a watch in either of those states. Alberta would be the cheapest place to buy your Rolex if you were Canadian.

I meant in total, if you’re importing in to Canada and in to those PROVINCES (we don’t have states).

It’s 18% total if you’re importing in to Ontario (5% duties plus 13% HST) and 10% total if you’re importing in to Alberta (5% duties and 5% Provincial sales tax). I can confirm both amounts as I have paid both amounts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[meyers]

Originally Posted by Dj_masse

I meant in total, if you’re importing in to Canada and in to those PROVINCES (we don’t have states).

It’s 18% total if you’re importing in to Ontario (5% duties plus 13% HST) and 10% total if you’re importing in to Alberta (5% duties and 5% Provincial sales tax). I can confirm both amounts as I have paid both amounts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Alberta doesn't have a Provincial sales tax, only GST, which is 5%. But your math is correct, it's 10% total.

[Dj_masse]

Originally Posted by meyers

Alberta doesn't have a Provincial sales tax, only GST, which is 5%. But your math is correct, it's 10% total.

Thanks for the correction. That’s what I meant but brain fart.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gasguzlr]

Originally Posted by Dj_masse

5% duty plus your provincial sales tax. Ie. 18% in Ontario. 10% in Alberta.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There is zero sales tax in Alberta. Thank god.

Ross

[KenRose]

Originally Posted by Gasguzlr

There is zero sales tax in Alberta. Thank god.

Ross

Hey Ross. I'm in AB. The problem is that if you are not entering Canada via a direct flight, you'll pay the fees based on the province that you enter. Like I said, I got lucky coming through Toronto that I got waived through

[shlomom]

I definitely agree, it’s risky as border patrol has huge discretion.
I’ve heard of people buying and bringing back, no problems. My AD told me to carry my card or a picture of it. I’ve just never heard of anyone getting charged.

[Dj_masse]

Originally Posted by shlomom

I definitely agree, it’s risky as border patrol has huge discretion.
I’ve heard of people buying and bringing back, no problems. My AD told me to carry my card or a picture of it. I’ve just never heard of anyone getting charged.

I have. A guy I know bought an AP privately off forums in Toronto and went to Hong Kong. Agent noticed the watch and asked for proof of purchase within Canada. Couldn’t prove it. Border confiscated the watch and would not release it unless he paid $20k+ in taxes duties and fines.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk