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Questions about how to prepare for your first arrival in Canada - customs, proof of funds, initial settlement help, etc... Tell us what happened when you first landed in Canada.

Moving my Belongings to Canada 

julia.a3456
julia.a3456
Posts: 12


Posted On: 11/30/2017
julia.a3456
julia.a3456
Posts: 12
Hello,

I completed my lading in Canada last year for the first time. At that time, I prepared the accompanying goods and the goods to follow forms however they were not stamped as I was informed that I should only do that when I move permanently.

I visited Canada again this year and now I am moving permanently.

I would like to know what should be the process of moving my belongings now?

Is it still subject to duty exemption?

Thank you.
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4075


Posted On: 12/6/2017
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4075
Hello,

Thanks for sharing your situation and questions with us.

It is best that you contact the Border Information Services (BIS) representatives directly, stating your situation and that the officer at the time of landing stated that it would not be stamped until you move permanently.

There is some confusion because from some information we have received previously, from some Border Information Services (BIS) representatives, in some cases, if it is not stamped at the time, the exemption on taxes may be forfeited.

They have previously stated that it is up to the officer. Additionally they said that if the officer is not satisfied or convinced that what you are presenting was to have originally been included on a Goods to Follow list, then you may be subject to the tax and duty.

In the event that you have to pay, you will have to pay 13% tax on the used value of the items. They stated that when allocated a used value to your items, you may want to think of it in terms of how much you would be able to sell it for at a garage sale. That is the amount you should allocate to your used items.

An additional 9.5% duty on the used value of any furniture. The amount of duty on other items such as used clothing and textiles can vary depending on where they are made. The duty can be from 0 to 20% of the used value.

Again, we suggest that it is best that you contact the Border Information Services (BIS) to explain your situation in detail and for some clarification on your specific situation.

You can contact them at:

1-800-461-9999

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
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julia.a3456
julia.a3456
Posts: 12


Posted On: 12/8/2017
julia.a3456
julia.a3456
Posts: 12
Thank you for the response. Do the taxes and duties apply only on the goods to follow or the accompanying goods as well? So if we assume that the goods to follow form doesn't get stamped next time I travel to move permanently and I decide not to ship anything later, will duties apply on the clothing I take with me?


Moderator wrote:
Hello,

Thanks for sharing your situation and questions with us.

It is best that you contact the Border Information Services (BIS) representatives directly, stating your situation and that the officer at the time of landing stated that it would not be stamped until you move permanently.

There is some confusion because from some information we have received previously, from some Border Information Services (BIS) representatives, in some cases, if it is not stamped at the time, the exemption on taxes may be forfeited.

They have previously stated that it is up to the officer. Additionally they said that if the officer is not satisfied or convinced that what you are presenting was to have originally been included on a Goods to Follow list, then you may be subject to the tax and duty.

In the event that you have to pay, you will have to pay 13% tax on the used value of the items. They stated that when allocated a used value to your items, you may want to think of it in terms of how much you would be able to sell it for at a garage sale. That is the amount you should allocate to your used items.

An additional 9.5% duty on the used value of any furniture. The amount of duty on other items such as used clothing and textiles can vary depending on where they are made. The duty can be from 0 to 20% of the used value.

Again, we suggest that it is best that you contact the Border Information Services (BIS) to explain your situation in detail and for some clarification on your specific situation.

You can contact them at:

1-800-461-9999

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
link
PMM
PMM
Posts: 661


Posted On: 12/8/2017
PMM
PMM
Posts: 661
Hi

julia.a3456 wrote:
Hello,

I completed my lading in Canada last year for the first time. At that time, I prepared the accompanying goods and the goods to follow forms however they were not stamped as I was informed that I should only do that when I move permanently.

I visited Canada again this year and now I am moving permanently.

I would like to know what should be the process of moving my belongings now?

Is it still subject to duty exemption?

Thank you.


1. There are no taxes or duties on "settler's effects" although if some items are obviously newly purchased after your "landing" and the time you import the goods, there maybe taxes/duties on only those items.
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