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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.

Bringing our Belongings into Canada-Landed in 2015 

ForumUser
ForumUser
Posts: 539


Posted On: 9/29/2016
ForumUser
ForumUser
Posts: 539
Hi,

My husband and I and my two daughters came to Canada - July 7th 2015 and decided that we would settle here again. We are all Canadian citizens but were living in the middle east.

Due to financial constraints we have been living with family here and have recently moved into a condo.

We would like to bring our personal belongings from Bahrain to Canada now.

What is the procedure.
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4075


Posted On: 10/4/2016
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4075
Hello,

Thanks for sharing your situation and questions with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

At the time of landing, you should have submitted a BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document, or B4, where you were to list any goods with you and the goods that you were going to send later.

It is important to note that if your goods are not listed on your original BSF186, (or B4), they are not eligible for duty-free importation at a later time.

According to some Border Information Services (BIS) representatives, it is possible that, depending on the length of time since landing, the exemption on taxes may have be forfeited.

If the officer is not satisfied or convinced that it 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.

They stated that if you are interested in how much duty will be charged on each other used item, you can contact them for specifics.

It is important to note that if you are trying to bring in a used mattress, you will need to have proof/certification of a fumigation. If not, it is best to just leave it behind.

You may want to contact a Border Information Services (BIS) representative directly for some information 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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