Thread: Taking your collection across the border.

Whenever you are carrying a significant amount of valuable items across the border, it pays to stop at the Canadian side of the border first, have them make out a (dangit, can't remember what it's called) note of ownership. This way, if you are questioned when you return to Canada, you can give them the note that states all the items that originated in Canada and thus is exempt from any tax/duty it might otherwise incur.

It can be hard to make the case that you were on a weekend trip to the US and that you took 30 razors and 20 hones with you for that weekend! The same thing goes for expensive jewellery, cameras, firearms (yes, I was hunting at the time and didn't want to leave my firearms in a chintzy motel room), ham radio gear and the list goes on. If you cannot prove that you had it with you when you left Canada, you could be charged taxes/duties as if you were importing them, when returning home.

Yes, a tourist would carry a camera... but not normally three $2000 cameras and 8 lenses. I've also have had issues with rather expensive ham radio gear, already mounted in the car, but the suspicion was that we drove to the US without the gear, purchased and installed it in the car while down South and then headed back north. Having that piece of paper filled out, can save you a bunch of headaches. When I have had them done, they want serial numbers if available and detailed descriptions so that if they check upon return, they can identify the items correctly. Going south with 1 old (junk) razor and returning with a $800 Custom is what they are trying to avoid.

It's not a requirement, but I have found it better to be safe than sorry.... There is nothing worse then having the officer ask if you have anything to declare, and when you say no, they tell you to pull into the garage for inspection anyway.... and when they find *1* item you can't PROVE you owned from before, they become obsessed with finding more.

Regards

Christian

Yes, it is a good idea to have that card filled out before crossing the border to the US. I have one for my camera gear. The fly in the ointment around here is that they usually will not fill out a card unless the item has a serial number on it.

In the last 10 years I have made my declaration at the border and been asked to pull the car over so they can search it at least 3 times. Twice coming back to Canada and once entering the US. It does happen. Crossing the border these days is definitely not like it used to be in the good old days.

Bob

If you get thrower in a cage, call me Andrew I,ll spring ya! Ain't done with you yet, might have to hide you out in my barn, plus as long as your there you can be making things to keep you busy, you know I,m just trying to gelp�� Tc

Sounds great TC. You better order this now then.

2000 Series Lathe

I'll take the 2436 model.
And start cutting some trees down!

If the serial number thing might be a problem you may want the pic thing and get it signed by a notary ? Do they have those in Canada ?

I , the party of the first part, (being HarryWalley from this point forward) do declare the razors brushes and all shaving related implement and appurtenance in the photo ( exhibit A ) belong to me and in no way does any representative from any country have the legal right to tax, inspect, or confiscate said items. Doing so will be considered an act of war against all wet shavers. This secret group is not to be messed with. The results woulds e devastating on a global level and may be down the economies of several large countries.

or just get a canoe and have your ride alongs earn their keep while you cross in the car :<0)

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Forget it.... I'll just take a boat across Lake Huron.

I hear Lake Huron is full of gators,,,

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I hear Lake Huron is full of gators,,,

Yup, Furry ones with tougues and mitts, EH.

Bob

Andrew I May as well spend another six grand, I've done spent my next bike money on the tractor,,, Well ok. Maybe not I am still getting another bike but all your getting in the barn is a cot and hay. Tc

I carry my razors across borders all the time. A few times my checked in luggage was open and inspected in the States (they leave a note), with several straights in my kit. Never had a problem yet.

If unsure, declare them as advised, when leaving Canada.

Once I wanted to declare my guitar, worth about $1000 US when leaving Serbia with it. The customs guy said I didn't even need to do that, but I insisted, just in case. When I was returning home, nobody asked me any questions. Still, doesn't hurt to do it.