Bringing a used camera lens from the US to Canada

[Wallace River]

I would like to buy a used camera lens in the US from an individual I know. The lens was originally made in Japan (Canon) and is worth $9500 new in the US. I would be buying it for $7500 used. What would be the duty and tax payments be if I were to have it shipped within the US to a store near the border and went to pick it up myself to bring back into Canada?

Ian

[Baloo]

I would like to buy a used camera lens in the US from an individual I know. The lens was originally made in Japan (Canon) and is worth $9500 new in the US. I would be buying it for $7500 used. What would be the duty and tax payments be if I were to have it shipped within the US to a store near the border and went to pick it up myself to bring back into Canada?

Ian

Is that the EF600 f4?

There are limits to what you can import, the allowances are shown at the CBSA web site.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

You can call the CBSA for more info'
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/menu-eng.html

All I will say is, don't smuggle it in
After getting it into Canada legally, if you travel with it, carry the receipt - it saves a lot of hassle.
I usually get pulled when carrying my kit, more so when it's the 800

[Wallace River]

Thanks Baloo, I appreciate your comments very much. Yes, you got the lens right on! I did call and was advised (a) no duty on cameras or lenses, however (b), 15% tax is payble on the "reasonable current value of the used item". Tax on a used $7500 lens is another $1000 +, which kind of negates the whole idea. Oh well, I'll have to look for a used one within Canada and pay no tax. They just don't come up that often (if ever) up here! 

[Baloo]

Thanks Baloo, I appreciate your comments very much. Yes, you got the lens right on! I did call and was advised (a) no duty on cameras or lenses, however (b), 15% tax is payble on the "reasonable current value of the used item". Tax on a used $7500 lens is another $1000 +, which kind of negates the whole idea. Oh well, I'll have to look for a used one within Canada and pay no tax. They just don't come up that often (if ever) up here! 

One thing I will point out, if you only need the lens once in a while for work, you can rent them here

It doesn't really help if it's a hobby though.

[Wallace River]

Yeah, thanks, I know about rentals. I'm a professional photographer though and would be using this routinely, so I need to purchase rather than rent. Just trying to save a few $$$ where possible though!

[rock_khan]

This isnt a right platform or forum to discuss tax or custom issues my friend :-) u need to search on internet for the right place to ask such question,thanks !