CANADA CUSTOMS

[MAZDA Kitten]

I bought a pair of Prada sunglasses on ebay.
The seller marked it as \\\"GIFT\\\" and value \\\"$5\\\"
I had customs rip open my box and had to pay $19 in duty on a \\\"$5 gift\\\"
Is this just? I thought you dont have to pay duty on gifts and they put a different value (added another $70 to the $5) LOL what gives? I already called to inquire but ofcourse.. governemnt offices are closed.
http://smilies.vidahost.com/cwm/big/disgust.gif

[majic]

if canada customs thinks that the \'gift\' or \'value\' is bogus they can open the package up and put a value THEY think (or find some market value for shades) and change it and charge you more duties.. now if you can prove it to them that the value is $5 you have a case, but prada for 5 bux.. i highly doubt it ;) :p

sometimes you can get away with murder.. this time you were caught... sux.. what can you do..

[MAZDA Kitten]

But it was a PRESENT FROM MY LONG TIME FRIEND IN L.A.!!!!! :D

A PRESENT!

[Upyerkilt]

Don\'t worry kitten,
All is not lost!
a few years ago, we got sent 2 sheepskin rugs as a wedding gift from New Zealand, It arrived at my in laws by canada post and they asked my father in law for $50 bucks customs fees he explained it was a gift, as it was documented on the package etc.
anyways long story short I was bitching about it to a co worker that used to work for canadpost, she mentioned if you fill out a form and mail it in they almost always send you a refund cheque for gifts. We got our $50 bucks back a few weeks later in the mail.
I can\'t remember what form it was etc.. but call your local post office, and they should be able to help you, or look on the back of the customs receipt ther might be more info there.

I guess someone in customs was jealous you got some nice Prada shades and they don\'t!
Hopefully it all works out!

[SW20 MR2]

When assessing duties on an item, I don\'t think Canada Customs cares about whether it\'s a gift or not. They just care about charging the correct amount of duties on the item.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I understand.. but it was only a $5 gift *wink wink nudge nudge*
Anyways. Im calling tomorrow. got the # right here. Thanks guys