Canadians will probably be scrambling to get their vacation presents within the mail this week in time for Christmas, however these with pals, household and family members within the U.S. have an additional hurdle to leap by: the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In July, Trump ended a key exemption to his tariffs — the de minimis exemptions — on low-value packages.
3:35How small companies have dealt with de minimis exemption ending
Underneath an government order, packages valued at or beneath US$800 despatched to the U.S. from exterior its postal community will now face “all applicable duties.”
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“Long story short, it’s not an easy process anymore. For example, if anything you’re sending is made in China, a formal entry is required,” mentioned Lisa McEwan, CEO of Toronto-based logistics firm Hemisphere Freight.
“You’re also not allowed to send food items. People don’t necessarily understand this, but even the smallest gifts now require customs entries.”
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The tariff fee on these low-value packages will rely on what Trump has imposed on the product beneath the Worldwide Emergency Financial Powers Act.
Whereas the transfer is essentially anticipated to hit small companies in Canada, Canada Submit says it applies to people sending sure private packages.
The adjustments apply to all shipments from Canada, whether or not they’re despatched through Canada Submit or one other delivery firm.
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Canadians should pay tariffs on any package deal over US$100 in worth, however even presents costing beneath US$100 will “need to be assessed for duties,” Canada Submit mentioned.
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Canada Submit is not going to settle for your U.S.-bound package deal in case you do not need proof that the responsibility has been paid.
You’ll be able to present proof of fee by acquiring a 13-character declaration ID.
Canada Submit mentioned it has partnered with free fee app Zonos Prepay, the place customers will pay in Canadian {dollars}.
If you happen to’re sending packages to the U.S., you need to add a photograph of your package deal and make your fee on Zonos earlier than you even head to the submit workplace.
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Whereas making the fee, you may be requested to pick “is a gift” to declare your package deal as a gift.
As soon as the fee is made, the consumer receives a declaration ID and a QR code to current on the submit workplace.
Other than Canada Submit, Canadians have few options relating to sending packages south of the border, McEwan mentioned.
“Most couriers have stopped sending small packages into the U.S.; the only options are FedEx or DHL. A broker will need to be in place to clear the shipment even in these cases,” she mentioned.
“With the de minimis exemption gone, sending even small or simple gifts for family and friends duty-free is not possible.”
