Canadian NSX Owners - Discount parts

[VancouverBCnsx]

Have any of the Canadian NSX owners attempted to order parts over the web from the recommended sources on this site? If so, are there any major problems with Canadian duties, clearing customs, etc. I would appreciate the feedback.
Marc

1991 Red/Black NSX
1999 Suburban
2001 Toyota Solara
1991 Thoroughbred Gelding (big)

 

[bjmills]

I've ordered a few parts from Dali. Mark always sends USPS as opposed to FedEx or UPS. I find that the USPS route is far less susceptible to taxes and duties. However you can still get dinged, especially on big-ticket items. If the sender fills out the customs tag with "sample", "gift" or a really low value, you'll likely get by too.

 

[ghs2k]

kool

 

[NSX2play]

Under NAFTA there are no duties if the product is manufactured in the US. Just make sure that the dealer completes the NAFTA certificate on the waybill that shipper provides and CCRA will not charge you any duty.

If, however, the product is made in Japan you will have to pay duty.

In either case you will have to pay GST. And I believe that customs is now collecting PST for the province too. But then, what is an extra 7.5% when you are already paying 50% in exchange?

I have bought parts from both Dali and Science of Speed and had no problem with shipping or Canada Customs (and Revenue Agency).

[This message has been edited by NSX Maven (edited 29 January 2003).]

 

[Animate]

VancouverBCnsx: I'm glad you asked the question, I was wondering the same thing.

NSX Maven: When you say 'no problem' do you mean the shipment arrived safely after PST, GST, and applicable duties were paid?

If parts originate in Japan do you know what percentage duty is charged? I'm guessing duty is being paid twice in this case, once by the company importing into the US and again by the end user on import to Canada.

Also, does anyone know if taxes have to be paid on used parts purchased from a private seller?

 

[NSX2NV]

I've also ordered parts from Dali, SoS, Neillo Acura and haven't had any problems. When sent by USPS I've gotten away without paying Customs & duty. If the shipment arrives by courier UPS or Fedex usually send a bill for G.S.T and duties later or they request a COD for the taxes and duties. In all cases the shipments arrived safely and in a timely manner.

 

[NSX2398]

I haven't had problems with delivery either but I have been hit with 'broker fees' with either UPS or Fedex .. can't remember which. USPS has always been the least cost and trouble at the Canadian end but appears to almost always be more hassle for the US shipper because I gather UPS and Fedex will often pick up whereas with USPS, the seller might have to find the local office and physically go there and fill out the paperwork.

I also ran into a situation where a seller wouldn't ship to Canada so I just had them ship to a broker at the closest border point. It was for 4 tires/wheels. I cleared in with the broker in advance and they only charged me about $17US to receive and hold the shipment for me until pickup. One of the cool things about UPS is that you can track your shipment as it moves across the country toward you. I knew exactly when it had arrived at the broker and just drove down and picked it up. I only paid GST but probably because the items were used.

My personal experience is that if something is worth more than about $35 Cdn, customs will typically get involved.

------------------
- Ian
91 Blk/Blk daily driver; 100K+ miles & still going strong

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by NSX2398:
One of the cool things about UPS is that you can track your shipment as it moves across the country toward you. I knew exactly when it had arrived at the broker and just drove down and picked it up.

FedEx does that too.

USPS offers tracking too but I don't know if it's every time it goes on and off a truck, or just at the shipping point and destination.

 

[prova4re]

Animate
Customs does not care if it came from the us
only if it was made there. They dont care if you all ready paid to import it from japan to the us they are still going to tax you for it and you dont get a credit for paying in the us.
As far as used parts go they will ask you the value and tax you from there it makes no difference if its used or not.
The bigger ticket iteams tend to get taxed and looked at more than say the 75 dollar fetzer valve.
If you send it ups they will call you when the package gets to the border and ask you if you want them to act as your broker. They will add any taxes and broker fee and then give you the bill.
Most of us close to the border use a us adress and go over and pick it up its a lot cheaper and easer. Good luck!

 

[NSX2play]

NSX Maven: When you say 'no problem' do you mean the shipment arrived safely after PST, GST, and applicable duties were paid?

Actually the shipper, UPS or FedEx, used a customs broker who paid the PST, GST and duties on my behalf. They collected some of that from me on delivery and billed me for the balance. The brokerage charges used to bug me, but when I thought about how much it would cost in my time to go to the border on a weekday and take care of it myself, the charges became nominal.

If parts originate in Japan do you know what percentage duty is charged? I'm guessing duty is being paid twice in this case, once by the company importing into the US and again by the end user on import to Canada.

You can look up the duty from the CCRA website. And yes, it may be paid twice. Once by the dealer who brings it into the USA (duty is paid to the IRS or similar agency under the applicable US rate) and once when you import it into Canada (duty paid to CCRA under the applicable Canadian rate).

Also, does anyone know if taxes have to be paid on used parts purchased from a private seller?

It depends on the sales tax legislation in your province. In BC the answer is yes. But they don't bother trying to collect it except on high dollar amounts, such as cars. That is why one has to pay PST in BC (where there is 7.5% PST)on a car that you bought in AB (where there is 0% PST)when you register it in BC.

 

[Animate]

Thanks for all the info, that helps...

NSX Maven: Just a comment about the provincial sales tax: I bought my NSX recently and discovered our 'provincial luxury tax'. For vehicles above $50k the provincial sales tax is bumped to 10% and it applies to the whole amount, not just the portion above $50k. You've gotta love this province!

 

[NSX2play]

Oh, yeah, the luxury tax. It has been so long since I bought a car (why would you, when you own an NSX?) I had forgotten about that.

As for loving this province I will take BC's weather and scenery (and PST) over Alberta's weathery and scenery (and no PST) any day. Even living in paradise has its price!