FYI, my “fake” fact comes from CBSA. Secondly, I’m not looking for new business otherwise I would not be posting as A Broker and I would be telling you where we are located.

Now to your tips:

1. I can tell you this story because it concerns a competitor’s client. He ordered his merchandise from Germany. The vendor (company selling the goods) put the wrong Commercial Invoice in the box. His broker put the shipment into Customs. It was inspected and seized by CBSA. An AMPS penalty was issued. Competitor’s client filed an administrative appeal with CBSA which was rejected. Competitor’s client then made an even bigger error and went to Federal Court. (His lawyer was thrilled. $$$) They lost again and got to pay the Canadian government’s costs. In the end, he told me it cost him $40,000.00 Canadian and he got nothing for it.

2. Quite obviously, you aren’t up on CBSA enforcement. In fact, under the Harper government, inspections are more frequent and fines/penalties are bringing in much more money. These people aren’t the bozos you seem to think they are…

3. This is a tricky one. Yes, you can do that but the commercial merchandise imported must be related to the industry your business is OPERATING in. In principle, you can’t clear personal goods using your business number. If they catch you, it will be an AMPS penalty along with a possible visit from CBSA to your commercial premises. Under the law, they can go back 4 years and look at every import the company has made and issue fines accordingly, as appropriate, for other customs infractions.

Do you think that making people unhappy brings more business to you? Think again.

There is another problem with buying from US sellers. They are very reluctant to use USPS, in fear of that you may claim that you did not receive the package. They usually wont’ budge to lower the amount declared in the customs form.

Since I learned that Canada Government is protecting big retailers in Canada, I now came up with ways to deal with it. My tips:

1. On Ebay, choose Chinese or HK sellers over US ones. They are willing to put a lower value on the customs form. For low valued items they ship through postal office which takes more time. However, the overall amount you pay Canada Government and UPS bastards will be significant.

2. Rent a mail box service at the US side border. Travel a few times a year to bring item to Canada. Considering most items sell 30% at Canadian side, make sure that you buy as much as possible per travel. Spending $3000 you will save at least $1,000 a trip. Declare as less as possible when you pass the border. Border Agents are usually lazy and will wave you through.

3. Set up a business account with Canada Government to claim HST off. Any business will do. Get any cent from the government that rips off you. Your business does not need to make money.

Ask for a NAFTA Certificate of Origin when you buy, if possible, to eliminate Duty if your goods are Made in the U.S.A. Mexico or even Canada (something sold in the U.S. but originally manufactured/made in Canada).

And here’s a bigee for you airport passengers with something extra in your carry on. Never lie to Customs and make damned sure the clothing you bought in another country is properly marked with a sticker on each item. Otherwise, it’s AMPS (fine) time again and it will be in the thousands of dollars.

Remember, under the Customs Act, the maximum fine per Customs transaction is $25,000.00. On a small order, you will be fined in the hundreds — on an order worth $1,600+, you will be fined in the thousands.

Good Luck. Remember CBSA has all the cards so declare everything and don’t think you are smarter than they are. After all, they always have an unmarked van at border crossings on the American side filming Canadians as they leave the Duty Free Shop. When they ask you at the border if you have any booze, might be a good idea to honestly declare it.