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SvenG · 23-02-2011, 10:16

Hi Sabre,

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabreKai

I don't think this is a Canadian requirement. I suspect it is a US requirement recently imposed by ICE or DHS or one of those government agencies.

Yes, it is a US requirement.

I found the US Customs FAQ answer here:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/314

Note that the cut-off is $2,000, but it looks like UPS or FedEx may require it just for convenience.

Thanks,

-Sven

capnorv · 23-02-2011, 10:27

Great! This new requirement should stop illegals from importing illegal drugs and terrorist explosives. I just keep feeling safer... home of the fee!

S/V Alchemy · 23-02-2011, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by SvenG

Hi Astrid,

I don't mind paying customs but what you quoted makes it sound like I can't pay customs fees/duties unless I give someone unknown my SSN.

The Vogons have won !

-Sven

I highly doubt this has anything to do with Canada. I order stuff shipped from the U.S. frequently, and besides using my U.S. dollar VISA, I make no special provisions nor do I give out my Social Insurance Number, the Canadian equivalent to the U.S. SSN. In fact, there's a Canadian law that restricts the use of this number as a form of ID, if I recall correctly. I only ever see it on my tax forms.

S/V Alchemy · 23-02-2011, 10:39

P.S. if it's any consolation, the Cape Horn is a very nice piece of gear. I've seen a beautiful installation here in Toronto, and if I didn't have a transom-hung rudder, it would've been my choice.

SvenG · 23-02-2011, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

I highly doubt this has anything to do with Canada. I order stuff shipped from the U.S. frequently, and besides using my U.S. dollar VISA, I make no special provisions nor do I give out my Social Insurance Number, the Canadian equivalent to the U.S. SSN. In fact, there's a Canadian law that restricts the use of this number as a form of ID, if I recall correctly. I only ever see it on my tax forms.

It is a US requirement. You are also correct that the law is pretty clear that the US SSN can not be used as an ID number but that is widely ignored.

-Sven

SvenG · 23-02-2011, 10:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

P.S. if it's any consolation, the Cape Horn is a very nice piece of gear. I've seen a beautiful installation here in Toronto, and if I didn't have a transom-hung rudder, it would've been my choice.

Yes, the design is beautifully clean and Yves is a delight to deal with. He supposedly has a new (?) model that works with stern-hung rudders but I suspect it might be less clean than the integrated one.

Just have to solve the SSN issue

-Sven

CarlF · 23-02-2011, 10:49

Didn't NAFTA remove all customs duties on shipments between Mexico, US, and Canada?

There may still be a import control system but I don't think money is involved.

Carl

**hummingway** · 23-02-2011, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlF

Didn't NAFTA remove all customs duties on shipments between Mexico, US, and Canada?

There may still be a import control system but I don't think money is involved.

Carl

This isn't quite accurate. It removed duties on goods manufactured in these countries but not if the goods were manufactured elsewhere. There are also "cultural exemptions" though I'm not sure any of them survived other mechanisms (GATT). Duties doesn't mean taxes and brokers are still required and there are brokerage fees, some of which can be quite high. I always seem to get the best deal out of Canada Post/US Postal Service with regards to brokerage. With them I've usually just paid applicable taxes. Some of the carriers on the other hand have left me standing with my jaw open when I saw what they charged for brokerage fees.

SvenG · 23-02-2011, 11:20

Just heard back from Alain at Bomon. He talked to his broker in the US and for less than $2000.oo they will just go by what the law states and not require an SSN.

PS I think Alain is relieved too !

-Sven