Optical Shipping to Canada

[eyewear1985]

I'm having trouble understanding the tarriff laws involving shipping to Canada. It's my understanding that duty is charged on non-prescription eyewear, like sunglasses. But what about frames without prescription lenses in them? What is the best way to ship from the US to Canada? UPS (though I know UPS sometimes over-charges and has trouble with Canadian post) or regular post? Any suggestions?

[Chris Ryser]

There is no customs duty between the US and Canada. However if you ship large quantities, products have to be labelled and marked according to the rules of each country.

[eyewear1985]

Thanks Chris!

[idispense]

Visit this site for a duty calculator.

http://www.dutycalculator.com/dc/589...o-canada-is-0/

[optimensch]

it is easier and cheaper to ship between Ireland and Romania, than between USA and Canada.

The bureaucracy and red tape is, despite NAFTA, absolutely sickening along the longest "free" border in the world.

Take down the border, have full and free access between the 2 countries.

Watch the GDP in both USA and Canada jump. Just like legalizing marijuana.....only net net good will come of it.

[oculus]

There is no customs duty between the US and Canada. However if you ship large quantities, products have to be labelled and marked according to the rules of each country.

There is duty for product not made in NAFTA, frames in plastic havea 0% duty but all other material is 2.5 % ... you can consult online all the duty in details... http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-com...013-02-eng.pdf

[Reliable Optics]

USPS is cheap and good!

[Lulubelle]

If it's deemed a commercial shipment you will have to do a B3 form even if there's no duty. GST will also be collected on all items that are applicable. Couriers (UPS, Fedex etc) will charge $25 and up for this paperwork. Canada post charges around $5-10. If you're going to bring shipments in frequently it's worthwhile to set something up with a customs broker.

Forgot to add that duties are based on country of origin, not where you import from. If you purchase Chinese made goods purchased from a US supplier your goods will be rated at the China duty rate. NAFTA reduced or eliminated the duties from many items, but it didn't eliminate the paperwork!

[Oscar]

Sorry to resurface this topic. How does it work when sending a patient their own glasses from Canada to the US? I have a pair stuck at customs asking for some drop ball tests but the lab doesn't do those tests here?