Hi,
Does anyone have any experiences purchasing scuba gears online from sites in other countries (e.g. US, UK etc.) and were there any Canadian duty charged (if so, what's the rate for scuba gears)?
Thanks.
I also try to support the LDS whenever possible, but I also buy lots of stuff on-line, not just dive gear, but hardware for my other expensive interests. Most from the US, but also from as far away as China and Singapore. To echo Jim's comment above, always try to get postal shipping whenever possible, and UPS is certainly the worst of the couriers. In general the principle difference between couriers and the mail is the levying of extra brokerage charges, which are over and above any taxes or duties owing. I've had UPS frequently quote total shipping costs well in excess of the value of the item, due to brokerage charges north of $50 for them to clear the item through Canada Customs. Note that those brokerage charges DO NOT include any moneys actually owing to the government. Canada Post, when they DO get around to charging brokerage fees, charge a flat $5, and often don't even bother.
As to duty and taxes, and Jim's comment about the items being delivered in Canada at no additional cost, we've had it very good the last few years but those days are coming to an end. Up until earlier this year, I hadn't been hit with ANY charges by CBSA or Canada Post in at least 5 years. Everything I brought in, up to many hundreds of dollars (so I can't speak to the really big stuff) came through without me owing a penny.
You may remember some news items over last winter and spring where the federal government was pounding on CBSA and Canada Post for failing to collect millions (or more) in due taxes and duties. Well, as of this spring, I now routinely get hit with having to pay when I collect my parcel at the postal outlet. With Free Trade, I don't believe that DUTY is payable on very much these days, particularly anything actually Made in the USA (others will have to confirm), but you can count on the applicable taxes being demanded. They will usually add up to about the equivalent of GST and PST/HST, though I admit I don't study the receipt very closely.
On a side note, if you are buying off Ebay, either privately or from a retailer, be very careful to watch out for any transactions where the shipper is using the new, and reviled by Canadians who know about it, Global Shipping Program. It's a new shipping program solely for the benefit of the seller where they send the item to Pitney Bowes who assumes all responsibility for shipping, and who then tack on massive extra charges OVER AND ABOVE the actual shipping charges. The charges are supposed to take care of possible customs charges, etc, but bear little resemblance to reality. As an example, I took an interest in a used dry suit from a seller in the US. Item around a grand, shipping of about $100 and the GSP charges of another $400. Caveat Emptor.