Does canadian personal exemption apply to the mail
In Canada, the personal exemption applies to goods brought into the country by individuals for their own use, but it's a bit more complicated when it comes to mail.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has specific rules for goods brought into Canada by mail or courier. Here's what you need to know:
- Personal exemption: If you're bringing goods into Canada by mail or courier, you're still entitled to the personal exemption of $800 CAD (or its equivalent in other currencies). This means you can bring in goods worth up to $800 without having to pay duty or taxes.
- Mail and courier shipments: When sending goods by mail or courier, you must declare the contents and value of the shipment on the commercial invoice or declaration form. This is because the CBSA requires accurate information to determine the applicable duties and taxes.
- Duty-free limits: For mail and courier shipments, the duty-free limit is $200 CAD (or its equivalent in other currencies). This means that if the value of the goods exceeds $200, you'll need to pay duty and taxes on the excess amount.
- Gifts: If you're sending gifts to someone in Canada, you can still claim the personal exemption, but you'll need to provide a detailed description of the gifts and their value on the commercial invoice or declaration form.
- Restrictions and prohibitions: Certain goods are restricted or prohibited from being brought into Canada, including items like food, plants, and animals. Make sure to check the CBSA's website for specific restrictions and prohibitions before sending goods by mail or courier.
In summary, while the personal exemption still applies to goods brought into Canada by mail or courier, there are specific rules and limits to be aware of. Always declare the contents and value of your shipment accurately, and check for any restrictions or prohibitions before sending goods to Canada.