$15.50 Australian for 10 pairs of stripey socks in the teams colours. But no. No one could get that deal - even on eBay. Gotta be worth 60 bucks says Mr. Customs so pay up another $10.80 in duty, $4.96 in GST and $5.66 in PST not to mention the flibberty-jiggareded 5 bucks more in GST handling charge. He didn't apparently notice that toes need sewing together...and that they are watermarked. Tomorrow...I take the evidence to Mr. Customs Man.
[Ed.: Apparently they are quite courteous and listen and know their job so we expect a reduction in the "deemed" value].
Comments
Wayne - July 7, 2004 10:00 AM
Interested in how they deal with this threat to national security...can you really fight City Hall?
Alan - July 7, 2004 10:08 AM
It was not the threat to national security that was at issue with the socks but the grave damage I was doing to the Canadian seconds sport sock industry - especially the Australian moves being made on that sector. Who knew Australian clothing attracted an 18% duty.
Wayne - July 7, 2004 11:03 AM
I just remembered...YOU ARE CITY HALL!
Alan - July 7, 2004 1:28 PM
Well, off to a rocky start. I headed over to the local customs office as I was told to by the post office and was given an envelop with an address in Scarborough. I was told, however, that I might be wrong in how I have prepared the form as the exchange rate for one Australian dollar was $1.65 Canadian. Please refer to chart below for exchange value over last 120 days:<blockquote><img src="images/2004/graph120.png"></blockquote>Under a buck Canadian per Aussie dollar. When I pointed this error out, including by pointing to the Canada customs form on the packet with a reasonable exchange rate I was told again that I was wrong and that it was $1.65. Mucho gracias.<p>I was, however, told that including the paypal receipt was a good idea so I as concluded the over-the-counter chance at dealing with that handy tip. On to my third government office, this time by mail.
Alan - August 28, 2004 10:54 AM
I win. I win. I win.<p><center><img src="images/2004b/cheque.JPG"></center><p>Please note that I got it all back. The government determined that the socks were worthless. Which they are until I get around to sewing up the toes. Two months for the administrative process to take its course. Lesson? File the appeal papers.
Jason Cruz - May 5, 2005 5:30 AM
you're an idiot... duties apply to most goods entering canada unless they are made in North America and fall under NAFTA or another trade agreement... or unless they're made in Chile or Israel in the case of clothing. Many items are duty free regardless of where they're made... for example, computer parts, and most other electronics.
Alan - May 5, 2005 8:07 AM
What a ray of sunshine.