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Shipping basses from USA to Canada... Insight please

Corevalay

Corevalay

Supporting Member
Sep 10, 2009
2,619
3,041
New Jersey
#1
Rather than search throw a bunch of different threads and forums, which I've done and still am unsure, I'm hoping someone could share their experience here. I'm looking to ship a bass from the USA to Canada. Is this even possible nowadays? What hurdles can I expect? Any insight from recent experience would be greatly appreciated!
 
#2
You've got lots of options to ship the bass, first USPS will be the least expensive for both you and the buyer (assuming there is a buyer). When the bass hits the border it has to clear customs which means that in general the HST will be calculated and charged to the buyer when the bass is delivered. That calculation will be based upon the Canadian dollar value when the bass clears customs ($1.00 US = approx $1.35 Cdn). Also a fee for brokerage will be charged. Canada Post will charge $5.00 - $10.00 for this.

The same process will apply if you use a courier service such as UPS, Fed Ex, etc but they will charge a $50-$80.00 brokerage fee. As far as duty is concerned, if the instrument was made in the USA, Canada or Mexico there won't be any duty. However if it was made elsewhere a duty charge would probably be charged.

One thing you'll have to do is check the CITES site if there's Rosewood in the instrument. You want to check out this thread if you haven't already. CITES - What every bass player should know

As far as paperwork, all you'll have to do is fill out a simple form which states where the instrument was made and its value along with the standard shipping waybill.

Good luck.

TD
 
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#5
Ive shipped many an instrument, or music-related item to the US, and it's a pretty simple process: Pack it well, mark the contents (ie, bass guitar), fill out a few forms and you're done.

I always use USPS because those brokerage services are a rip off and dont treat the gear with any more care than the govt services do.

CITES hasn't been a problem for me as yet... There's a provision about previously made instruments and personal (read: non-commercial business) transactions, but of course, you should do your due diligence.
 

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