Importing Kilt to Canada

**Carlo** · 23rd May 13, 04:26 PM

I don't know about Canada or the US.
In Switzerland we have VAT of 8% or 2.5% depending on what you import. Since they don't ask you to pay VAT of less than 5 SFR. you don't have to pay if the value of the item in the parcel is less than 62.50 SFR. or 200 SFR. depending on the VAT level you would have to pay.
SFR at the moment is about the same as US$.

**unixken** · 23rd May 13, 04:27 PM

Additionally, a blanket recommendation against using couriers may not be prudent (or applicable), where a large order, or high dollar value, are concerned and no tracking number assigned. If you use a postal service, see if they offer tracking numbers. Anyone who has read my FedEx nightmare should see the value I found in keeping an eye on my $4,000 order (or the subsequent order, also problematic but also thankfully assigned a tracking number.)

I'd rather risk a tax than risk spending $800 and up, for a custom woven fabric kilt that took months to produce, only to be told "it must have gotten lost."

**CMcG** · 23rd May 13, 05:21 PM

The biggest difference, to me, between couriers and parcel post is that the former guarantee duty/tax is paid, while the latter often lets duty/tax slide. This isn't to say that tax is not owing, rather that it often -- but not always -- doesn't get processed by Canada Post. Furthermore, it appears that the exemption for ethnic attire imported into Canada is related to duty, but not to tax.

The other thing is, couriers always charge a brokerage fee, whereas Canada Post only charges it if they levy duty/tax and the amount charged by Canada Post is much less.

Finally, for those concerned about the security of their parcels, parcel post can also be insurable and trackable, if one purchases those services.

FYI, here is the relevant section from the customs exemption list:

"9937.00.00 Costumes, and parts and accessories thereof, designed or decorated in
a manner reflecting a specific ethno-cultural heritage when for the use
of an ethno-cultural group that requires the costumes for the public
manifestation of its heritage.
"Goods" does not include goods that are sold or otherwise disposed of
within 12 months after importation.
For the purpose of this tariff item, upon receipt of an application
pursuant to section 88 of this Act, the Minister of National Revenue shall
have regard for the following criteria in deciding whether to recognize a
group as an ethno-cultural group:

(a) whether the group consists of at least five persons each of whom
is at least 18 years of age and is a Canadian citizen or a permanent
resident within the meaning of the Immigration Act, 1976;
(b) whether the group is a voluntary, non-profit group constituted for
the purpose of preserving its ethno-cultural heritage and sharing that
heritage with Canadians; and
(c) whether the group is supported by, and is a representative of, the
ethnic community to which it belongs."

**KenB** · 24th May 13, 05:20 AM

I was considering using this exemption but decided to have a kilt made here (Ontario). I just didn't want any hassles.
I have ordered from the USA and have had no difficulties.
My kilt that I purchased in Scotland I brought back with me as carry on baggage.

**Father Bill** · 24th May 13, 06:55 AM

Apparently kilts are not "ethnic" according to the Canadian government because of our plethora of kilted highland regiments.

What do I know!

**CMcG** · 24th May 13, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Apparently kilts are not "ethnic" according to the Canadian government because of our plethora of kilted highland regiments.

What do I know!

Oh? Did you do some more research regarding this? Details, please!

**Randy McIntosh** · 24th May 13, 07:38 AM

Kilts may also be subject to the import duty on Wool and wool products.
Along with HST or GST & PST.

Canada post can and sometimes does charge a $10.00 administrative fee.

**Wil** · 24th May 13, 08:10 AM

I am in the US, but when purchasing an item off of Ebay I always know that my starting shipping price is 19 GBP ($28.00) that is coming through the post not FEDEX and I am fine with that. But, I did just purchase a few new kilt jackets and they came FEDEX; I almost killed over when I was told the shipping price. My hounds tooth jacket & waistcoat was 58 GBP ($87.56), my solid green jacket was 40 GBP ($60.47). So $148.03 later I got my items. But it is very pricey, if someone cannot afford the shipping; it limits his/her shopping to his/her home country. If you can afford them shipping, then we get to tell our wives why we just spent almost $150.00 in shipping....

**Wil** · 24th May 13, 08:12 AM

I'd rather risk a tax than risk spending $800 and up, for a custom woven fabric kilt that took months to produce, only to be told "it must have gotten lost."[/QUOTE]

Hear Hear!