Importing Kilt to Canada

**FreddyBeachPete** · 23rd May 13, 07:25 AM

Whenever I consider purchasing something from the US or Europe, I often decide against because the costs for postage/courier, brokerage, duty and taxes drive the net cost up so significantly. Happened to do a search today and came across a post on another forum that indicates success in importing a kilt, duty free, under an exemption for "ethnic costume". Have any Canuck X-Markers used this?

http://www.clandonaldcanada.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=11"

**unixken** · 23rd May 13, 07:48 AM

You might also consider asking the vendor to use a courier other than FedEx. I can't speak for the Canadian division specifically, but I've had fits with the US division, and Scotweb (working their end to resolve) had equally little success with FedEx UK. My issues were documented here, and issues seem to be a corporate culture thing, within FedEx. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...t-fedex-72516/

**Stan** · 23rd May 13, 07:53 AM

This is an interesting situation. I think that any (and all) Canadian kilt buyers should read it. Very interesting, and congratulations on your success, and perseverance.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 23rd May 13, 08:10 AM

Always insist that they ship by mail versus courier! Most of the time, in my experience, Canada Post rarely collects duty and never a brokerage fee as the courier companies do without exception.
There are by the way, a number of extremely talented kilt makers here in Canada some are members here, who are more than able to provide you with a variety of options. References and photos for many are available here if you search. I've had the pleasure of seeing the work of many and owning a beautiful kilt made by one of the members in Ontario. Just ask and you'll be flooded with names and photos. I highly recommend our own John at Keltoi ( link above)

**FreddyBeachPete** · 23rd May 13, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by MacCathmhaoil

I highly recommend our own John at Keltoi ( link above)

Agreed! John made a wonderful box-pleat for me with fabric (MacDougall Ancient) that I supplied. Also have a wonderful 8-yarder in MacDougall Modern hand-sewn by Mac MacIsaac in Cape Breton.

**CMcG** · 23rd May 13, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by FreddyBeachPete

Whenever I consider purchasing something from the US or Europe, I often decide against because the costs for postage/courier, brokerage, duty and taxes drive the net cost up so significantly. Happened to do a search today and came across a post on another forum that indicates success in importing a kilt, duty free, under an exemption for "ethnic costume". Have any Canuck X-Markers used this?

http://www.clandonaldcanada.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=11"

I had not heard of the duty exemption for ethnic costume, but that is good news. Thanks! In the link you provided, however, it said something about needing to belong to an organization and provide a list of events where the garment is to be used...

Also, as others have commented, avoid couriers. Even with this exemption for ethnic dress, the person in that article still had to pay GST and the courier's brokerage fee. Go by regular mail instead to avoid brokerage fees and a better chance of avoiding tax

**Stan** · 23rd May 13, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

I had not heard of the duty exemption for ethnic costume, but that is good news. Thanks! In the link you provided, however, it said something about needing to belong to an organization and provide a list of events where the garment is to be used...

Also, as others have commented, avoid couriers. Even with this exemption for ethnic dress, the person in that article still had to pay GST and the courier's brokerage fee. Go by regular mail instead to avoid brokerage fees and a better chance of avoiding tax

Let me just correct your statement a bit by saing "not being charged a tax that you were never subject to" .

**FreddyBeachPete** · 23rd May 13, 10:59 AM

With respect to the organization and events - IF I were to do this I would identify myself as a member of NB Scots and the Society of Saint Andrews and will be wearing on Tartan Day, St. Andrews Day, Robbie Burns Day and for Highland Games

**RockyR** · 23rd May 13, 01:05 PM

I always ship via Post Office to Canada and have never had a customer complain that they've gotten hit with customs. I have heard plenty of people complain that through UPS / FedEx that they get hit with customs every time.

BTW, the same goes for here in the US. When we get shipments from Scotland, DHL / FedEx / UPS will hit us with customs every time. Post Office (Royal Mail / Parcel Force over in the UK) packages come through 90% - 95% of the time with no duty.

**plaid preacher** · 23rd May 13, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Also, as others have commented, avoid couriers. Even with this exemption for ethnic dress, the person in that article still had to pay GST and the courier's brokerage fee. Go by regular mail instead to avoid brokerage fees and a better chance of avoiding tax

That's not quite true. I have received merchandise from Scotland upon which CanadaPost collected the HST (they are an arm of the government after all) and they do charge a service fee when they collect duty of $9; but that is still cheaper than brokerage fees charged by couriers. Now I just received a parcel the other day that did seem to skate through without duty or HST... perhaps because the primary item was something that I had returned for exchange. So I think we should always be ready to pay duty and taxes, although sometimes we don't. Should you be charged the duty it is 13%.