Buying a used hardtop in Canada what can I expect from US Customs?

Marksman · Marksman's Garage

I am buying a used Boxster hardtop in Canada, does anyone know what I should be prepared for when arriving at US Customs? I will have an invoice from the seller to me.
I expect to pay state sales tax, anything else? Thanks for your input.

mattC2993 · 11-19-2018, 07:51 PM

If its anything like importing a car from the US do your homework before you show up at the border. https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

SalParadise · 11-20-2018, 03:06 AM

The entire car with a hardtop or just a hardtop? It's hard to tell the way you worded it. I don't know - just go legit with your BOS and it shouldn't be any more than $25 or so for a hardtop.

1975porsche · 1975porsche's Garage

Should not be a big deal if just the hard top. Have done this many times ,it’s just car parts coming in to Canada. Pay taxes and head home. Can’t see it being much different coming from Canada to the states.

racer · 11-20-2018, 10:13 AM

If you install it on the car before crossing, would they even know?

LPMM · 11-20-2018, 03:41 PM

^^^ THIS. If you can drive across the border, install it, and drive back, then you don’t have to worry about a thing. If you’re having it shipped, you’ll need an agent to clear customs and pay a minimal duty fee if the declared value is above $2,500 IIRC. I bought GT2 seats a few years back and used FedEx as the agent, and recently wheels with DHL as the agent. Simple and painless both times.

Marksman · Marksman's Garage

Thanks to all for your input.
I bought a hardtop only, not the whole car. I declared the purchase to US Customs at the border (incl. bill of sale). The hardtop is made in Germany, so no duty. If I had spent more than 48 hours in Canada I would not have had any fees, but we returned the same day, so they charged us 3%.
I am very pleased, the hardtop is for a 987 series Boxster in GT Silver (immaculate condition). I paid USD900 to seller (including the stand) and $27 import fee (3%). I couldn't have had a better deal.

JMS935 · 11-27-2018, 08:58 PM

So they charged you because you didn’t stay long enough? I’ve never heard of something so silly from customs, that’s a strange one.

Marksman · Marksman's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMS935

So they charged you because you didn’t stay long enough? I’ve never heard of something so silly from customs, that’s a strange one.

Maybe, but is there ever a good explanation for taxes/duty? It's just money out of my pocket into theirs. If you need a reason they'll just make one up.

JMS935 · 11-28-2018, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marksman

Maybe, but is there ever a good explanation for taxes/duty? It's just money out of my pocket into theirs. If you need a reason they'll just make one up.

It sounds made up, you’re right.

I recently bought a few Porsche memorabilia items from an auction house in Germany, and they were shipped via UPS. UPS called me to schedule the delivery since I owed customs duties on it, they told me $62. So I had the cash ready upon delivery, but when they delivered the package there was no mention at all of owing any duties. I just signed for the package and they gave it to me. Mine is another head scratcher.

Matt Monson · 11-28-2018, 05:16 AM

You’ll get an invoice in the mail.

SalParadise · 11-28-2018, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marksman

I am very pleased, the hardtop is for a 987 series Boxster in GT Silver (immaculate condition). I paid USD900 to seller (including the stand) and $27 import fee (3%). I couldn't have had a better deal.

I guess I was $2 off - as I said $25 originally.

Matt is right, you'll get it in the mail if it's shipped. UPS will most often collect on their customs fees BEFORE you get your package, but FedEX will send an invoice later on telling you how much you owe. That's what's happened to me.

JMS935 · 11-28-2018, 07:05 AM

Why does UPS and FedEx charge more than 3% for the customs duties? I just did the math on recent my purchase, plus a previous package shipped from Germany by FedEx (which you’re right Matt, I got it in the mail), and it seems like the duties on those are 6%. What gives?

Matt Monson · 11-28-2018, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMS935

Why does UPS and FedEx charge more than 3% for the customs duties? I just did the math on recent my purchase, plus a previous package shipped from Germany by FedEx (which you’re right Matt, I got it in the mail), and it seems like the duties on those are 6%. What gives?

You are mixing metaphors. There are duties and then there are service charges for brokerage fees. Each country of origin has a different duty rate (and it varies for what it is as well) and each shipper/broker has their own internally designated brokerage fee rate. For some it's a set fee, for others it is a percentage.