Yeah as I found out, tire prices are down a little due to the cost of oil I believe.
@Docnick - The $800 exemption is for when you bring goods into the US. It appears that Canada is not part of the US and has a different entry exemption limit, currently $20. FWIW, Mexico also has a separate entry exemption limit of $50. It is critical that we not apply US regulations to transactions in foreign countries.
@macfisto - No, I meant $20. Although the current NAFTA negotiations are working on harmonizing entry exemption limits. It is not uncommon for CBSA to flex the limit at the border to avoid all of the paperwork and hassle of an entry for goods that have little or no duty due. The same applies to purchases at the Duty Free Store when entering the US. You are supposed to have stayed in Canada overnight and are limited to one bottle of booze (or case of beer) per person, however, they will usually let you buy several bottles without hassle, even if you havenât stayed overnight. The paperwork that needs to be completed to collect the tax is not worth the effort for them. But the limit is still one bottle or case per person.
To wind this back to the original topic, nobody can import tires more efficiently and cost effectively than the âbig guysâ whose business it is to import tires. They get efficiencies and economies of scale that consumers canât get. In addition, they usually have people dedicated to compliance with import regulations, not just with customs but other agencies (such as DOT in the US) that ensure safety of automotive equipment. Lastly, âgray marketâ goods, such as the tires you were proposing to buy in the US and bring to Canada, not only are not eligible for warranty coverage (out of market) but may be subject to safety recalls that will not reach the purchaser as they are out of market.
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I donât think an automotive forum is a good place to get legal advice or tax/duty advice.
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Unless there is a career duty specialist on the forum.
As a permanent resident of Mexico, when I return from Texas, they give me the same as my wife, and that depends upon the date. Around special holidays, exemption can run as high as $300 per person, but only for Mexican citizens or permanent residents.
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