Accompanying goods...handicrafts, artifacts, and rare valuables

[CanadianDude]

Hi All,

So for our wedding, my wife received a Persian Rug (it's a family tradition on her side) from her grandparents. We haven't been told about the exact value, but I do know from the amount of silk etc used in the rug, that it is worth well over $5000 Canadian. She also received 2 Gold Coins that are extremely rare and although they are only worth their value in gold,here in Canada they are worth quite more. Could she list these items in her goods accompanying/to follow list, and if so will they be tax exempt? They are things she doesn't want to part with because of the occasion and sentimental value, however I am concerned about tax issues as it would put a huge dent in my wallet if customs asks for this. Hence my reasoning is for her to either sell them there, or to leave them with her parents and not bring them with her.

Any suggestions?

 

[ao-chan]

I don't know if this will apply to rare and expensive items, but I was told at the border that all wedding gifts are tax exempt if you have been married in the past 6 months. You may want to try calling Canadian Border Services and see if they can give you a more specific answer! Good luck!

 

[CanadianDude]

I doubt most of us will be married within the past 6 months by the time our spouses get their VISA and PR. So this will certainly not apply. I was under the impression on the goods accompanying list everything is tax exempt since your sponsored loved one is bringing over much of their lives for the first time. The rug isn't overly huge and is in her living room right now, it's one thing shes not willing to sell (unlike the rest of her home furnishings) and to be honest, I don't blame her, it's a wedding gift and a family tradition.

Thanks for the advice though, perhaps closer to her getting her VISA issued I will call up to see what our options are.

 

[HoneyBird]

As far as I know, she is allowed on her first time coming to bring all her good tax exempt. BUT you can double check. Now I am worried as I am bring across some really expensive stuff next week.

 

[CanadianDude]

Here are the rules I could find...it's very complicated: http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/collection_2009/asfc-cbsa/Rv55-5-2-2-1-2009E.pdf

12. Either spouse may claim free importation of personal and household effects under tariff item No. 9807.00.00, regardless of whether the goods are registered jointly or in either name. Personal and household effects can include such items as:
(a) wearing apparel, household furniture and appliances, books, musical instruments, personal computers, bicycles, hobby tools, firearms, travel and utility trailers, pleasure boats, and personal aircraft;
(b) travel trailers not exceeding 2.6 metres (9 ft.) in width, which the owner is capable of moving from place to place on a personal basis, motor homes, tool sheds or garages which do not attach to or form part of a dwelling;
(c) vehicles; and
(d) goods acquired by a settler for personal use, while in transit to Canada from the former country of domicile, that were owned, possessed, and used abroad by the settler prior to his or her arrival in Canada

Additionally:

Jewellery
19. It is suggested that settlers importing valuable pieces of jewellery obtain an appraisal report from a qualified gemologist, jeweler, or from their insurance agent. Such jewellery should be individually identified on the list of goods submitted to the CBSA.

Cultural Property
46. Certain antiquities or cultural objects considered to have historical significance to their country of origin cannot be brought into Canada without the appropriate export permits. Before importing such items, settlers should contact the Department of Canadian Heritage:
Movable Cultural Property Canadian Heritage 15 Eddy Street, 3rd floor Gatineau QC K1A 0M5 Telephone: 819-997-7761 Fax: 819-997-7757 Web site: www.pch.gc.ca

 

[AllisonVSC]

Yes, she can bring them. They are owned and used prior to importation and as such are tax and duty exempt. Have the coins photographed and appraised. List the value of the rug (as well as all her other items) at the re-sale value on her list of goods. If she intends to land and then import her goods she will need two lists. One for goods she brings at landing and one for all the other goods to follow.

 

[CanadianDude]

Yes, she can bring them. They are owned and used prior to importation and as such are tax and duty exempt. Have the coins photographed and appraised. List the value of the rug (as well as all her other items) at the re-sale value on her list of goods. If she intends to land and then import her goods she will need two lists. One for goods she brings at landing and one for all the other goods to follow.

Thanks for the advice. We have decided to not have anything come after she lands as most of her stuff will be coming with her on her first trip.