B4/B4a Information

[parker24]

I keep trying to understand how specific it needs to be, but I can't find anything explaining it. Can anyone let me know how specific it needs to be? We have "Clothes, Personal Papers, Books, Blankets" and that's pretty much it. Not sure if we need to be more specific than that.

Thank you! ;D

Parker

 

[OhCanadiana]

I keep trying to understand how specific it needs to be, but I can't find anything explaining it. Can anyone let me know how specific it needs to be? We have "Clothes, Personal Papers, Books, Blankets" and that's pretty much it. Not sure if we need to be more specific than that.

Thank you! ;D

Parker

It's so exciting that you're so far along, Parker24

You can group like items together - eg clothes $xxxx if the value isn't huge or you can break it down a bit to say suits $xxxx, formal gowns $xxx, casual clothes $xxx. Same for lower value items like household goods, toiletries, etc. If you are importing thing over several trips, try to separate line items per trip so that you don't run into issues when they cross items off as you import them.

For jewelry and electronics, you need to list them one per line item and include: for jewelry a photo and for electronics model and serial number. You can complete multiple B4A forms and just number them. Folks have also reported using other formats (Excel, packing lists) successfully.

If you can take an extra copy, it will make life easier for you and the CBSA agent since they keep one and give one (once stamped) back to you.

Detailed instructions are at http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5113-eng.html

 

[parker24]

It's so exciting that you're so far along, Parker24

You can group like items together - eg clothes $xxxx if the value isn't huge or you can break it down a bit to say suits $xxxx, formal gowns $xxx, casual clothes $xxx. Same for lower value items like household goods, toiletries, etc. If you are importing thing over several trips, try to separate line items per trip so that you don't run into issues when they cross items off as you import them.

For jewelry and electronics, you need to list them one per line item and include: for jewelry a photo and for electronics model and serial number. You can complete multiple B4A forms and just number them. Folks have also reported using other formats (Excel, packing lists) successfully.

If you can take an extra copy, it will make life easier for you and the CBSA agent since they keep one and give one (once stamped) back to you.

Detailed instructions are at http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5113-eng.html

Thanks OhCanadiana! I am excited!

I'll have to ask hubby if there's any electronics, but I don't think there is, other than extra cords for his xbox he already has here. He only rented a room so there's nothing huge coming.

Thanks again!

 

[Shylox]

Sorry to hijack your thread parker

But I have a quick question about these forms as well, even though I'm pretty far off from needing them I'd like to be somewhat prepared for the future. I won't be able to bring a whole lot with me when I land because I'll be flying, so I plan on shipping most of my belongings. Obviously the packages will get there a few weeks after I do, how does this work with those forms?

Canada Post delivers packages to our door so I'm not sure exactly who I would even show these forms to. Do I only need them if they say I owe duties and I have to go to the Post Office to deal with it?

My other option is to use a cross border moving company, but since I don't have any items that are large or any furniture I'd rather not do this because it is EXPENSIVE haha I have mostly clothes and things like CDs and video games. Nothing really worth that much but hey, it's my stuff! haha

 

[parker24]

Sorry to hijack your thread parker

But I have a quick question about these forms as well, even though I'm pretty far off from needing them I'd like to be somewhat prepared for the future. I won't be able to bring a whole lot with me when I land because I'll be flying, so I plan on shipping most of my belongings. Obviously the packages will get there a few weeks after I do, how does this work with those forms?

Canada Post delivers packages to our door so I'm not sure exactly who I would even show these forms to. Do I only need them if they say I owe duties and I have to go to the Post Office to deal with it?

My other option is to use a cross border moving company, but since I don't have any items that are large or any furniture I'd rather not do this because it is EXPENSIVE haha I have mostly clothes and things like CDs and video games. Nothing really worth that much but hey, it's my stuff! haha

I'm also curious about how to show that they should be duty free when we do send them. It'll be through USPS and Canada Post. Hm. (And go ahead and hijack away haha)

 

[Shylox]

I'm also curious about how to show that they should be duty free when we do send them. It'll be through USPS and Canada Post. Hm. (And go ahead and hijack away haha)

Same deal with me, I'll be shipping through USPS as well.

Just a heads up when you fill out the customs forms for the items you're sending, mark it as "personal belongings" and not "gift" or "goods", they are less likely to try and charge you duties if they know the items are not purchased/brand new. I learned a great deal about shipping through USPS/Canada Post and this is what seemed to work the best for me. That, and being as accurate as possible on the forms, if they think you're lying, your package will sit there forever until someone decides to let it through.

Hopefully someone can come along and clear up the confusion about the forms for us. =)

 

[R151NG5UN]

I believe duty on certain items can be charged if the item has been purchased within a certain period (I believe it is 6 months but I might be wrong). For instance when you list the serial number of your electrical equipment, if they do decide to verify it and check against a computer and it has been bought in the last 6 months then duty will apply.

Obviously with clothes it is up to you, to declare if it was bought in the last 6 months. It is a lot harder for them to determine date of purchase in clothes, books and smaller items. I think what they are specifically looking for are electrical items i.e Laptops, TV's, Blu-rays and the rather big ticket items. They can check these by the serial number you provide.

 

[parker24]

I believe duty on certain items can be charged if the item has been purchased within a certain period (I believe it is 6 months but I might be wrong). For instance when you list the serial number of your electrical equipment, if they do decide to verify it and check against a computer and it has been bought in the last 6 months then duty will apply.

Obviously with clothes it is up to you, to declare if it was bought in the last 6 months. It is a lot harder for them to determine date of purchase in clothes, books and smaller items. I think what they are specifically looking for are electrical items i.e Laptops, TV's, Blu-rays and the rather big ticket items. They can check these by the serial number you provide.

Well hubby and I just talked. He said three things "Clothes, books, headphones" I'm like okay.. is there a serial number on the headphones? "uh no..." Okay then! haha. He's been here since May 2011 so nothing was bought in the past 6 months haha

 

[OhCanadiana]

I'm also curious about how to show that they should be duty free when we do send them. It'll be through USPS and Canada Post. Hm. (And go ahead and hijack away haha)

For the goods that you may bring back with you (plane, car ride) you just declare them when you cross the border. Make sure you take your stamped B4/B4A with you (they will stamp each page when you turn it in at landing or the first time you intend to establish residence in Canada for 12 months) and they will check off the goods from list (sometimes they will just wave you through). Keep the B4/B4A as proof that you legally imported the items.

If you are going to mail the goods through regular USPS, mark the box to clearly indicate no taxes due - covered by B4 or something. It may not hurt to attach a copy of the B4 relevant page(s) to the outside of the package in a bag or something so they can reference it. If you still get charged you have two choices: send it back for a reassessment by CBSA or pay the duties and then request a refund. The details are at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/dispute-contestation-eng.html .

I believe duty on certain items can be charged if the item has been purchased within a certain period (I believe it is 6 months but I might be wrong).

The 6 month time period (as well as the 10k cap per item duty free) do not apply to settlers. The only requirement is that the immigrant have owned, used, and possessed the item (exceptions for bride's trousseau exist)

Returning Canadians can fill out one B4/B4A set that will allow the importation lf goods duty free as long as you've been out of Canada for at least one year and have owned, used, and possessed the items for at least 6 months (6 month requirement is waived if you've been out of Canada for five years). If you are importing any item over 10,000 Canadian you will have to pay duties on the amount over 10k.

 

[Shylox]

For the goods that you may bring back with you (plane, car ride) you just declare them when you cross the border. Make sure you take your stamped B4/B4A with you (they will stamp each page when you turn it in at landing or the first time you intend to establish residence in Canada for 12 months) and they will check off the goods from list (sometimes they will just wave you through). Keep the B4/B4A as proof that you legally imported the items.

If you are going to mail the goods through regular USPS, mark the box to clearly indicate no taxes due - covered by B4 or something. It may not hurt to attach a copy of the B4 relevant page(s) to the outside of the package in a bag or something so they can reference it. If you still get charged you have two choices: send it back for a reassessment by CBSA or pay the duties and then request a refund. The details are at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/dispute-contestation-eng.html .

The 6 month time period (as well as the 10k cap per item duty free) do not apply to settlers. The only requirement is that the immigrant have owned, used, and possessed the item (exceptions for bride's trousseau exist)

Returning Canadians can fill out one B4/B4A set that will allow the importation lf goods duty free as long as you've been out of Canada for at least one year and have owned, used, and possessed the items for at least 6 months (6 month requirement is waived if you've been out of Canada for five years). If you are importing any item over 10,000 Canadian you will have to pay duties on the amount over 10k.

You're a lifesaver! Thanks for this info =)

I agree attaching the forms to the packages could help clear things up, but wouldn't it get confusing for them since it will be multiple boxes? Or would it not matter since the form would be stamped by an immigration officer and all? I sent like 10 boxes full of my stuff here a while back and the only duties I got charged were $14 on some kitchen utensils that were a gift, so I honestly don't think they care much unless it's big ticket items. I just want to make sure so I don't go getting in trouble 2 months after I get my PR hahaha

 

[OhCanadiana]

You're a lifesaver! Thanks for this info =)

I agree attaching the forms to the packages could help clear things up, but wouldn't it get confusing for them since it will be multiple boxes? Or would it not matter since the form would be stamped by an immigration officer and all? I sent like 10 boxes full of my stuff here a while back and the only duties I got charged were $14 on some kitchen utensils that were a gift, so I honestly don't think they care much unless it's big ticket items. I just want to make sure so I don't go getting in trouble 2 months after I get my PR hahaha

The way I think about it is: it can't hurt to photocopy the B4 relevant page(s) and attach them to the box. When you process a B4 the customs officer will stamp and sign each page so you don't need to send the whole thing. I figure a bit of pro-activity may save appealsso it's worth the effort but understand others may feel differently.

 

[parker24]

For the goods that you may bring back with you (plane, car ride) you just declare them when you cross the border. Make sure you take your stamped B4/B4A with you (they will stamp each page when you turn it in at landing or the first time you intend to establish residence in Canada for 12 months) and they will check off the goods from list (sometimes they will just wave you through). Keep the B4/B4A as proof that you legally imported the items.

If you are going to mail the goods through regular USPS, mark the box to clearly indicate no taxes due - covered by B4 or something. It may not hurt to attach a copy of the B4 relevant page(s) to the outside of the package in a bag or something so they can reference it. If you still get charged you have two choices: send it back for a reassessment by CBSA or pay the duties and then request a refund. The details are at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/dispute-contestation-eng.html .

The 6 month time period (as well as the 10k cap per item duty free) do not apply to settlers. The only requirement is that the immigrant have owned, used, and possessed the item (exceptions for bride's trousseau exist)

Returning Canadians can fill out one B4/B4A set that will allow the importation lf goods duty free as long as you've been out of Canada for at least one year and have owned, used, and possessed the items for at least 6 months (6 month requirement is waived if you've been out of Canada for five years). If you are importing any item over 10,000 Canadian you will have to pay duties on the amount over 10k.

So I should have Laurie (landlady) get a copy of the B4 (ie, fax it or email it to her) and attach to each box so that they will know it's going to be duty free correct? Good to know

 

[Shylox]

So I should have Laurie (landlady) get a copy of the B4 (ie, fax it or email it to her) and attach to each box so that they will know it's going to be duty free correct? Good to know

Seems almost too easy, doesn't it? haha

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

Sorry to hijack your thread parker

But I have a quick question about these forms as well, even though I'm pretty far off from needing them I'd like to be somewhat prepared for the future. I won't be able to bring a whole lot with me when I land because I'll be flying, so I plan on shipping most of my belongings. Obviously the packages will get there a few weeks after I do, how does this work with those forms?

Canada Post delivers packages to our door so I'm not sure exactly who I would even show these forms to. Do I only need them if they say I owe duties and I have to go to the Post Office to deal with it?

My other option is to use a cross border moving company, but since I don't have any items that are large or any furniture I'd rather not do this because it is EXPENSIVE haha I have mostly clothes and things like CDs and video games. Nothing really worth that much but hey, it's my stuff! haha

If you want to ship them via Canada Post you can ship them regular parcel. Foreign students do this all the time. There will be no duty attached so long as you claim personal belongings on the contents form (CN22). This also applies to items marked as gifts.

 

[parker24]

Seems almost too easy, doesn't it? haha

That's what I was thinking! I was like "There has to be some sort of other stuff needed here.. It's CIC! And Canada Post!" bahaha