Bringing used furniture into canada from US

[Ravneet]

Hi,

I am a permanent resident of Canada and am living in Toronto. I have relatives in Buffalo, New York whom I will be visiting in about a month's time. They are planning to give me a couple of used furniture items. The furniture is about 2 years old and has only been used personally by them. The total cost is about 200 USD, however they don't have the original receipts. Also they checked the furniture description online and it is made in US. But again they don't have the original receipts so there's only the online description of the furniture to prove its origin. So my question is will I have to pay duty on the furniture items (I'm not buying those but they are a gift). Also what forms will I need to fill for bringing them back to canada? I will be driving them back myself. Do I need to have any proof of ownership, cost, origin etc.?

Thanks in advance

 

[toby]

Used goods for personal use are not subject to import tax. And even if they were, the tax on $200 worth of goods would be minimal.

 

[Ravneet]

Thanks for the reply So do I need to have any documentation showing ownership or cost of the furniture? And in that case what proof can I show?

 

[toby]

If you don't have sales receipts, maybe get a furniture store to give you an estimate of value.

To make sure Customs knows the furniture is used, put a few scratches on it. :

I'd not be worried about furniture if it is accurately estimated to be worth only about $200. But if you want to be safe, take a few photos (with dates showing on the photos) of the furniture in your present house, and then when you go to customs to claim it, show the photos. That will make it clear that it is used, ad your personal effects.

 

[Lazyjay]

Yes, that it's better to show the ownership or furniture cost that it was a gift for you. If the custom has been check it, you might be able to prove that you didn't buy it, it was a gift from your relatives.