Bringing Darkroom Equipment Across Border

[bill schwab]

I've had a very kind offer of a large amount of darkroom equipment from a cross border compadre and I am hoping someone out there may know how to deal with transporting it over the Canadian border into Michigan. The equipment is not a purchase, so there will be no bill of sale. Considering this, would a duty be involved? Has anyone had experience with this? I am not trying to circumvent any rules, just trying to avoid surprizes and or trouble when I hit the crossing.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

 

[Andrew Moxom]

As long as you are the owner, you 'should' be okay. I am speaking from the experience of when I emmigrated from the UK to Minnesota. I was able to bring in a bunch of my belongings camera and darkroom wise. I actually paid to ship mine via Northwest Airlines freight/shipping services and it showed up a week after I arrived. I had no problems with customs etc. Now this was back in 1994, so it might be a bit different now, but I have no idea if it's changed much. YMMV.

 

[patrickjames]

How much are you talking about Bill? Are you going to have to rent a truck? That would make a difference.

The only trouble I have ever had was going into Canada with studio equipment, but I don't think you will have any trouble on the way back. Just be forthright and honest. Tell them that it was a gift and ask them if there are any duties on gifts. I doubt that they will care, especially since it is used. All of this of course is if they stop you. Odds are they will just wave you through.

Patrick

 

[Toffle]

If it doesn't work out, I'll take it off your hands and save you the border hassles.

Cheers,

 

[Ian Grant]

While you aren't paying for the items it would be very useful to have proof (copies) of the correspondence between you & the camadre in Canada, and maybe between you draw up a simple letter showing your collecting the goods gratis, FOC.

I can't comment on the duty angle I've only done reverse transactions buying from the US, and know Canadians get hit for duty if they declare the items or use the wrong shippers.

Ian

 

[scootermm]

Bill. I used to deal with crossing the canadian border with large amounts of climbing gear between Kingston and Watertown, NY. In particular, and somewhat pertinent to your situation. I acquired a large amount of gear from a fellow climber... it was tantamount to almost a truck bed worth of climbing gear. I merely told the gents at the crossing that it was mine and they did a little sniffing around and off I went.
no issues whatsoever.... this was in 1998 so perhaps post 9/11 is a bit different... but I bet you will be just fine.

 

[thebanana]

Since NAFTA there are very few, if any, products going back and forth to the US for which duty is charged. On goods coming this way, out gov't customs agency may tack on a federal sales tax, depending on the value of the goods. You'd have to check with the revenooers at your end to see about anything similar.

 

[gr82bart]

Bill,

You're a US citizen going back to the US, so you won't have any issues. I would be truthful if and only if they asked that you picked this stuff up as a gift from a friend. Just tell them your friend went all digital. You should be OK.

Regards, Art

 

[bill schwab]

Thanks to all of you! I appreciate it. Time to look for a van!

 

[Dinesh]

Thanks to all of you! I appreciate it. Time to look for a van!

It's a shame that Bruce Berry isn't available any more.

 

[craigclu]

I recently helped an old friend move back to the US after his divorce and selling his home on the north shore of Lake Superior. A truck full of personal items, appliances, etc and a simple explanation at the border went seamlessly. The border guard just shook his head and passed the truck through, so perhaps the empathy/pity factor helped!

 

[bill schwab]

It's a shame that Bruce Berry isn't available any more.

He used to love that Econoline Van....