Heads up to Canadians thinking about crossing the border to shop, you might have to pay the new tariffs on top of duties and taxes.
The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has started charging a 25 per cent surtax on American products like meats, dairy, produce, cosmetics, and clothing that are imported by individual travelers, mail or courier or commercial shipments.
These measures comply with the retaliatory measures taken by the federal government in response to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposed tariffs on Canadian goods he implemented on Tuesday, that launched a trade war between the neighbouring countries.
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CBSA Senior Spokesperson Rebecca Purdy told Now Toronto that the surtax is being assessed at the border and charged in addition to all other custom duties and taxes.
“For personal goods, the surtax is assessed by the CBSA at the port of entry. This means that individuals travelling with the goods will pay at the port of entry and individuals shipping goods through the mail or courier will pay upon delivery,” she said.
The new tariffs are now being applied to certain goods if the traveller exceeds their personal exemption limits, which depend on a variety of factors such as how long they spent in the U.S. and the amount of products being imported.
As exemptions don’t apply to travellers who stay in the U.S. for less than 24 hours, Canadians hoping to go on a quick trip to grab groceries or their favourite cosmetics will have to pay the extra charge.
“Travellers can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with their travel documents and receipts in hand prior to arriving at the border. They may also consider completing an Advance Declaration prior to their arrival at the airport,” Purdy said.
According to the CBSA, the surcharge will remain in place until the U.S. removes “trade-restrictive measures against Canada.”
CANADIANS ALREADY FEELING THE EXTRA CHARGE
Canadians are sharing their experience of crossing the border lately and warning others about the extra tax.
A Montreal-based TikToker shared she didn’t know about the surcharge until a border officer warned her.
“Canadians, be aware if you used to do day trips to the States for Ulta… or if you go to Target, Walmart or just to pick up packages because the lady at the border told me that now, if you are not doing 24 hours, you will get tax and duties plus a 25 per cent tariff,” she said.
Other travellers commented on the video sharing their own experiences having to pay an extra charge on their American shopping sprees.
“Yep. I crossed the border to Washington yesterday and, when I came back, I got charged $60 on $78 worth of groceries,” a user wrote. “I just paid it and went home and called it a day, I cross once a week but won’t be going anytime soon.”
“Saw a TT of a woman who shopped 1st day of tariff and she paid an extra $250 for a day trip to the US. SMH. She should’ve stayed home,” another user added.
