TL;DR: when a ring is sent from the UK to Canada, the buyer usually pays Canadian sales taxes such as GST or HST, and they may be collected by the carrier or at the border. Rules, rates and timing depend on the province and the circumstances, and they change, so check current guidance. We explain what to expect in writing before you order. Pieces start from £600.
What GST and HST are
GST is a federal sales tax in Canada. In some provinces it is combined with a provincial tax as HST. Other provinces charge GST plus a separate provincial tax. Which applies to you depends on where the ring is delivered, which is why we ask for your delivery address early.
Who pays
The customer pays import duty and tax on an overseas order. We are jewellers, not tax advisers, and we cannot tell you the exact amount, but we can explain how the process usually works and what to ask.
When it is collected
Tax and any duty can be collected in different ways. A carrier may ask you to pay before delivery, or you may be asked to pay on arrival. Make sure someone can receive and pay for the parcel. Our guide to ten questions international customers ask covers the basics.
Brokerage fees
Carriers often handle the customs paperwork for you and charge a brokerage or handling fee for doing so. This is separate from GST, HST and duty, and it is usually shown as its own line when you are asked to pay. Allow for it in your budget. See duty, tax and brokerage on a ring sent to Canada.
The value on the paperwork
Customs forms must show the correct customs value, which is normally based on the price paid. Tax is based on that value. We declare the value of your order for customs purposes on every parcel, and our guide on why the true value goes on a customs form explains why. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains what an invoice shows.
A simple way to budget
- Start with the price of the ring.
- Check which tax applies in your province, using the official guidance.
- Add a margin for any duty and for exchange rate movement, because our prices are shown in pounds.
- Ask us if anything is unclear, and we explain what to expect in writing.
Common misunderstandings
- Assuming a gift is exempt. Gift rules, where they exist, differ and may have limits.
- Assuming a low declared value will help. It will not, and it can cause real problems.
- Assuming tax has been paid at checkout. Unless we tell you in writing, plan to pay on arrival.
- Assuming nobody needs to be home. A valuable parcel is best received by someone in person.
If there is a delay
Customs can hold a parcel while paperwork is checked. If a parcel is held, respond promptly and keep documents to hand. Our guide to what to do if a ring is held at customs explains the steps, and our guide to what comes in the box shows what to expect.
Insuring the ring in Canada
Once the ring arrives, speak to a Canadian insurer about cover, and keep the invoice, any report and the customs receipt together. See insuring a ring bought from the UK in Canada.
Working with us
We work by video consultation and message, which suits Canada's time zones well. We send sketches and CAD renders, and make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays GST or HST?
The customer pays import duty and tax.
How much will it be?
It depends on the province and the value. Check current rules, and we explain what to expect in writing.
Is there a brokerage fee?
Often, and it is separate from tax and duty.
Will I be asked to pay before delivery?
Possibly. It depends on the carrier and the circumstances.
Is the ring insured in transit?
Yes, delivery is insured and tracked.