Buying Digital Cameras/Lenses from Japan

[hshar_4590]

Hello everyone,

I live in Ontario and I’m planning to buy a used lens and a used camera from Japan (a Nikon Z7II and a Tamron 150–600mm G2 F-mount). However, I haven’t been able to find clear information about the import duties.

I know I’ll need to pay 13% HST in Ontario, but I also read somewhere that there will be an additional 5% duty, which would bring the total to around 18% in taxes and duties + an additional 10-25 CAD for handling fee.

Has anyone here purchased used camera gear from Japan and can share their experience?

[marnotom!]

Seems like a reasonable estimate to me.

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html

Keep in mind that on top of that you could be looking at various charges for processing the taxes and duties due, and those will vary depending on the carrier used in shipment.

[john_koenig99 · Accepted solution]

Not camera gear, but used watches. Japanese sellers love to use FedEx, for some reason. 

Your estimate seems spot on. FedEx charges around $25 (+HST) for brokerage/handling. In addition to HST and duties on the imported item. Be aware that sometimes they don't COD, but you'll get the bill later, in the mail. 

[hshar_4590]

Thanks for sharing the link. It's so useful!