Tim Hall Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 I just received a new small Crane Duet from Barleycorn Concertinas (refurbished 42 key wooden ended Lachenal), and got the usual excellent service from Chris, but, in a first for me (after buying several instruments from overseas, concertinas and others), the package came with a customs bill attached ($43 on a declared value of GBP500.). Have I just been lucky so far that the instruments came through without attracting Customs attention, or do others routinely pay on import concertinas? I know there's an exemption from import duty for bagpipes, I suppose it would be too much to hope for that there's an equivalent for concertinas? The other odd thing is that the concertina was delivered to me with the form attached, but it's clear from the instructions that the addressee is supposed to pay before delivery, and it's the postmaster's job to collect the duty and send it in. I suppose I should just be happy I received the darn thing. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boney Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 Here's the website for customs tariffs: http://dataweb.usitc.gov/scripts/tariff2004.asp Serrch for "accordion," and you'll find "Accordions (o/than piano accordions) and similar instruments," which has a 2.6% duty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLucas Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 ...you'll find "Accordions (o/than piano accordions) and similar instruments," which has a 2.6% duty. But piano accordions are FREE. ... Seems unfair! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boney Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 But piano accordions are FREE.... Seems unfair! Maybe it'd be fun to start a "duty free band!" Piano accordions, bagpipes, cymbals, pipe organs, mouth organs (harmonicas?), and tuned bells are all free. Any more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLucas Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 Maybe it'd be fun to start a "duty free band!" Does that mean you never have to play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Read Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 In Canada there is no duty on concertinas or accordions. You still get hit for taxes though. Also, I've found that Purolator usually get it wrong and charge you, leaving you to claim it back. UPS charge very high broker fees. My experience points to using the Post Office whenever possible. Duties depend also on the value of the instrument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLucas Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 Duties depend also on the value of the instrument. In the US the duty is a fixed percentage of the value of the instrument. ... Are you saying that in Canada the percentage varies with the value? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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