Sending a Watch USA to Canada

Spacefruit

Hello all

I have to ship a watch (using my Parcel Pro Fedex) to Canada from USA

I notice we have to declare a customs value, and an insured value.

It is a valuable watch, that was serviced, (500).

Any bits of advice/pitfalls to avoid?

I was hoping to insure for full value and declare return after repair, although I have no evidence of export from Canada, unfortunately, as it was handed to me outside.

Any advice?

Archer

You put the insurance value in that is appropriate (say $10k for example), and the declared value for customs purposes is the value of the service ($500 if I read your post right).

If you have a receipt for the value of the service, include that. For the shipment purpose, you select "return and repairs" from the drop down menu. In the "Reference number" field, type in "return after repairs".

stonestone

I am preparing to send a watch to the UK for servicing from Hong Kong. Would a similar approach work, i.e. declare customs value low but keep insured value correct?

Archer

The customs value would technically be zero. However because unscrupulous people will use this as a way to avoid paying their fair share, many countries will charge the receiver of the watch at full market value, as a bond to make sure it actually gets sent back after the repairs. Once the repairer has proof of the watch being returned, that can be submitted for a refund.

I’m not in the UK, and I only send watches back thereafter servicing, so I don’t know how things work for the watchmakers in the UK for incoming shipments. When I send watches back to various countries, using the method I’ve described above, I’ve generally not had any negative feedback from my customers that they are being charged inappropriately. That includes one UK customer so far this year.

Cheers, Al

stonestone

Many thanks, Al. It has been suggested I quote a low customs value but insure the watch at full value. I just wonder whether declaring a high insurance value on the form will create problems if the customs value doesn't match the insured value.

Archer

I would include a letter explaining that it’s being sent for repairs, and is a temporary importation only. Often it all comes down to the customs officer, and how much they pay attention.