Customs problems shipping gear between US and Canada?
 

On my next tour, I will need to ship (UPS) gear from Canada back to the US. All my gear is used and looks it. I doubt I will be buying anything new in Canada of any value.

I will also be flying back with my bicycle packed in its case.

Do I need to take copies of receipts with me to show that I already owned my bicycle before I left the country? The rest of my gear is so old that I no longer have receipts for them.

While I have not shipped my bike. I have shipped other equipment. I can tell you it has always been a major PITA with immigration when you ship. I would take any receipts that you have. Is flying with the bike not an option? It will be far less hassle.

I'm flying with the bike, both ways, but will be shipping my tent, sleeping bag and a few other bits from Canada to the US at the end of the tour.

My advice would be to stop by your local customs house and ask them what they need in the way of documentation for both the stuff that will travel with you and the stuff you plan to ship for your return. Receipts seem to work for stuff accompaning the traveller up here in Canada and I would imagine that Canada Post (if that's how you ship) won't take your parcel unless it's properly labeled. Watch out for stoves, fuel canisters and such. You might not be able to travel on a plane or ship that stuff unless it is brand new and unused.

But the key is to talk to customs (probably in both countries) if you are unsure. They're the guys who decide who or what gets into our respective countries. Good luck! Al

I've shipped touring gear back to the States from Canada once. I did use Canada Post and marked the customs declaration with "personal goods". I had no problems. UPS is a different beast, though. UPS shipments from the US to Canada are notorious for getting held up in Canadian Customs and getting slapped with high duties. I don't know if the reverse is true.

UPS is absolute poison when shipping purchases from America to Canada. I don't know where they got their fee structure or why. It's not a customs thing. Most things transtiting the border move duty free because of NAFTA. UPS charges huge brokerage fees for stuff they transport into Canada. The ultimate rip-off.

I always specify USPS for purchases coming from the States and always ship via Canada Post. Best. Al