How to ship from Canada > US safely

[Spaghetti Overdrive]

So I haven't mailed anything from canada to the US (oregon) since the new regime, let alone the august change in de minimis restrictions.


What is the best way to mail pb markers so that they don't get intercepted and held indefinitely by either country's customs?


The markers are rare AKA, so a loss would be pretty devastating even if insurance recoups the cost.

[Alexndl]

First question is country of origin. If it was made in the USA originally there should be no tariff when you will fill the form in the Zonos app.

The end of the deminimis is another story. Those fees are paid by the person receiving the package I think.
I have some a couple of autococker with no issue in the last few month. But value was always low (around $300-$350). Not sure if it would be as easy with an higher value marker.

[fat-50-]

I would bet its a $500 full mill excalibur

The Canadian shipper will have to use the zonos app as stated

The shipper will have to list a proper harmonized tarrif code which would likely be 9306.90.00.41 for paintball equipment

I would think based on value it might get a second look at the border compared to some parts shipments that have crossed with no extra tarrif

[Cdn_Cuda]

I'll be sending a package likely today. My Canada Post app said something about a new process for sending to US but I'll find out.

[Spaghetti Overdrive]

any luck?

[Cdn_Cuda]

Spaghetti Overdrive Package is currently being forwarded to destination country. Will update as it goes.

[Kaomon]

Posted the same question on reddit as well.

In the end, I passed on it. Was not comfortable with the seller as he's was back tracking on his price and was still pending a shipping quote and the potential fees up front.

Just don't want to get some letter a month later to pay up some type fees.

Definitely interested to see how your transaction goes!

[Spaghetti Overdrive]

Posted the same question on reddit as well.

In the end, I passed on it. Was not comfortable with the seller as he's was back tracking on his price and was still pending a shipping quote and the potential fees up front.

Just don't want to get some letter a month later to pay up some type fees.

Definitely interested to see how your transaction goes!

That might be my fault - my bank kept yanking me around and not letting my payment clear for like 2 weeks and I'm sure it was stressful as a seller watching someone who looked like they were waffling.

[Kaomon]

That might be my fault - my bank kept yanking me around and not letting my payment clear for like 2 weeks and I'm sure it was stressful as a seller watching someone who looked like they were waffling.

Oh dude, you're fine. I have no issues with you man. This was a different guy that i was trying to get an autococker from.

[Spaghetti Overdrive]

ohhhh gotcha gotcha. was gonna say, I can absolutely imagine the seller being testy about getting it out the door as a result of me continually showing up and disappearing even though i was first dibs lol

[Spaghetti Overdrive]

So combining the most detailed feedback from all sources and gave him these instructions:

"1. Disassemble the marker (separate barrel, lower, and upper), and individually wrap each part. If you can, it's recommended to have the shipper package so they can't fault you for doing it "incorrectly" (if you're using fedex or ups, otherwise pack yourself for canada post <> USPS).

I think how you packaged the markers aside from the fact that they need disassembly was perfect tbh. (author note: he did a fantastic job and documented the whole thing for me, but the markers were wrapped whole)

If you can find a PDF of a manual, print that and include it so it's clear what it is (let me know if you need me to find these for you).

2. use the zonos app to do the customs paperwork digitally and use the 9306.90.00.41 harmonized tariff code for paintball equipment or Schedule B / HTS Code for Parts: Use 9305.99.50.10 (Parts and accessories of paintball markers).

Also mention that the USMCA Certification of Origin country is the United States for the markers to eliminate any duty fees. Don't use the word replica or gun anywhere, just marker. You can also describe it as a warranty service or warranty return in any notes section. Declare marker values something like $400 and $200."


Which, in reading this back, that's like 5 matryoshka'd steps, but hopefully that's covering our bases.

[fat-50-]

I would strongly suggest you don't have the Canadian shipper ship via Fedex or UPS. Shipping Canada post in my experience would be your best option.

The shipper should have it packed before they arrive at Canada post and they should have pictured the items previous to packing so they can add that to the zonos declaration

I would remove the barrel but I would keep everything else intact I see no reason for you to separate the marker, if anything this might look like you have more items packed then you have declared

As the US receiver I would suggest providing the Canadian shipper your phone number so it can be added to the Canada post documents in the event you need to pay a tarrif you can be contacted if any funny business holds it up upon delivery

I saw your post on Reddit asking the question and someone who expressed their point mentioned industry experience blah blah blah but it was from a perspective of a US shipper not a Canadian, they told you Fedex or UPS would do the work, this in my experience in Canada is not the case. My experience with Fedex or UPS is they will happily ship it for you and charge you serveral service fees to broker the package which add to the end cost for the US buyer.

[BLachance75]

Reading this thread makes me miss Third of Five

[Cdn_Cuda]

My package has successfully cleared US Customs and is current on its way to its destination.

I did use the Zonos App but item was made in US so no tariff.

[Spaghetti Overdrive]

beautiful news

[Cdn_Cuda]

And now my item is being marked as Delayed... after being processes at Bell Gardens USA

[Cdn_Cuda]

And it looks like my issue was more with Canada Post updates. Switching my package to USPS tracking looks like my package is still on its way.

Update: appears to be our for delivery

Updated update: Delivered! Looks to be a success!

[Spaghetti Overdrive]

amazing news - thank you for the updates!