Shipping a knife to Canada?

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Mr. Bright5ide

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Greetings forum,

So I recently sold a Spyderco Manix 2 on eBay and even though I had it listed as "shipped via FedEx Express within the US," it turns out the person who bought it is located in Canada. I wouldn't mind sending it to Canada via FedEx Ground but was wondering if anyone is familiar with their customs. Would it have any problems getting through customs? I believe they have it posted as illegal to send "switchblade knives" -- which of course the Manix 2 isn't, so as far as I can see it should be fine IMO..

What should I put as commodity in on the Commercial Invoice? If anyone who either lives in Canada or has shipped there before has any suggestions/advice to put my mind at ease it would be much appreciated.. if anything I can always send a "Second Chance" offer to the 2nd highest bidder. Thanks in advance.
 
A regular folder like a Manix? Should be no problem for customs. Carrying on the other hand is the weird bit in Canada. But shipping should be ok.
 
You should have no problems, but please consider these points.

The knife by itself is legal.

List of no-no's

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html#P002
No: autos, centrifugal opening = balisongs & loose pivots that can "flick", punch daggers, throwing stars.
Assisted autos are ok.



One thing they do is classify any one handed folding opener as a "flick knife"
If you tighten the pivot screw fully so the blade won't even move, there is no doubt that it will pass their flick tests.

I also zip tie it shut so if they did play with it, it's obvious.
It's also a deterrent to them, if it's too difficult to get to they may just skip it.

On the commercial invoice, use "Cutlery" even better if you can find the classification number for that -
http://cansim2.statcan.gc.ca/cgi-wi...CIMT_Action=Sections&ResultTemplate=CII_CIMT5
http://cansim2.statcan.gc.ca/cgi-win/cnsmcgi.pgm

Try
821193 Pocket and pen knives and other knives with folding blades
That is the correct classification.

Hopefully the correct classification makes it simple for it to pass through & they just send it through

Fixed blade
"821192 Butcher's knives, hunting knives and other knives having fixed blades" to Canada
Fixed blades, but again may attract attention by someone looking to keep it for themselves.

Kitchen Knives
821191 Table knives having fixed blades"


Re shipping

UPS, FedEx and others who do their own brokerage are rip offs to the receiver.

No matter the value of the package, there will be a $40 brokerage fee in addition to your shipping cost & taxes too
That's about $5 or $6 on that brokerage charge alone.

I once paid almost $100 brokerage shipping and tax on a $15 item.

I recommend USPS United States Postal Service
It will only cost a $5 brokerage fee & you can still send with tracking & signature.


Packaging
Everything I receive has a thumbnail cut and thumb hole in the outer box.
Somebody in the chain is looking for stuff to steal.

I like to package a box within a box, well glued, taped, sealed & stuffed at each layer.


As in every transaction, communication is everything, so email the buyer and let them know what you did and why.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the comment Glistam. User 12345678910 you are a champ!! Thanks so much that is exactly all the info I needed. I will definitely be sure to do the ziptie trick & pack it thoroughly box-in-box. I'm going to ask the buyer first before I tighten the pivot screw as I don't want her thinking there is something wrong with the knife but that's a super helpful tip, especially given the Manix 2's deployment. I also didn't know that about the brokerage fees. Thanks again!
 
Moved to FEEDBACK where we discuss shipping and packaging questions.

Removed off-topic posts by another poster on a different question.
 
Hope I am not too late.
FedEx will allow the person in Canada to refuse to pay the brokerage/duties if it is shipped to a residential address, and receive the package. If your buyer does this FedEx will come after you for those fees. DO NOT use FedEx to Canada if you can avoid it.
I learned the hard way.
 
I'm in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I've bought quite a few folders off Bladeforums. A Spyderco Kiwi, Spyderco Paramilitary from Hawaii and even a CRK Sebenza to name a few. Don't use Fedex or UPS. It might faster but it's a pain to deal with and the brokerage fees are crazy. USPS is just perfect. Also I've never had issues with customs. Canadian customs go nuts for balisongs and OTF, those are no-go.
 
UPDATE: (apologies I realize this is a very late update but better late than never right? :) )

I followed user 12345678910's advice as well as some pointers from the buyer and had no problems whatsoever! :thumbup: The buyer suggested I use the Small Flat Rate Box USPS Priority Mail International which ended up being the best option and only costing right around $11. Here is some great advice she sent me as far as customs:

"Please on the customs form on the place to declare "Country of Origin" please declare it as USA, since the knife is made in the US so there is no duty to be charged, due to our NAFTA agreement :)
Also if possible please declare an amount of around $35 USD for the knife on the customs form, and describe it as collectible cutlery or hand tools. This is not to avoid tax or duty since we in oil rich Alberta do not pay any taxes and the knife origin is US, that is just so that Canada Post won't charge me much for brokerage/handling fees, which has nothing to do with custom but own Canada post greedy charges.
I know insurance will only cover whatever is declared and I'm ok with that.

Thank you very much for being so understanding and polite and again please ship with USPS Priority Mail International and NOT First Class or UPS as these are not nearly as safe, and if the cost comes to more than what I sent let me know I'll cover the rest."

...She got the knife as I sent it to her and kindly left me some positive feedback. Smooth sailing!
 
Good thread... thanks Count!...

However, there is one thing I do think is misrepresented. Custom agents and postal workers are often portrayed as vultures ready to pocket any cool item they come across. That just isn't so. It is a Federal Offence to tamper with the mail, even for the workers. I'm not saying it doesn't happen... but it takes some major balls to pull it off. Customs agents have rules, too. I have family and friends who work in customs and I have worked along side agents. They laugh at the fact folks think they can just pocket cool stuff for themselves with no monitoring. The people who do this are criminals and although they do exsist, are the exceptions among dedicated workers.

You will get a notice if a blade gets confiscated... and if they suspect you are a repeat offender... you will get a visit.

Rick
 
FLymon said:
Hope I am not too late.
FedEx will allow the person in Canada to refuse to pay the brokerage/duties if it is shipped to a residential address, and receive the package. If your buyer does this FedEx will come after you for those fees. DO NOT use FedEx to Canada if you can avoid it.
I learned the hard way.
Click to expand...

I saw this thread pop up and I learned something new since I posted this. The reason FedEx would allow the recipient to sign for the package was because I have an account with FedEx. If you don't have an account (pay upfront) they will not release it, they will hold it and await instructions from the shipper.
So you should be safe from what happened to me if you are just a "cash customer" of the shipper you use.
Carry on
 
Ive never had a problem shipping to Canada.1st class is cheap and just as fast it always seemed to me.One time out of dozens it got held up in customs and a fee was charged to the buyer.He is a RCMP officer and threw a hissy fit and got it reduced i believe.( :
 
I just want to point out that shipping to Canada takes a long time for some reason, whether due to Customs, or maybe they just wait until a trainload is full before crossing the border. So don't get unduly upset or nervous if the package takes more than on week.

Add to that, because we are well into the Holiday Season, your packages may be delayed even longer. I'm talking over one month.

Just my experience.
 
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