I know that anything coming from the US will be taxed and what not, but does anyone know if taxes are applicable for anything coming from the UK? (the reason I ask is Canada is technically still a commonwealth country as I understand)

Edit: I should also note that when I had a ipod accessory worth over $40 shipped from Germany I wasn't slapped with a brokerage fee or taxes

Technically, all goods, coming into Canada, are subject to GST & PST. Any 'brokerage' fee charged by the carrier is for processing the paperwork. UPS is $19.95, Canada Post is $5, but either one of those only charge you if the Canada Border Agency elects to process your shipment for tax collection. There is a $60CAD ceiling on gifts. Anything above that amount gets charged taxes on the full amount, not just the 'overage'. Being 'subject' to taxes, and being 'charged' taxes, seems to depend on the diligence/ambition of the Border Agent involved. Your $40 iPod accessory may have had taxes waived, based on the $60 gift limit, even though your item may not have been a gift. I have declared goods, when crossing the border, of amounts in excess of $200, and been waved through. Other times, the @$#%* Border Agent sent me inside to process taxes on $20, which took them, and me, 35 minutes, to collect $3.00! Must have been a slow day.

In short, figure that your item will be taxed. If it isn't, it's your lucky day.

If it is being mailed, ask Canada Post. They will give you all the info you need.

Ernie is right. If it comes from outside Canada, it will most likely be taxed.

That small Ipod accessory likely made it through as lettermail and not a parcel. Goods imported from the UK are most definitely subject to CDN taxes. Canada Posts brokerage fee is $5 ( regular parcel) or $8 for express parcel. UPS and FedEx both start with a base amount and it increases with the value of the item. Guess it's more work to write more numbers on the paperwork.

Mike

It seems UPS base amount is $40 brokerage fee.

I had an item with $1.06 duties and $40 brokerage fee. I refused the package as I had specifically said NO UPS and the seller goofed.