Shipping BTS to Canada - How To

[Fatal_S]

Hey guys.

As some of your know, as a Canuk, I've had to learn how to get my BTS from the US. I've had a few people asking me for information on how I did this, thus this new topic. As I'm again shipping, I found all my information, so I'm posting it here.

First off, I currently only have information on bringing the BTS across the border yourself. This means you need to go to the US, get the BTS, and bring it back. As I get more information on shipping, either with a courier or from other countries, I will post it here. However, this is the only way I know of so far.

US -> Canada (Personal)
Rules:
1) There are NO CFI Requirements, Permits or Duty when bringing your BTS over the border.
2) Tariff Number is 0106200000
3) You may NOT bring Shredded Paper, Cardboard Boxes, Moss or Plant Matter over the border.
4) You require a Bill of Sale and a Receipt at the border (see Papers).

Method:
1) Get supplier to ship to a location in the US close to the border. Choose somewhere where you will be able to pick it up from.
2) Pick up your BTS and transfer it to a legally allowed container (see Rules). I chose a tupperware container with a dish towel.
3) At border station, give them the Bill of Sale, Receipt and the Tariff Number.
4) Pay applicable taxes (No Duty, see Rules).
5) Take your new BTS home.

Papers:
1) Bill of Sale
The BoS is a simple piece of paper you must get from the supplier. It states a) Seller b) Buyer c) Item and Cost d) Shipping Cost e) Total Cost f) Seller Signature
Detailed Example:
Bill of Sale
Seller - Joe Smith
Buyer - Melanie Pratt
Sold:
2 Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink - $300 USD
1 Northern Blue Tongue Skink - $110 USD
Shipping:
UPS Next Day Colorado to Minneapolis - $50 USD
Total Paid - $460 USD
JOE S
2) Receipt
Very simple, you need a receipt to show that you paid for everything the BoS says you did. If using Paypal, you can print off a receipt from their website. Otherwise get the supplier to send a receipt along with the BoS.
Both papers can be sent with the BTS, so long as you have both when crossing the border. These papers do not need to be legally written or specially drawn up. If you have gotten the BTS for free, draw up the BoS, but put FREE or $0 USD instead. You still need the suppliers signature.

Legal:
Some suppliers are not legally allowed to ship outside of the US. Some States also have some rules stating suppliers need licenses to ship at all. So long as the supplier is legally allowed to ship within the US, this method may be used. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure the supplier is legally allowed to be shipping their animals.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope this helps some people out there. This information ended up costing me a few hundred dollars and several months to collect. However now that you have it, getting you BTS is a fairly simple process, though it takes more time and is more expensive.

If any Canadians wish to get some US bred BTS this coming baby season and do not live close to the border, feel free to contact me. I will be doing a few shipments, and am willing to collect your BTS and ship it to you from within Canada. Come baby season I will have more information on this, including shipping dates. You will need to tell me about your purchase at least 2 weeks before the shipping date. If you think you may be interested in this, feel free to contact me now.

Melanie Pratt
Canuk[/i]

[Zach]

EXCELLENT.

[jasjmm27]

That is awesome that you are willing to offer that "service" Fatal! Excellent information sharing as well! THIS is the reason I really like this forum! People sharing information for the benefit of the hobby and animals...even though it might have cost them!

[Dragontears]

This is great information. Thanks for going through the trouble of figuring it all out!

[Leigh]

I know someone who wants to get cats and a dog into the U.S.A., anyone with advice on airlines or shipping would be welcomed

[Fatal_S]

If it's pets, try IPATA (www.ipata.com). They can either tell you how or ship it for you I believe.

[Leigh]

Thank you Fatal.