Custom fees between Canada and USA

Martinparel, I have purchased power amp, pre-amps, and cables that are made in the US and have never been charged duty. I have also purchased tubes sent via USPS and have not been charged any duty on them (so far). FedEx (air) factors the brokerage fees into their shipping charges, unlike UPS. I have shipped an amp to the US using FedEx and am assuming that there were no additional charges levied as the purchaser didn't mention anything about about that issue to me. I also personally feel that USPS provides much better service than UPS. Dr_joe is correct with regards to NAFTA and customs charges - no charges for US made electronics. However, again, the provincial taxes and GST apply.

Thanks everybody. It is really appreciated. Turbodieselvw: Thank you very much.

I cannot comment on non-NAFTA import fees into Canada, but under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the US for 2001, your typical high end stuff is covered under section 8518.40.10 (audio amplification equipment). For Canada, if the equipment entirely originates there (i.e. principally manufactured there), it is duty free under NAFTA. Otherwise the duty rate is typically 4.9% of the declared value. Declaration and payment of duty is done informally for personal items under $2000. Check your local US Customs office for further details.