Canada Snus Import Calculator

[Maher]

I have one framed on top of my desk lol, /jk box 6 says under rate 5.0000 and the amount $48.40, approx package weight 264g

[Maher]

ahh well , Snusing in Canada is alive and well with the few the proud the taxed to death
still cheaper than smoking cigs , and so much more enjoyable

agree, a pack of Canadian cigs runs around 9$ and Marlboro around 11$, a snus can after tax is 9$ ~ 11$ and will last around 2 days, if not taxed it is like 7$ and shipped to US addy is around 6$

[Snarfblat]

I have one framed on top of my desk lol, /jk box 6 says under rate 5.0000 and the amount $48.40, approx package weight 264g

Thanks. With rate=5, then I assume the envelope is considered the package, otherwise it would be rate=1. But then at 264g, you're Excise Duty should only be $17.46.

If they charged you $48.40, that would correspond to a total package weight of 800-850g. Or, that they counted 17 cans under 50g each. How many cans were in the package?

Also AFAIK Box 4 Classification should read 2403.99.10.10.

[Maher]

Thanks. With rate=5, then I assume the envelope is considered the package, otherwise it would be rate=1. But then at 264g, you're Excise Duty should only be $17.46.

If they charged you $48.40, that would correspond to a total package weight of 800-850g. Or, that they counted 17 cans under 50g each. How many cans were in the package?

Also AFAIK Box 4 Classification should read 2403.99.10.10.

I think there was like 11 cans there but it was unopened as the declaration say, so they only went by weight and it was not in an envelope it was a box. The classification is what you have, as you know, I have disputed it and still waiting for their reply, 3-5 weeks, 1 2 months who knows, they don't care
This looks like the usual CBSA screw up, no one care, imagine they charged me 100.64$ as PST, why? for what? who cares. Box 5 has 42.49$ as duty value, 7 0 and 8 (GST/HST) 10.91$ I tried to make sense out of the numbers, I am supposed to be real good with numbers lol but can not figure the logic behind it

[Snarfblat]

Agreed. It's like they don't follow any rules at all, the numbers are totally random. I can read the laws and try to figure it out, but I'm not an expert, the CBSA are supposed to be the experts. We can try to reverse-engineer it, but soon find out that there are no patterns to this madness at all. This crap has been going on for years and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

One thing I don't understand is that one of the most critical pieces of information for these calculations, the package weight, is missing from the import form entirely. It wouldn't surprise me if the agents didn't even have a scale to work with.

If the envelope/box is considered the "package", then the calculations on the import spreadsheet should be correct. If anyone is overcharged then they should probably file a dispute for an adjustment.

[Snarfblat]

Updated with new Canada Post handling fee.

[serge]

My first shipment of 5 cans(portion) just arrived with no any additional payment. I am in Ontario. Waiting for other two orders each by 5. I have seen on other forum that shipment of 5 very often passed throw with no charge for other guys. Even if one of my shipment will be taxed , I already in plus compare price of pack cigs $12 what gone in one day

[Snarfblat]

Updated Again - more on "Packages"

I've been getting a few rolls in the mail lately, previously most of my packages have been about 5 cans or so. One thing I've noticed is that on packages containing 10 cans the Federal Excise Duty has been pretty consistent at about $30, as assessed by at least 3 different CBSA agents.

All of my 10-can packages that were inspected have been "opened", and I think with the 5-can packages it was about 50/50 "opened"/"not-opened".

According to the law as I read it, the Duty should be $2.8925 per tin up to 50g each, and another $2.8925 for each 50g of weight in the same tin. (See the "NOTES" page on the spreadsheet for clarification).

The duty on 10 cans of snus would then be $28.93 for either portions or los, and that is what I see on these latest packages (~$30).

I think the complication is when the package is not opened and the tins are not counted, then the CBSA agent just goes by the total envelope weight as a single "package" of tobacco, and the duty would be calculated based on that. This is how the spreadsheet used to work.

I have modified the calculation of the Federal Excise Duty according to the more strict interpretation of the law.

On a roll of portions, the Duty was calculated as
240 grams total package weight / 50 => round up to 5, then times $2.8925 = $14.46

The new calculation is:
24 grams per tin / 50 => round up to 1, then times 10 tins and times $2.8925 = $28.93

On Los, the Duty changes from $26.03 to $28.93

To save on Duty, the best options would probably be:
1- Large containers of dry portions, like SnusX, Phantom refills, or the upcoming Northerner pouches
2- Cans of Los at 50g
3- Cans of Los at 45g
4- Cans of Portions at 24g
5- Cans of Portions at 20g
6- Cans of Portions at less than 20g

(You'd pay the same $2.89 in duty for a 50g tin of Los, or a 6g tin of minis.)

If the envelope is not opened and the tins are not counted, then I think we should just consider that a "bonus" as the duty will probably be less than it should be.


Any thoughts on this? Have you guys seen similar amounts on your import forms?