Shipping Gems to/from Canada - USA

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi all,

I am in need of assistance. Am wondering if anyone on the list is
experienced in getting gem materials through the Customs process -
specifically to and from Canada from the USA.

We are working on a project with a retail jewelry operation in
Newfoundland. It is a situation where we will bring some of our
custom cut gems to their operation for a promotion in their store.

Ideally, we would like to ship the gems to their store a few days to
a week ahead (knowing that the Customs process may stall the
shipment). Work the promotion for a few days, then arrange to ship
the goods back so that we won’t have to hand carry them. Currently,
we are leaning on using FedEx, but are open to any shipper that is
experienced in this process - and is timely of course.

We have reviewed the local customs broker firms, and we don’t have
one experienced with the gem trade. This is the main reason we’re
considering FedEx - and because they have proven themselves reliable.

So far, we have assimilated from the USA side:

  • Proper Harmonized Codes for our particular gem materials
  • Shipper’s Export Declaration forms
  • Samples of the Commercial Invoice forms

Thank you in advance for your assistance, it is much appreciated.

Roger Dery
Spectral Gems, Inc.
Royal Oak, Michigan
248-545-3546

2

One thing to do is see if your business qualifies for exemption to
the Excise Tax Act. Source:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/et/x2-2/x2-2-e.html

Kindest,
K. David Woolley
Fredericton, NB

3

Hi David

There is no need to see if you qualify for excise tax exemption as
there is no more excise tax on jewellery in Canada. Effective May 1,
2006, the Federal Conservative government repealed the excise tax.
After 82 years, it was a great thing for importers and manufacturers,
and particularly us small scale retail manufacturers that had tax
licenses.

Dave Mereski