New PST tax in British Columbia

[ChinaVoodoo]

At this point, I would advise BC residents to run it up the line within CBSA. They must have an ombudsman or public relations person who this can be hashed out with. Maybe consider other avenues, like MLAs, or the Taxpayer Federation.

 

[stdly]

That sucks.
I hate to say it but it but it looks like us Canadian's are screwed as far as ordering raw leaf from the USA, and there are no alternatives.
I have around one year of WLT in stock, I guess I better start cutting down big time.
I wonder if anyone from another province has had this problem?
I'm in Ontario and don't want to be a Guinea pig.

 

[ChinaVoodoo]

That sucks.
I hate to say it but it but it looks like us Canadian's are screwed as far as ordering raw leaf from the USA, and there are no alternatives.
I have around one year of WLT in stock, I guess I better start cutting down big time.
I wonder if anyone from another province has had this problem?
I'm in Ontario and don't want to be a Guinea pig.

As far as I know, all of these incidents are in BC because they recently added this PST to tobacco products. I'm guessing the CBSA folks have been advised incorrectly about the procedure for assessing tobacco going to BC.

 

[BCgoatfarmer]

They're supposed to send it back to customs

I believe the local post office did send it back to CBSA. The postal worker filled out the forum with me, and we talked at length about the situation. Now the tracking says

Feb. 7
6:57 pm
International item being forwarded to destination country
Richmond,BC
Additional information

8:31 am
International item was undeliverable. Item being returned to sender.
Richmond,BC


3:03 am
Item processed
Richmond,BC

 

[stdly]

I don't understand why the included papers from WLT is not used to reassess the package, it has always worked before.
Are they not filling out the form according to section 6 C this states a reassessment and not a return of product.
It looks like they are using 6A, don't we have a choice.

 

[Havok]

Has anyone gotten a successful package in Canada (especially BC) since the new year rolled over?

My package just cleared customs today. Canada Post’s website is saying ~$35 is owed for duty and taxes.

 

[BCgoatfarmer]

My package just cleared customs today. Canada Post’s website is saying ~$35 is owed for duty and taxes.

In Alberta? Its sounding like it's been more of a problem over here. Encouraging to hear either way.

 

[AromatiX]

I'll be ordering soon to Ontario so we will see how that goes..

 

[meuler42]

I just spoke to the BC tax folks and they say that there's a 65¢ per gram tax on all tobacco products for BC - which includes whole leaf tobacco. They are emailing me the relevant information.

I just had the same problem, BC. CBSA called said $650 kg. Tried to get clarification, but just said vaguely it changed last may. Appreciate if you could post their email response.

 

[AromatiX]

Everything seems fine so far here in Ontario, I was charged $30 for 3 pounds of whole leaf.

 

[meuler42]

I ordered Jan 8th 2024, package had 708$ duty charged for 2lb. Told my local post office to send it back for reassesment. Now Canada post is saying I refused the package. I'm not sure if this was a mistake from the local postal workers, or if Customs Canada is simply trying to cost me money in shipping by sending my package back in a hope to discourage me. Has anyone gotten a successful package in Canada (especially BC) since the new year rolled over?

I would like to add that WLT has been very helpful through this whole mishap. Great customer support.

Customs attaches an import forms to every parcel, at the bottom, there is a check box that says Send back for reassessment, a line next to it reason for___ You have to fill it out, check the box, tell the clerk, as he/she rescans it and enters the reason for return to customs into the computer.

 

[BCgoatfarmer]

Customs attaches an import forms to every parcel, at the bottom, there is a check box that says Send back for reassessment, a line next to it reason for___ You have to fill it out, check the box, tell the clerk, as he/she rescans it and enters the reason for return to customs into the computer.

I filled out the forum and discussed with the post worker what I needed him to do. Ive known him since I was a kid, and it seemed he understood the mission. I doubt it was a failing on his end, although the problem may have occured on account of the fact the local post office has no computer...mail comes by floatplane, office floats on a dock, heated with a woodstove.

 

[pottsS]

I just started my last 11# order, it should last me a while but I sure want to be certain before I order again. Thank you all for keeping us informed and I hope all that have been charged this ridiculous tax find justice.

 

[FmGrowit]

All incorrectly assessed orders are coming back from BC. We are suspending sales to BC as of now. I suspect other provinces will become ineligible in the very near future.

Like I always say, "If you let the government walk all over you, it will."

 

[ChinaVoodoo]

Like I always say, "If you let the government walk all over you, it will."

I agree.

At this point, I would advise BC residents to run it up the line within CBSA. They must have an ombudsman or public relations person who this can be hashed out with. Maybe consider other avenues, like MLAs, or the Taxpayer Federation.

I suspect other provinces will become ineligible in the very near future.

I honestly don't think you'll see this happen in Alberta.

I changed the title of this thread to reflect the fact that it's only one province that appears to be affected. (We don't even have provincial sales tax).

 

[FmGrowit]

Ironically, we have been sending more orders to the UK, France, Germany, and, wait for it...Russia.

The US mainstream media won't report what has been going on in Europe, but if you search "Europe protests", you'll get an idea. If the Canadians gather up some courage, we might see policy reversals there too.

 

[johnny108]

Ironically, we have been sending more orders to the UK, France, Germany, and, wait for it...Russia.

The US mainstream media won't report what has been going on in Europe, but if you search "Europe protests", you'll get an idea. If the Canadians gather up some courage, we might see policy reversals there too.

Lots of tractors on the roads in my city of Hannover….
What kind of shipping difficulties do you get from Germany, by the way?
(I’ve been looking at the Dark Air Cured, since I didn’t grow enough)

 

[FmGrowit]

We have not had any returns from the EU since we began shipping there again. A UK customer informed us a few days ago that customs had indeed examined, re-sealed, and delivered his order without incident.

 

[Old Gasman]

We have not had any returns from the EU since we began shipping there again. A UK customer informed us a few days ago that customs had indeed examined, re-sealed, and delivered his order without incident.

Really! Now that is interesting, I didn't think you shipped to the UK. If that's the case I may try ordering a small amount.

 

[Ginsinjones]

I have just sent an email to the taxpayer federation for a very clear and defined outline on the proper taxation of unprocessed whole leaf tobacco. I will report when I recieve a reply.
In the meantime I encourage those of you who have been effected by these assessments to demand answers.
Don't roll over and accept it!
Write and email MLA's and contact our ombudsperson.
I will be doing some legwork,
Would appreciate if you did the same