I registered as an "importer" with CRA (cost nothing, used my name instead of a business name), posted $250 security with CBSA (I'll get it back, and it's possible to give them a bond instead so your $250 earns interest).
When my last package came DHL struggled for a week with all sorts of nonsense and BS. They even sent the package back to China, then stopped it and returned it to Canada. Eventually they gave up and put me in their system so packages will come straight to my door without any of this "additional fees" BS. Now I just need to figure out how to pay the taxes and send the paperwork to the CBSA each month without actually having to go to the CBSA office.
I'm interested in knowing that as well. Simple files upload okay, but nested files don't (I was trying the .dxf on this page which I used on a G.Weike laser many times.)
Here in Canada FedEx, UPS, and DHL all charge "clearance fees". DHL is the least costly. There are no tariffs on PCBs and electronic components from China, just 5% tax which can be waived if under $20 for "low value shipments" (which is why packages sent by post to Canada have no duties or taxes). It makes no difference if going to a person or business (but business can be cheaper).
DHL charges a brokerage fee, a fee for converting from USD to CAD, and a clearance fee. So instead of a $2 or so dollars of HST you end up paying >$20. FedEx and UPS are worse.
Canada Customs (CBSA) does everything possible to help the courier companies. They don't care about collecting taxes on low value shipments, yet allow the courier companies to force customers -- who already paid for services -- to pay more when no payments are necessary. It's a cash-grab. I get several small shipments per month, and these cash grabs are costing me more than $1000 a year.
I self-clear, and recently filed and application with the CBSA to be "secured" which will let me pay duties and taxes at the end of the month and on-line instead of per shipment and at the nearest CBSA office. That should be coming into effect soon and hopefully it will makes things cheaper/easier.
It would be awesome to get extra attention on troublesome PCBs (and pay for it).
For example, I would like to make sure the production number doesn't get put on a part of the PCB that is used as a front panel (silkscreen on the back is often lower quality, and some PCBs are too complicated to flip sides.)
Other uses: First-timers who need handholding preparing gerbers; more accurate drills; difficult milling; etc...
Yeah, it's a big scam. Just be glad it wasn't UPS or the "clearance fee" would be $60.
If you're not far from a CBSA office (usually the nearest international airport or border crossing) you can self clear. There's no duties on PCBs from China, so you just pay a few dollars for HST. This is a "Low Value Shipment" so they don't care very much about collecting fees which is why stuff sent through the mail has no duties or taxes. But it's a cash cow for the courier companies who now get paid twice.
