I have about 10 Super 8 (50’) reels that I’d like to get transfered to MiniDV tape. I seem to have located a pretty good place in Texas. I send them the film and some blank tapes, and they send everything back to me.
The trouble is that I live in Canada and I don’t know what Canada Customs policy is on this kind of thing. Will they try to charge me duty on this? The films are mine, and the MiniDV tapes I’m getting back are mine and were bought in Canada.
Anyone have any experience with this kind of thing?
I don’t know the answer, but it two apparent tacks to take would be:
1.) contact the company you’re considering using and ask them if they have experience with shipping to Canada and
2.) contact Canadian Customs and ask 'em.
My best fiend had his latest film duplicated in Canada (the VHS tapes were bought from the Canadian company). Crossing back into the U.S., he had to pay a duty on the value of the tapes. I don’t remember how much, but it was something like five bucks for $400 worth of tapes.
In theory, you should not be charged duty. You are buying a service as opposed to goods. Along the same line as going to the States for plastic surgery or dental work.
I your case however, it would be a good idea to have receipts to back this up.