How can I avoid duty when importing parts into Canada?

• Mail items marked as GIFTS worth less than $60 ($CAN) have no duty.
• Mail items worth less than $20 ($CAN) have no duty.
• Automotive parts made in the United States have no duty.

Don't believe me? Read this brochure from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. The package value and contents are declared by the sender. Some people call new parts 'warranty replacements', which cites their value as zero but still allows them to insure for the full amount.

Note that factory DSM parts come from Japan, and are therefore subject to duty. This could hypothetically be avoided if the sending vendor were to accidentally forget to mention that the parts originated in Japan.

Also note that the parts may be subject to GST even though they are duty-free.

If you're fortunate enough to travel, Canadians are allowed to bring back goods into Canada duty-free, up to a certain limit. The current limits are:

• out of country for 24 hours: Up to $200 CAD;
• out of country for 48 hours: Up to $800 CAD;
• out of country for 7 days or more: up to $800 CAD;

which means that if you can carry it back, you should. Shipping from the U.S.A. is expensive, too. Alternatively, you could get somebody else to bring it back for you. Note that these limits are correct at the time of this writing; check with  Canada Customs - Residents Returning to Canada for current information.