Canadian Duty Limit Change Eagerly Awaited by Border Businesses

Beginning June first, Canadians coming to the U.S. will be able to nearly quadruple their amount of purchases before being required to pay duties and taxes when returning to Canada.  Currently, duty must be paid on purchases above 50 dollars for a single day visit, and 200 dollars for longer stays.  A provision in the new Canadian federal budget will increase duty and tax limits. And that’s good news south of the border, according to Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Garry Douglas.

SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Economics and Finance Chair Colin Read is also a co-owner of a small business that could benefit from increased Canadian traffic.

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism President Jim McKenna says the new duty exemption will be a beneficial marketing tool.

The duty on purchases by U.S. travelers returning from Canada is already at the higher levels.