What is the customs process for exhibiting at an expo in Canada?

Question

I am exhibiting at a comic convention in Toronto this weekend. What forms will I need to get through customs into Toronto, and back into the US after the show? Since I'll be selling books, what else do I need?

Answer 1

I'd contact the Event Organizer and ask what Customs Broker they are using.  Generally, an event like this would have a specific Customs Broker that would handle most of the items.

You have your work cut out for you over the next few days!

Answer 2

Just in case you think Jim is exaggerating, I'll simply tell you that he's right. I don't know if he mentioned this, but if you do try to sneak stuff in and the border patrol catch you, you can be barred from ever entering Canada again. Sorry, next year maybe.

Answer 3

Wow. You  left this WAY TOO LATE .

You need a Canadian based customs brokerage, to get the materials thru the border, and much more importantly, you need both a Ontario Sales Tax number and permit, plus a Federal goods and services tax number and permit.

Impossible to apply at this late date, for either of those required  permits.

If you  try to sneak the books thru the border, and get caught,  your vehicle and the books will be seized and you are in BIG  legal trouble.

  Even if you get thru the border, without being searched, the other vendors at the comic show may very well call someone about your lack of the proper  permits and tax numbers. After all  they went to the trouble  and  cost of getting them, so why shoudn't you, too ?

I'm afraid that you  will have to cancel and  not bring any books to sell. If you  have paid , in adavnce to the show promotor, ask for a refund, citing the legal problems that you face.

Future planning is a good idea, yes ?

Jim B.  Toronto.