I just tried to post an Item to Larry, in Canada, today. But to my amazment I was told that due to new prohibition laws that came in to action at the begining of May. Toys are strictly prohibited from being shipped to Canada!!!

I was just wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem, and also if there is a way round it.

I also wonder how this will affect collectors in Canada in the future?

Is this a Canadian Law or our stupid Royal Mail? everything time I go to the post office, I now just say "1st class recorded, Plastic Toy, no batteries"

Yep thats usually what I say too, however this item is die cast metal. I have sent things to Larry in the past with no problems. I think this is a new Canadian prohibition  

wow if this is real, it would suck if your a collector in Canada....   

I think this might be to do with the nanny state mentality of certain toys being unsafe for small children, especially unlicensed products. I tried to explain to the guy that it was a collectible, so he phoned the royal mail helpline. But they were unsure and suggested contacting the Canadian high commission for clarification. Well I was in a bit of a rush so swearing under my breath I walked away  

On Facebook carl posted that a code for customs and that combined with "Collectable Old Toy" in the description would make you pay only 5% import fees (this was info for items that are beeing send to the UK), but maybe you can put the same description when you send abroad...

I can understand they might have a regulation against certain toys (ctually no i can't even understand that), but your actually talking about collectibles here and not toys anymore.

I've never had a problem, but I've also haven't imported anything into the country since the end of May.  I got a package from Alex (UK) in mid May and there was no problems.  I know that as of mid May, Canada post now requires that an online customs form needs to be filled out by you if your sending something out of country, or they charge you a fee if you make them type the information into the computer system.  I had to do this with a package to Steve in the UK.

The problem may be just for new packaged toys??  

www.canadapost.ca/customs
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/menu-eng.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/indust/toys-jouets/index-eng.php
http://www.dutycalculator.com/hs-lookup/164120/hs-tariff-code-for-plastic-vintage-toys/

The government is probably just trying to get their tax money.  This is the only information that I can find at the moment.  There might be a commodity codes?

Non plastic toys - It says that there may be restrictions from the UK


plastic toys - no restrictions from the UK


I will check into this a little bit more. 
I have a package going to the US in the next couple of days. I'll ask some questions at the post office while I'm there and see if they know anything.

Thats great stuff, thanks Clint   
So if I was to claim it was a vintage plastic toy, I would be in the clear?
Or, as there doesn't seem to be any restrictions from the U.S to Canada, perhaps if I shipped it to James, then he could forward it on to Larry. With James's permission of course.

That's weird  :scratch: 

I am pretty sure I have sent Larry a package since May and I know I have mailed several more packages to Canada to others too .

I always mark my packages "Used Toy Figure" and haven't had any refused yet   

Chris - If you need to send something to me for Larry (or any other Canadians) I will be glad to forward it to him - no problem at all   

Yeah ive sent stuff to Larry before, with no problems. Perhaps because its metal, or just that they have put more restrictions on stuff from the U.K?

Thanks for your kind offer Jim, ill try a different post office tomorrow and just claim it to be a vintage toy and see what happens.
Cheers.

This is a shock to me when Chris told me about it, I know things like firearms and even replicas as forbidden swords and knives are ok as long as they are legal here the toy one is new to me I did check and found this from the royal mail that Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof are restricted I still need to check with Canada post and Customs Canada I will see what I come up with. Lets hope they don't do the same for toys coming from the U.S. or us Canadian collectors will be screwed big time.

Thanks James for offering to reship if anyone needs it as Iam sure others will assist as well if needed.

OK here is a link to this stuff it seems the new law is to stop any toy that could harm a child ie: lead paint, small parts etc even YO-Yo's are banned now how to get around this one I am not sure maybe calling it a "collector item" only may work not to sure I just normally say toy but now who knows. I am unsure if models fall under the new law as they have small parts in them as well if they are doing it with the UK then I am pretty sure the U.S. might have issues with shipping to us soon as well hard to say. Here is the link http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/indust/toys-jouets/index-eng.php#a21

Farking stupid ass government asshats. I'm so glad I live so close to the US border and have my stuff shipped to my PO box there. I can walk to the end of my street and see the bridge to Maine.

If these rules do make it hard to anyone to get stuff sent into Canada. I'll be happy to have stuff sent to my US address and bring it across and send it on to you.

that is a great idea and kind offer kisstour see the man can't keep this star wars family down .

Well I took it to another post office this morning and the old lady didn't bat an eye when I described it as a 'vintage collectible' so it went through   
Fingers crossed it will pass through Canadian customs.
So I guess in future I just shouldn't use the "T" word   
Thanks for everybody's help and generous offers, lets hope it gets through to you Larry, good luck my friend  

I forgot to mention this so people are aware the toy vehicle that Chris was trying to send did arrive safely after he called it a 'vintage collectible' so if anyone is planning on shipping to Canada from anywhere outside the U.S. you might want to just call it a vintage collectible to save potential grief. it seems the new law restricts anything that could have chemicals, small parts, etc that are harmful ie lead based paint in old toys so it's easier to just ban all old toys then figure out what is and isn't allowed.

I just wanted to let everyone know that this seems to be a good way around it.