At least two United States senators have requested Canada to increase Canadians’ duty free thresholds so they can do frequent shopping trips to the former, thus being able to bring in inexpensive goods into the other. U.S. senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, in a statement, said Canada’s current restrictive policies discourage Canadians from shopping in the U.S. In return, American retailers lose out on revenue and potential customers. The two maintained the existing duty free policy between the two countries is favourable for American shoppers traveling back from Canada, than Canadian shoppers traveling back to Canada from the U.S.

“Businesses in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Plattsburgh and Watertown are missing out because Canada places a higher burden on its residents who shop in New York than the U.S. does on the New Yorkers who shop in Canada,” Gillibrand said.

Under the policy, American residents traveling across the border to shop in Canada, less than 48 hours, are allowed to bring back to the U.S. up to $200 worth of merchandise purchased on the other side.

Canada is stricter with across the border purchases. Residents travelling to the U.S. but only under 24 hours aren’t allowed to bring back items duty free. Between 24 and 48 hours, Canadians can bring up to CA$200 worth of merchandise purchased in the U.S. back duty free. For trips over 48 hours, merchandise purchased across the border are duty free up to CA$800.

Schumer and Gillibrand also suggested that Canada change its policy on levy imposed on shipments ordered online. Items the U.S. from Canada aren’t subjected to duty assessment if under $200. In Canada, it starts at goods valued more than CA$20.

“More Canadians would take short shopping trips over the border if Canada’s duty free policy were on par with U.S. duty free rates to level the playing field for U.S. companies,” Schumer and Gillibrand said.

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