Am I being scammed? Import into Toronto

[Anon]

I have always done my own clearance unless it is a really complicated scenario.
Basic process:
I have the Air Bill, flight number and track the plane until it lands.
Upon arrival, I know the warehouse that will receive it, etc. I call CFIA during office hours to ensure they are aware that my crate needs inspection.
Once they attend and clear it. I call the warehouse confirm they cleared it, then I arrive and grab the paperwork and run up to Customs after hours at the airport and give them any money due. Some guys know what's required regarding inspection and permits, others not. I just help them out as much as possible. Pay any fees, get my stamps on all the copies and then proceed to the warehouse. Pay them their fees for touching the crate once.
Let them load it and leave with my stuff. (All finished work) Otherwise, taxidermist on the approved list has to grab your D&P stuff.

This avoids storage BS. If you have the time, it can obviously be worthwhile.

I hope you get some answers.

Thanks for the response.

I’ll be importing from South Africa after a plains game hunt in 2024. If you don’t mind, maybe around that time I’ll re-connect and ask you some more questions on how to do the process myself.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

What the taxidermist (who’s in communication with Cole) is saying is that the CITES was provided to CBSA by Cole and then lost it. However, at some point CBSA decided to clear it without the original.

Okay. So who's saying CBSA lost the documents? Is that CBSA's story? Or is that what your taxidermist is saying Cole told them? If CBSA lost the document (which, honestly, I find very hard to believe) then they should have let someone know in a timely manner. If they did and Cole didn't get another copy to them, then Cole is on the hook for those storage fees. If CBSA didn't do anything to get another copy, then make a claim against them. I also find it hard to believe CBSA would shuffle the stuff through without the appropriate CITES paperwork. This story sounds fishy to me.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Thanks for the response.

I’ll be importing from South Africa after a plains game hunt in 2024. If you don’t mind, maybe around that time I’ll re-connect and ask you some more questions on how to do the process myself.

I'll be driving to Pearson to pick up this shipment as soon as it arrives. It's almost two days on the road but still has to be better than all the headaches of the last two attempts dealing with broker and domestic trucking company. I'll let you know how it works out. Also I'm dealing directly with the shipper over there this time. However, the way things are going I may be back in Africa before my trophies from last year leave. I know they are done correctly and that is most important. Hopefully can get them on the wall before the funeral director comes for me!

 

[Anon]

Okay. So who's saying CBSA lost the documents? Is that CBSA's story? Or is that what your taxidermist is saying Cole told them? If CBSA lost the document (which, honestly, I find very hard to believe) then they should have let someone know in a timely manner. If they did and Cole didn't get another copy to them, then Cole is on the hook for those storage fees. If CBSA didn't do anything to get another copy, then make a claim against them. I also find it hard to believe CBSA would shuffle the stuff through without the appropriate CITES paperwork. This story sounds fishy to me.

The taxidermist is claiming they contacted CBSA at some point while everything was in storage and was told by CBSA that CBSA lost the CITES certificate. However, CBSA then cleared it with a photocopy. I asked if there was any documentation and the taxidermist say it was just a phone call with CBSA. So there’s apparently nothing in writing anywhere.

When I asked why the taxidermist were communicating with CBSA and not the broker they said it was because they were “going above and beyond”.

The story makes no sense to me. Hence why I asked for documentation to verify it. Which it looks like they won’t be providing.

The theory I’m starting to develop is that Cole messed up either by not providing CBSA the documentation in a timely manner, and/or provided them improper documentation. That caused the delay. The taxidermist discovered the delay and involved themselves to resolve it because Cole was too incompetent or slow. Now the taxidermist is trying to cover for Cole because if it’s Cole’s fault there will be a dispute between the taxidermist and Cole over who should pay the unnecessary storage fees. In contrast, if CBSA is blamed and it was out of anyone’s control the expense should be absorbed by me. Knowing that I’m most likely to pay because they have my trophies, I’m getting footed with the bill.

I’ve explained my concerns and provided Advanced Taxidermy the opportunity to provide documentation. It appears they won’t be doing that but I’ll update with whatever happens.

If it was genuinely out of everyone’s control and a strictly a CBSA issue, I’d understand and think the expense is on me. But the so far the story doesn’t pass the smell test, IMO.

 

[wiltznucs]

So, I hired a taxidermist to deal with the import of my trophies from Africa into Canada—Pearson in Toronto.

Today, I was hit with a $1,800 bill for storage fees. I’ll still have brokerage and other fees, I assume.

I asked for a detailed invoice and I was provided an invoice from Swissport, which the taxidermist paid and I’ve now reimbursed them for.

The swissport invoice says the arrival date was May 25. It has a $1,600 charge for “general cargo” storage from May 28-June 16. There’s $200 for terminal fees and a can fee.

The taxidermist’s office is saying the charges are unusually high but that’s because it didn’t clear customs until June 14. The taxidermists says they spoke with customs who said the CITES document for a mountain zebra was misplaced by CBSA (Canada customs).

Why would the taxidermist contact CBSA, and not the brokerage they hired (Cole International).

My concern is that the additional cargo storage fees are due to a mistake by the brokerage which I’m paying for.

However, not understanding the process I don’t want to push the issue too hard as I understand if it’s something out of the taxidermist’s control.

For instance, wouldn’t CBSA contact the brokerage immediately and say it’s missing the CITIES document? If the process was delayed bud CBSA wouldn’t they put someone on notice?

Thoughts?

It’s all a scam right now. Just got hit for $5,000+ USD for importing a blackbuck, buff skull and stag from Argentina. The stag and blackbuck having their skulls split to ensure the smallest crate possible.

 

[Anon]

It’s all a scam right now. Just got hit for $5,000+ USD for importing a blackbuck, buff skull and stag from Argentina. The stag and blackbuck having their skulls split to ensure the smallest crate possible.

Does that include all costs like shipping, brokerage, storage fees, etc.?

I’m starting to think guided domestic moose, elk and caribou hunts are more economical.

 

[Kris Thomassen]

Morning gents, a buddy and had our trophys back this spring from south aftrica, his ended up in Toronto and got held for customs storage..... Mine made it to edmonton where it was pulled for "disinfection". Both sets of trophies came from the same dip and pack in Africa, and were on the same plane to Canada. We both ended up with 2k+ in additional charges on top of shipping fees. All told over a year to get to taxidermy from SA.

I have heard from a few guys lately this has become the norm and not the exception on Canadian customs side. Same as my Brownells orders that sit at the border over a month before getting clear. Not to make this political but our current government is not a big supporter of gun/hunting hobbies.

 

[uplander01]

My last experience was with coppersmith, they seemed to be thorough and attentive,…but honestly, this fee, that fee, the whole process is a fleecing, they know they have you by the curries. Just a bunch of different people with their hands in the cookie jar.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Morning gents, a buddy and had our trophys back this spring from south aftrica, his ended up in Toronto and got held for customs storage..... Mine made it to edmonton where it was pulled for "disinfection". Both sets of trophies came from the same dip and pack in Africa, and were on the same plane to Canada. We both ended up with 2k+ in additional charges on top of shipping fees. All told over a year to get to taxidermy from SA.

I have heard from a few guys lately this has become the norm and not the exception on Canadian customs side. Same as my Brownells orders that sit at the border over a month before getting clear. Not to make this political but our current government is not a big supporter of gun/hunting hobbies.

I'm inclined to agree with you. I just discovered their CITES hunting trophies import application site doesn't work. Won't let me input a thing. Also they made the old PDF application forms go blank. But PDF instruction sheet for filling them out is still there. What the f...? Gotta be sabotage.

 

[Safari Dave]

I've used Coppersmith, as the importer, twice (in Atlanta) and was very pleased with them both times, although I never requested them.


They simply passed on what they were charged by the airport for storage. My buffalo and baboon were put in a place at the airport (maybe the place used by the airline), so I got hit by more storage fees than I was expecting.



Maybe the formula for safari expenses needs to be similar to opening a business.


Everything you can possibly imagine x 2 = Safari Cost



If you get money back, consider it a bonus!

 

[Anon]

I've used Coppersmith, as the importer, twice (in Atlanta) and was very pleased with them both times, although I never requested them.


They simply passed on what they were charged by the airport for storage. My buffalo and baboon were put in a place at the airport (maybe the place used by the airline), so I got hit by more storage fees than I was expecting.



Maybe the formula for safari expenses needs to be similar to opening a business.


Everything you can possibly imagine x 2 = Safari Cost



If you get money back, consider it a bonus!

You’re right, it’s possible that it was out of their control. I’m going to file a complaint with CBSA once I’ve secured my trophies. That should shed some light on it.

Also, everyone keeps saying Coppersmith. I think the broker is Cole International.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

You’re right, it’s possible that it was out of their control. I’m going to file a complaint with CBSA once I’ve secured my trophies. That should shed some light on it.

Also, everyone keeps saying Coppersmith. I think the broker is Cole International.

Coppersmith is in New Jersey and Atlanta. There are other brokers in GTA. Forget Cole. I'll bet my crusty jockey shorts they are at the bottom of this ripoff. Totally inept. And they really don't care. Customer service with middle finger erect.

 

[Anon]

Coppersmith is in New Jersey and Atlanta. There are other brokers in GTA. Forget Cole. I'll bet my crusty jockey shorts they are at the bottom of this ripoff. Totally inept. And they really don't care. Customer service with middle finger erect.

If CBSA provides me documentation that shows Cole was behind the delay, I’ll definitely be following up with Cole and Advanced.

 

[MarkB]

This thread confirms why I import all myself. @BRICKBURN knows the process, all hunters should spend a couple hrs learning Canada's process (not on here, Gov Canada sites), then CONTACT all agencies involved, write your questions down and get verified answers. Before any shipment leaves the African Taxidermist, mounted or D&P a copy of EVERY piece of paperwork, vet inspections, permits, fumigation report, TOPs, CITES and any other is sent to ME for a review. When shipment is shipped I will follow/track, I will know exact date it arrives in Vancouver. Yes I will then call my contacts for a SITREP. Then drive and be door knocking for pick-up.

I hope to not have any unknown someone messed up fees. I will soon be able to confirm this again. Just waiting on another corrected electronic (SA has gone electronic now) lion permit, then crate is ready so ship.

I called my local bank twice recently and both times person answering phone could not comprehend English, letting others clear your trophies in 2023 is crazy unless you have $$$ to waste.

Coppersmiths and others are US importers, not sure if they even do Canadian imports.

Be patient, knowledgeable and remain calm and I have never had a problem importing my own shipments.

MB

 

[Anon]

I did the same thing in 2018, Windhoek to Toronto, did it all myself. I too incurred additional storage fees because of CBSA issues. My trophies arrived on a Tuesday, I was aware of this, but did not get to the airport until Thursday (I'm only an hour away from Pearson, in Waterloo). Got there on the Thursday only to hear that the Veterinarian who inspects the cargo was not yet informed, so it would be another day's delay. Went back the next day, sorted it out, paid for the additional unnecessary storage fees (around $400 I think) and brought my shipment home.
Fast forward to March of this year, second trip, and I decided to let a broker handle it all for me. I used Rigel Logistics out of Saskatchewan. They brought my shipment into Edmonton, as the import fees were less than Toronto (go figure), then shipped overland to me. I was very pleased with their services, and they did everything that they said they would, but it still cost too much in my opinion. International shipping has skyrocketed in recent years, and all of the fees add up very quickly.
Bottom line - I will no longer ship any trophies home. I work hard enough to be able to afford the trip in the first place, and do not want to have to budget another third for trophies.

Dmac, perhaps you can help me as you’ve done the process yourself.

I’ve now reviewed the documentation and my shipment was approved by CFIA on June 6. However, Advanced provided an Air Waybill stamped by CBSA on June 14 and indicated they couldn’t pick it up until they received that document.

Is that accurate? It’s approved by CFIA and automatically sent to CBSA for that stamp.

Or after the CFIA inspection is the onus on the importer to provide that documentation to CBSA for the final stamped Air Waybill?

I’m still trying to confirm the delay is attributable to CBSA, not the brokerage.

Thanks.

 

[DmacD]

Dmac, perhaps you can help me as you’ve done the process yourself.

I’ve now reviewed the documentation and my shipment was approved by CFIA on June 6. However, Advanced provided an Air Waybill stamped by CBSA on June 14 and indicated they couldn’t pick it up until they received that document.

Is that accurate? It’s approved by CFIA and automatically sent to CBSA for that stamp.

Or after the CFIA inspection is the onus on the importer to provide that documentation to CBSA for the final stamped Air Waybill?

I’m still trying to confirm the delay is attributable to CBSA, not the brokerage.

Thanks.

I'll send you a PM.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I'll send you a PM.

I'd like to be in the loop as my trophies should be leaving for Toronto any day.

 

[Anon]

To provide an update, CBSA investigated the matter and determined that 6 days of delay was due to their error and have agreed to reimburse me for those storage fees. I was quite surprised with that outcome.

However, there was a total of 20 days storage fees and much of the delay was apparently attributable to the other parties.

In the end, I wouldn’t recommend Swissport or Advanced Taxidermy for importing trophies.

I found CBSA much more professional and willing to help me figure things out.

 

[MarkB]

Watching this closely, my crate left Port Elizabeth to Joberg today. CITES Gov inspection with a final veterinary inspection I believe then its booked on plane for delivery to Vancouver.

I am clearing my own and with all I read on here and other posts about import companies costing hunters many dollars due to their screw ups I am amazed at the number of people who still recommend the exact same companies who I read screwed up?? Puzzling?

Will see how mine all plays out. My Lion gives me concern? I have already reviewed all docs, permits, and paperwork, found 3 for correction.

MB

 

[R.M.C.]

Watching this closely, my crate left Port Elizabeth to Joberg today. CITES Gov inspection with a final veterinary inspection I believe then its booked on plane for delivery to Vancouver.

I am clearing my own and with all I read on here and other posts about import companies costing hunters many dollars due to their screw ups I am amazed at the number of people who still recommend the exact same companies who I read screwed up?? Puzzling?

Will see how mine all plays out. My Lion gives me concern? I have already reviewed all docs, permits, and paperwork, found 3 for correction.

MB

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!