Because sometimes, they get it wrong — and you don’t have to just accept it.
Have you ever opened a customs notice, stared at the fee, and thought, “This can’t be right”? You're not alone — CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) sometimes overcharges, especially if the value or category of your doll or item was incorrectly declared. Here’s how to tell if there’s an issue and how to file a refund claim.
Step 1: Check for a Customs Mistake
Is the declared value accurate?
(Did the seller overstate the value or list it in USD instead of CAD?)
- Was the item misclassified?
(For example, a doll might be taxed differently if it’s labeled a “figurine” instead of “toy.”)
- Was the exchange rate wrong?
(CBSA uses set exchange rates — check them [here](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html)
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
You’ll need:
A copy of your **receipt/invoice
A copy of your **proof of payment** (e.g. PayPal, credit card)
The B15 Form
(given with your package if fees were charged)
The shipping label and customs declaration
from your parcel - Optional: **Photos of the item** to prove misclassification
Step 3: File a Casual Refund Claim
Download and complete:
[**Form B2G: Casual Refund Claim**](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b2g-eng.html)
Send it to the correct regional CBSA office (addresses are listed on the form)
Submit your claim within **90 days** of receiving your item
Keep a copy of everything you send
Step 4: Wait for Processing
It can take **4–12 weeks**, but if approved, you’ll receive a cheque in the mail for the overpaid amount. (Not a refund to your original payment method.)
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s a bit of a process — but totally worth it if you were unfairly charged. And the more we advocate for ourselves, the better we get at navigating this system. But remember: the best way to skip all this? Buy Canadian when you can. No customs, no fees, and you're supporting our own creators.
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