Was it sent by USPS or FedEx/UPS? FedEx & UPS charge brokerage fees to bring it across the border. Canada Post/USPS do not charge them. Canada Post collects duty/taxes and they charge a $5.00 admin fee. You would still have to pay the duty & tax no matter which way it was sent, however, it usually is MUCH cheaper to have it sent USPS. If it is marked as a *gift* you do not have to pay either duty or taxes, however Canada Customs has the right to open any package and if it's found that it really isn't a gift, my understanding is it can be a hassle for both you and the company who sent it. I will not order from a company who won't ship USPS...those damn brokerage fees are just too high!! HTH,