Fedex and UPS won't charge brokerage if sent by Express, only ground shipment? Is this changed?
For warranty purpose, the manufacturer will declare the item value for insurance purpose and add a line "Warranty Repair, No Commercial Value". I've done this many times with Kingston, OCZ, all sent back to me without stings attached.
Do you think the custom is stupid? They have new x-ray that can image items without opening. They don't have to open the package and can tell what it is. So have your paperwork done right and you could avoid this issue.
If your laptop computer was made in Japan—for instance—you might have to pay duty and taxes on it each time you bring it back into Canada, unless you can prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item—such as sales receipts, insurance policies, or jeweller's appraisals—are acceptable forms of proof.
To make things easier, we provide a free identification service that lists items that have serial numbers or other unique markings, making them identifiable for customs purposes as goods you possessed before leaving Canada. All items listed will be allowed duty-free entry upon your return.
Please note that this service does not apply to jewellery; because jewellery often has significant value, we recommend you travel with as little as possible. We also recommend you carry valuable items with you.