Customs

[seungmin@luxmail.luxcom.com]

     Hi,
     
      I have been buying some Leica cameras from abroad and gotten some 
     questions on the customs by different carriers and countries.
     
     1. Rare Camera Co of London 
     
        They shipped the package by air mail: I received it with no 
     problem.
     
     2. Leica Shop of Austria
     
        They shipped the package by UPS: I had to pay $20.60 for customs 
     clearance (brokerage fee etc.)
     
     3. From a Canadian guy
     
        He shipped the package by Purolator:  I was billed $80 something 
     for customs clearance (brokerage fee etc.)
     
     4. From another Canadian guy
     
        He shipped the package by UPS:  I received it with no problem.
     
     I do not understand why I sometimes had to pay for the customs.  I 
     believe that lots of you have bought from abroad.  What is the behind 
     story?  What is the best way to receive the package customs-free?
     
     Regards,
     David