I mean, say, you want a really nice camera, or a drone, or maybe a gaming laptop, and since those things are made in China, they are too expensive to buy right now in the US, since tariffs are over 100%. So you just go to Canada, buy the thing, unpack it from the packaging, and pretend like its just personal items. Just like a smartphone.
AFIAK, border agents usually don’t ask if you bought your phone in the US or from outside, they shouldn’t ask about other personal electronics, right?
Yes. But only one or two things at a time. It’s illegal but like you said if you just say you had it when you entered Canada you’ll probably get away with it.
If you come over with 100 laptops in your trunk you will almost certainly be forced to pay import duties on them.
Basically if you’re trying to save some money personally yes it’s possible. Under a certain dollar amount you can usually even do it legally as long as you don’t intend to sell it. But if you’re planning on making a business out of doing this and selling it in the US cheap then you’re gonna get caught