The Hidden Cost of Importing Ham Radio Gear: My Experience with the KJ6ER POTA PERformer
As a Canadian ham operator (VE9CF), I've been excited to expand my portable setup for Parks on the Air (POTA). Recently, I ordered the much‑talked‑about KJ6ER POTA PERformer antenna kit from J-Systems on Etsy. While the antenna itself is a solid piece of engineering, the real story of this purchase isn't about performance—it's about the unexpected tariffs and fees of importing it into Canada.
The Purchase Price
On paper, the kit seemed like a good deal. The antenna cost me about $300 CAD, a fair price for a well‑built, portable HF antenna. I was prepared for shipping costs and maybe some GST/HST at the border. What I wasn't prepared for was the steel surtax.
The Surprise at the Post Office
When the package arrived, I went to my local post office to pick it up. That's when I got the bad news: an additional $75 USD steel surtax (tariff) had been applied. Converted to Canadian dollars, that pushed the final bill well beyond what I had budgeted.
That's nearly 25% of the antenna's original cost—an expense I hadn't considered.
Why the Tariff?
The tariff is tied to international trade rules around steel and aluminum imports. The U.S. has its tariffs, and Canada responds with its measures. Unfortunately, when buying a product that contains steel parts, like a portable antenna, you can get caught in the middle of these policies.
For Canadian hams, ordering gear from U.S. sellers isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Even if the product price looks reasonable, tariffs, duties, and handling fees can add up quickly.
Lessons for Canadian Hams
If you're considering importing ham radio gear—whether antennas, radios, or accessories—here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Expect tariffs on steel or aluminum products. Even small kits can trigger them.
- Budget extra. Add 20–30% to the advertised price to cover duties, tariffs, and taxes.
- Check with the seller. Some may be able to declare contents differently or offer shipping options that reduce fees.
- Consider Canadian suppliers. While selection might be smaller, you'll avoid surprise tariffs and delays at customs.
The Bigger Picture
This experience made me realize how trade policies directly affect hobbyists like us. What should have been a $300 CAD purchase turned into something closer to $400 once tariffs and fees were added. For many hams, that kind of unexpected cost could be the difference between buying an antenna or not.
It also raises questions about accessibility. Amateur radio is already an equipment‑heavy hobby, and extra costs at the border make it harder for Canadians to keep up with innovations coming out of the U.S.
Final Thoughts
The KJ6ER POTA PERformer is a great antenna, no doubt about it. But the real story is the hidden cost of importing ham radio gear into Canada.
If you're a Canadian ham thinking about ordering from the U.S., be prepared for tariffs, especially on anything with steel components. What looks like a fair price online can turn into a much more expensive purchase by the time you're standing at the post office counter.
The antenna is still worth it, but the lesson is clear: when it comes to cross‑border ham radio shopping, always budget for the unexpected.
