Shipping Information & Store Policies

Complete information on domestic & U.S. shipping rates, order processing times, taxes, and online returns.

Canadian Shipping

Free Shipping on qualifying orders over $200.00 CAD (subtotal before taxes)*. Orders under $200 CAD ship for a flat rate of $24.00 CAD via expedited carriers.

U.S. Shipping & Duties

Flat-rate shipping of $48.00 CAD. Due to U.S. customs entry rules, duties apply. We assess duties post-order and send a PayLink (5% GST is credited toward duties).

30-Day Online Returns

Return clean, unused gear in original "as new" condition within 30 days of receipt for a product refund (excluding postage/shipping fees).

1. Shipping Rates & Order Processing

IDC Diving Centre Ltd. is pleased to offer a wide variety of scuba, snorkeling, and watersports items. We do our best to stock a comprehensive inventory; however, if a specific size or color option is not immediately on our showroom floor, our robust local supply network allows us to have items in-store and shipped out (or ready for pickup) within 2 to 3 business days.

Domestic Canadian Shipping

  • Free Shipping Orders ($200+ Subtotal Before Taxes): Standard orders with a product subtotal exceeding $200.00 CAD before taxes qualify for free ground/expedited shipping across Canada (excluding oversized freight).
  • Flat Rate Shipping ($24.00 CAD): Orders with a product subtotal under $200.00 CAD before taxes incur a flat rate of $24.00 CAD anywhere nationwide.
  • Oversized Items & Freight*: Select bulky or heavy items—including but not limited to large roller equipment bags, dive luggage, and heavy hardware—are subject to dedicated flat shipping charges regardless of subtotal.
  • Carrier Options & Tracking: We primarily utilize Canada Post and expedited regional postal services for fast, affordable, trackable shipping. Once your item ships, you will receive an automated tracking number via email.
  • FedEx Service: If you prefer FedEx delivery, we are happy to accommodate your request (FedEx requires a recipient phone number). Please note that free shipping promotions apply only to standard Canada Post/expedited regional methods and do not apply to FedEx shipments.

Processing Times & Special Orders

  • Dispatch Timeline: Orders generally do not ship on the exact day they are placed. Shipping durations provided at checkout are estimates provided by the carrier. If you require gear by a specific deadline, please specify this in the order comments field.
  • Camera Gear & Housings: Underwater camera equipment and housings are specialized items often ordered on demand. These products may take upwards of one week to reach our facility prior to dispatch.
  • Stock Communication: If an ordered item is temporarily out of stock, our team will contact you promptly. Please ensure your contact email and phone number are accurate during checkout.

2. United States & International Destinations

United States Shipments & Duties

Orders shipped to the United States carry a flat-rate shipping fee of $48.00 CAD. Due to high international logistics costs, free shipping promotions are not available for U.S. deliveries.

  • U.S. Customs & Entry Rules: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations require full customs entry and duty clearance on commercial goods entering the United States, withdrawing previous duty-free exemptions. Items qualifying under CUSMA/USMCA rules remain exempt from additional tariffs.
  • Duty Assessment & PayLink Process: Place your order as normal. Our staff will review your items, calculate any exact U.S. duties or brokerage fees required by product classification, and email you directly with a secure PayLink to settle duty charges prior to package dispatch.
  • 5% GST Reallocation / Refund: U.S. orders automatically charged 5% Canadian GST at checkout are eligible for an adjustment, as export goods leaving Canada are GST-exempt. Your paid 5% GST will be applied directly as a credit toward your U.S. duty bill. If the GST amount exceeds the duty fee, the remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method.

Other International Destinations

If you live outside Canada or the United States and wish to purchase gear, please contact us via phone or email (info@diveidc.com). Online checkout is configured for Canadian and U.S. addresses, but we regularly assist international clients individually. International orders outside North America are invoiced via PayPal, and payment must be confirmed prior to order processing.

3. Canadian Sales Tax Rates

Sales tax applied to online orders varies based on the destination address within Canada:

Country Destination Region Tax Rate
Canada British Columbia (BC) 12% (5% GST + 7% PST)*
Canada All Canadian Provinces Outside BC 5% GST
United States All US States & Territories 0% Canadian Sales Tax (Subject to US Duties)

*Note: PADI scuba courses, textbooks, and instructional learning materials shipped within British Columbia are subject to 5% GST only.

4. Online Return & Exchange Policies

Any retail equipment or apparel purchased online from IDC Diving Centre Ltd. may be returned for a product refund subject to the following rules:

  1. 30-Day Return Window: Items may be returned for a product refund within 30 days of purchase/receipt, excluding original shipping charges.
  2. "As New" Condition Required: Returned items must be strictly clean, unused, and delivered in original "as new" condition with all original packaging, tags, manuals, and literature attached.
  3. Mandatory Prior Contact: For any returns or exchanges, you must contact us prior to shipping the item back. This allows us to provide return instructions, confirm where to ship the item, and ensure our team is prepared to process your refund or replacement promptly.
  4. Postage & Free Shipping Deductions: Return postage is the sole responsibility of the Customer. Outgoing shipping charges are non-refundable. If your purchase qualified for our Free Shipping promotion, the actual cost of original outgoing shipping will be deducted from your final refund.
  5. One-Time Size Exchange: IDC offers a one-time size exchange within Canada. You will need to pay the shipping costs to send the original item back to us, but IDC will pay for the shipping to send the replacement item back out to you. Subsequent size exchanges beyond the first exchange are subject to standard shipping charges both ways.
  6. Holiday Shopper Extension: Items purchased online between November 20th and December 24th may be returned or exchanged in "as new" condition until January 5th, or 30 days after purchase/receipt (whichever period is longer).
  7. Dive Computers: Used dive computers or units registered with the manufacturer cannot be returned. We will gladly assist with warranty claims through the manufacturer during the official warranty coverage period.
  8. Special Orders & Non-Returnable Items: Special orders require prior consultation before return shipment. Camera Housings and Drysuits are strictly non-returnable.

Have Questions About Order Tracking, U.S. Shipping, or Returns?

Contact our store staff directly at info@diveidc.com or call us at +1 (604) 736-2541 during store hours.

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