Ridiculous UPS Fees in Canada

I sent a package of gifts to a friend in Canada thinking it would be a nice surprise for her. I should have known something was not right when the process of mailing this package was no easy feat. I had to list every single item in the box, the quantity, the cost per unit, and the weight per unit and all of that had to add up to the total cost of the box and the total weight. Ugh. Um, I couldn't even remember what all I packed into the box.

The package took about 10 days to arrive at my friend's although she has yet to get the package. The UPS lady arrived at her door demanding 51$ (Canadian Dollars). The exchange went something like this:

- mmmm... soory? I beg your pardon? Do you mind repeating what you just said?

- This package is for you. It will cost you 51$. How do you wish to pay?

- I don't. Why should I pay?

- To clear customs. It is 51$, how will you pay?

- I won't. Why should I? I didn't buy anything, this is a gift to me!

- I am not going to spend the day here. Here is a notice of delivery. When you decide what you want to do, call us.

WHAT? Are you kidding me? I've sent her packages before and we have never had this problem.

My friend quickly learned that for any package of more than 60$, the recipient should pay UPS at least 50$ to act as a customs broker. Only UPS does this as the USPS services and DHL do not add on these fees. In fact, the issue with UPS is so bad there is a class action suit against them for this scam. You can read many complaints at epinions.com or check out the Wikipedia section dedicated to "Fees for Canadians".

At this point what are the options?

- she could refuse the package back so it comes back to me so I can divide it up and send it back in two different boxes and mail it via another method.

- she could refuse to have UPS behave in her name as the broker with Canadian Customs. Instead they can deliver some forms to her and eave the package at customs for her to pick up with a fee of around 10$.

What would you do?