Import Duties & Procedures for small runabout from US into Canada ?

[AMD Rules]

Does anyone know the proper procedure to follow for importing into Canada? I'm considering purchasing a boat from the US and bringing it into Canada. What can I expect to pay in taxes/duties, as a percentage of purchase price (<$5k USD). Anyone with past experience that they can share? Anything special to know? I'd be towing it across the border myself. Thanks in advance.

 

[magster65]

Re: Import Duties & Procedures for small runabout from US into Canada ?

Hi,<br />You don't pay duty (thanks to the free trade agreement) if the unit is made in North America. At the border you will be required to pay PST and GST on the boat and GST on the trailer if there is one (that's all converted to Canadian funds for the calculation). The PST on the trailer will be paid when you register it in your own province. There's also a non-refundable $185 federal fee for Canada Customs to make sure your trailer is allowed in the country... like some cars aren't allowed in. Call your local Customs office and get a list of the paperwork you need and write it down. If you're missing anything it'll ruin your day! When I called Canada Customs they were very helpful and explained everything in detail.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Import Duties & Procedures for small runabout from US into Canada ?

Is there any type of fee, or service charge to check out the 'sea worthiness' of the imported aqueous vehicle? Or do they only care about the road worthiness of the trailer for which it is towed upon?<br /><br />Thanks for the information magster. I will call customs to get clarification of requirements. It is the 'ruined day' I am hoping to avoid. I have had friends turned away at the border, with a classic automobile in tow due to inadequate notification, and lack of paperwork.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Import Duties & Procedures for small runabout from US into Canada ?

Just to add to magster post... went through it last year. They do not inspect the boat.The trailer may be a pain the butt howerever. The 185$ goes to a custom broker. You will have to get the trailer saftied at a gouvernment approved shop ( canadian tire) you will have 60 days ( I think) to get it done. Make sure you have a copy of the title (ownership) for the trailer. There are diferent in the U.S. for trailers, and you may have hard time getting it from the seller. If you have any more questions post again or feel fre to e-mail me ... cuzner@gosfieldtel.com<br /><br /> Jim

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Import Duties & Procedures for small runabout from US into Canada ?

Thanks Cuzner,<br /><br />Sounds like I should take one of my own trailers down and purchase a boat without a trailer.<br /><br />The harder part would be getting a boat safely onto a trailer which it has never rested on before, and in a manner that would be suitable for a long journey home.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Import Duties & Procedures for small runabout from US into Canada ?

Just in case anyone else is interested in knowing more about the requirements. I found a good document for reference:<br /><br />How to import a vehicle into Canada(pdf 132kb)