In response to several inquiries of how we bought a boat/motor and trailer and imported it from the US, here's is our feedback. I have had only one experience with this, but so far it has been pretty straight forward. I purchased from a Marine, but the principles would be the same I would think for private sales. I picked up the boat/motor and trailer and delivered it home myself. Ask for 2 receipts. One for the trailer; and one for the boat and motor. (and maybe a separate contents receipt? Perhaps for additional items i.e. trolling motor, life jackets?? Not sure about this tip. This was not an issue for me.)
You pay no taxes until you reach Canadian Customs. Make sure that the bills indicate all identification information; the price; paid in full and that there are no liens or encumbrances against these items. My dealer receipt was quite detailed including words such as Used Boat trailer; the VIN (on the trailer this is located on the tongue.): Shipping weight; GVWR; colour; Sold as is; Exported to Canada-NY state; Sales tax exempt; ship to: my name and address; the name and address of the Marine; date of purchase; the State registration document.
The boat/motor bill of sale again was quite detailed with Hull (HIN) id numbers; and State licence numbers located on the starboard side of the boat; Make and model and year of the boat; Material in my case aluminium; length of the boat; fuel in my case gas; prop – OB (in my case outboard); Engine serial number; Make and HP of the engine; use = pleasure; any warranty information; and the other details as above. Make sure that you also have the Certificate of Title.
I came through Canadian Customs at the Thousand Islands/Alexandria/Hill Island location. Their direct number is
1-613-659-2301. Other Canadian Border Crossings and wait times:
http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
and more info
http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/menu-e.html
1-800-461-9999 Border crossing-Services for individuals.
Here you pay PST and GST on the boat/motor and only GST on the trailer. They accept VISA and bank drafts. (Keep this receipt and take it with you when you go to MOT. MOT will charge you PST on the trailer when you are getting it licensed in Ontario. Your receipt from Customs is called Casual Goods Accounting document. It proves to MOT that you have already paid GST on the boat/motor.) At Canadian Customs: There is no duty. There is also a $206 fee paid and Transport Canada form 1 is completed by the Agent and given to you. This is called a Vehicle Import form. This is related to the trailer. In approximately 10 days, I am to receive form number 2 and other info in a package. At that time I am to take the trailer to any Canadian Tire store for an inspection stamp. This is a compliance test to ascertain if there is anything that needs to be done to the trailer to bring the trailer into Canadian compliance. On passing, we then go to MOT to get the license plate for the trailer. You will need:
1. Title of the trailer that is signed over to you.
2. Form 1 and 2 and the record of safety inspection (if required)
3. Bill of Sale
4. You will then need to pay PST (8%) on this purchase price exchanged to Canadian Dollars.
5. Proof of insurance.
6. MOT will charge you $20.00 CDN for the new plate and registration of it.
7. If you have an old (but not too old) plate that is in good condition, it will be $10.00 to register it to this new trailer.
8. RECALL CLEARANCE letter on official company letterhead from the trailer OEM or authorized dealer for the trailer. This letter is to indicate that the trailer is free of recalls or that all recall work has been done. (You can do this directly with the trailer company yourself, quoting the VIN.)
The following article was helpful, but don’t let it scare you off, it was very smooth. There are lots more tips in it that I will not repeat here.
“Buying a Boat in the USA (Jan/06)”
http://boating.ncf.ca/buy-usa.html
Back to the boat/motor: Office of Boating Safety-(1-800-276-6687) check this link out for info on Compliance Label Process; more forms etc.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/tp/tp1 ... endix2.htm
When you have all this together go to a Service Canada office and bring a completed application for pleasure craft license; proof of ownership; proof of State cancellation; valid piece of personal ID. There is no fee here. Here is more info and forms.
http://servicecanada.gc.ca/en/pcl/instructions.html
As in Canada, regardless of whose name is listed as the purchaser on the bill of sale, the items can be registered (ownership) in anyone’s name. For example, my wife and I list both of our names on everything, so as to avoid probate costs down the road.
As I said before, this is our first experience, and I am no expert. (This is the bayboy disclaimer/good Samaritan shtick.) So far we are still in the paperwork of it all. In the mean time, if I trailer the boat, I will have my receipts on me, as you can’t hurry up the paperwork; and the boat compliance label could take up to a year to finish up. There is no provision for temporary licensing. Hope this helps. Would I do it all again? You bet I would! See you on the water! bayboy.
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