Buying a vessel for recreational or commercial purposes can be exciting. It takes time and effort to finally get the right boat that fits your purpose. It is a huge financial commitment. There are several details about importing a vessel into Canada that you need to know. They depend on the different types of vessels that are being sold. The authorities require information about the transactions for security reasons. Here are some of the factors you need to know about what it takes to import a vessel into Canada.

1. Bringing the Boat

It is important to decide whether the boat you are taking into Canada is brought by water or land. It will be your obligation to inform the Canada Customs authorities when the vessel has come into the country. A customs officer is always present to inspect the boat at the border crossing. They will provide you with the right paperwork for processing. It is significant to have with you proof of ownership. The bill of sale is used as a proof in that situation. The tax on the sale price will have to be paid before taking the vessel.

2. Registration

Getting the vessel into Canada is very simple. Registration is an important process that you have to do. The Transport Canada handles all the registration processes. You will need to do the application process. The application and submission of documents can be done online. The border crossing can also be handled by the firm you are using to transport your vessel. The licensed brokers will deal with most of the processes. Expect to come in only when paying the Custom Brokerage fees and Harmonized Sales Tax.

3. Canada Customs

The Canada Customs are responsible for checking your vessel. You will be required to report that the vessel is in Canada when you arrive at the border crossing. The Canada Customs will require knowing if the boat is being imported. The officer will come to the vessel to scrutinize the boat. He will do all the paperwork right where the boat is secured.

4. Bill of Sale

The Canada Customs need to see the bill of sale and Deletion From Documentation from the previous owner. In some situations, you will have to provide extra documentation to prove the purchasing price. Things such as web listings and emails can be used to prove the buying price. When they see all these and approve them, you will pay the Harmonized Sales Tax on the sales price.   

5. Duties

It is good to know exactly how much you are going to pay to Canada Customs. The North America Free Trade Agreement has special terms for any vessels built in Canada, United States, and Mexico. This applies when you are importing a vessel into Canada. The vessels built in these countries during a few years are subject to the Harmonized Sales Tax and free from duties. The tax amount is assessed on the day it crosses the border.

For additional information about vessel registration in Canada, please call us at +1 (800) 419-9569 (Canada).