Selling a Foreign-Flagged Boat in Canada or the USA

Created by val. Last modified on 2010-01-02 11:28:58
Contributors:
Countries: Canada, USA

I have done a little bit of research myself on your behalf. As as a seller, I can't see that you would have a problem as long as you and the boat arrive leagally. The only thing I would say, is that both the Canada and US customs ask if you have bought anything into the country that you are planning to sell. I can't remember if they add the word commercially or commercial goods or not, but I think they do.

It would certainly be necessary for either you or the purchaser to pay all the taxes and any duty due as the boat would be regarded as officially imported.

See www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/imp-mar-eng.html

The other consideration is the state of the market and the taxes due in each country. For Canada the following sites have some useful information.

www.patsturgeonyachts.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goods_and_Services_Tax_(Canada)

For the US, one thing to be aware of, is that the tax rules there are changing this comming year and yachts can no longer be classified as second homes. This classification permitted tax-free allowances on the morgages used to buy them. This is likely to result in boats flooding the market soon.

Here is an excerpt from the

www.knightandcarver.com site.

"Rates of Duty: Pleasure boats are generally dutiable when imported into the United States. The following duty rates apply to recreational boats:

• Sailboats and motorboats other than outboard motorboats, 1.5%

These rates are subject to change; call your local U.S. Customs and Border Protection office to be sure they are in effect at the time of your importation. If you are importing a yacht or other pleasure boat purchased abroad, please contact your nearest U.S. Customs and Border Protection office before you import the boat to learn more about entry requirements and the specific duty rate for your vessel. "

I do hope this information is of some help.