Import Duties - New vs Used

[Jd1]

Just a quick question...
If I was to import a brand spanking new boat from let's say France into Canada, I would pay duty and HST.

Now let's say that same boat was first imported to the USA and the original owner used it there for a number of years. I assume the owner was charged an import duty to the US. He wishes to now sell the boat.

If I wish to purchase this boat which is a duty paid boat and import it into Canada, will the Canadian government charge me duty in order to import the boat or would I only be liable for HST ?

[Mike OReilly]

My understanding is that you will be on the hook for the import duties if the boat was built outside of Canada or the US.

We just went through this question when purchasing our boat two years ago. It was bought in the US and then imported into Canada (home). Had it been a non-NAFTA boat boat it would have been subject to import duties of 9.5%, in addition to the HST, even though it was already in the US.

You should confirm with Canada Customs, but this is my understanding ... unfortunately.

[Jd1]

Thanks Mike, that's what I was afraid of