Importing to Canada
Importing TM to Canada - my experience
Purchase TM from U.S. Dealer. Remember exchange, $23,000.00 U.S. is approximately $30,000.00 Canadian.
Bring TM to Canadian Customs. Pay General Sales Tax (G.S.T.) Which is 7% of the Canadian price, eg. $30,000.00 * 7% = $2,100.00. Pay $182.00 for Vehicle Import Form to have TM inspected at a Federal Inspection Centre.. There are designated places where this can be done. Canadian Tire does inspections across Canada. The inspection cannot be completed until documents are received from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles.
Once documents are received from the Registrar bring the TM to Canadian Tire (On other designated place) for inspection. A letter on TM letterhead must be received documenting whether or not there have been an recalls on the TM. The inspection focuses on the lighting/reflectors, e.g. signal lights, brake lights, turn signals. The tires are inspected. Takes a few minutes. The inspector fills out a Trailer Compliance Inspection Report
Bring papers (purchase invoice, inspection papers, etc. to Provincial Licensing Office. Obtain trailer license plates and registration. Pay Provincial Sales Tax (P.S.T.) Which in Ontario is 8%, e.g. $30,000.00 * 8% = $2,400.00 as well as the cost of the plates, $35.00. Attach plates to TM.
In about two weeks the Registrar will send a Canadian Certification Label which must be attached to the TM near the U.S. Label.
Total cost for $23,000.00 U.S., TM once all has been done - $35,717.00 (Canadian)
All of this takes about 3 - 4 weeks.
There may or may not be State taxes, depending on the State. This would have to be explored.
One final comment. How do you get the TM home without Trailer plates? How do you get to an inspection centre without plates? Check with your Motor Vehicle licensing Office. You can just drive it home and tell the police officer the process. Maybe it will be sufficient, but, don’t quote me. I was a Police Officer for 35 years, 20 years as Chief of Police.
And there is insurance for the TM. In Ontario, a trailer is covered by the towing vehicle’s insurance. This does not cover other damages, eg, tree falling on it, fire, etc.
Sounds complicated, but, not really.
John
.
|