import duty or tax when importing a boat

Myblueheaven · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003

Any one know how to bring a boat to the US after purchasing in a foreign country( not USA flagged or registered)? What are the duties or taxes if any? Loop holes? Exceptions? Are there any US saftey requirements the boat must meet in order to register her in the US?

Example: If I buy a boat from a country that wires thier boats differently than what a US spec boat, is it considered not registerable . Kinda like bringing in a gray-market car that might not meet the US saftey standards. Is there such a rule of standards for imported boats?

GordMay · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2003

Yes, you have to pay U.S. import duty. and no there are no compulsory "standards".
I imported a Canadian built C&C29, valued at under $30K, for about $120 - duty & customs broker''s fees included.
Spent months trying to get the information to "do-it-myself", all in vain. Finally went to a broker - accomplished in 24 hrs.
Regards,
Gord

GordMay · #3 (**permalink**) 09-30-2003

Yes, you have to pay U.S. import duty. and no there are no compulsory "standards".
I imported a Canadian built C&C29, valued at under $30K, for about $120 - duty & customs broker''s fees included.
Spent months trying to get the information to "do-it-myself", all in vain. Finally went to a customs broker - accomplished in 24 hrs.
Regards,
Gord

doubleplay · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

There are no standarts to import a boat to the US and the duty is %1.5.
It is easier than people think to import a boat and you save a ton if you buy a foreign built boat overseas instead of buying it here from a dealer.
Good Luck

flicker · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

Doubleplay,

Are you saying buy a NEW boat overseas to save money or a used boat?

Chas

kidoduck · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

I would like to jump in on this to mention that if you ever intend to use your boat as a small business, a foreign bought boat would present a problem. I''m not sure what the current rules are.

Myblueheaven · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

To clarify: I was thinking of buying a "Used" foreign boat from out side the USA and bring it home to California. Though, I don''t know what the difference would be if I were to buy a Brand New foreign flagged vessel to bring back?

doubleplay · #8 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

I would like to clarify this issue as someone who bought a boat (new) overseas and went trough the paperwork.
Dealing with used boats are the same altough you might want to buy her from a dealer who can help with the paperwork.
First think you have to do after agreeing upon a price get the bill of sale and factory measurement certificate (if they are in foreign language,translate them to English and get the approval of the nearest US Consulate for authentication)
Apply to US Coast Guard Documentation center and get a certificate of documentation which gives you ownership and right to sail the boat under US flag.(fees total $150)
Sail or ship the boat to US and arrange a custom broker for a nominal fee to help you with the customs paperwork and %1.5 tax from the sales price.
In case you sail for couple of years before you bring the boat back you can even pay less tax because of the depreciation of the boats value.
Any foreign built new boat if you buy and commission close to the factory or at the country they are built your savings can be between %20-30.
If you buy a used boat savings wont be that much specially in Europe because owners usually try to factor in the VAT in their asking prices.New boats sold to foreigners are free of any VAt

doubleplay · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

I hope that helps.
Respectfully,
Al

Myblueheaven · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003

That''s interesting to know. The VAT tax on European boats are often included in the asking price? And selling to , say me... an America, for the purpose of taking it home means I do not have to pay the tax or more importantly the seller DOESN''T have to pay the tax? That means a great deal for a buyer and seller if that is true. Anyone know what the VAT tax amounts to? How is it figured so I can subtract that from the asking prices when looking over ADs?

Lastly, I got the duty tax down, thanks for all the contributors. But how about our countries(USA) normal property tax. Are boats taxed yearly based on thier value like homes/real estate? How much? Or if not, is it because they are for pleasure and not a home? If you live on your boat does the tax status change?

Thanks