Hi everyone

I have been looking here there and everywhere about what happens to work tools when you move to Canada. Now its my understanding (I hope in some ways I am wrong) that work tools have to have the receipts so as to avoid import duty. That's fine and dandy on my hubby's new tools but he has had most of his tools for years, some since he left school. So what do we do about those? There are far too many (he's a carpenter) without documentation. Obviously he really wants to bring them with him, cost will be huge to replace once in Canada.

Any ideas please

Bemsee

are you coming on a work permit or PR?

I think you may be a bit mistaken You're right that "tools of the trade" are treated differently from personal effects, and that they are usually subject to import duties. But I believe there's a way of declaring their value as an estimate, you don't necessarily need to have everything receipted. It's not a process I've been through so I don't have details, but I'm sure there have been other threads on the topic. HOpefully somebody'll be along soon to point you in the right direction.

He'll be OK with hand tools, but he should consider also the requirements for electrical certification on job sites. This is an old chestnut on BE: there's nothing to prevent you using UK electricals in your own home, but some employers will insist (because of public liability insurance concerns, apparently) that all power tools used on job sites carry CSA or UL approval marks. This is something your OH should research - if tools can't be used on a jobsite they can only be classified as for personal use, and therefore wouldn't be liable for duty. Again, though, I'm no expert, so please don't take my word for it without checking elsewhere first!

Thanks Oakvillian, very helpful

Stu_g2004 - I am returning home (I am Canadian) but hubby is English so will have to do a spouse sponsorship. So, hubby will be after a PR

Just a case in point, most of his tools are 110v (very handy) as that is was is used on most English sites now with transformers. Sadly all his cordless will have to be sold. It was principally his hand tools where the problem lies but if we can do a collective estimate on value that would be sooooo much easier.

Anyway, back to research, research

Bemsee

Surely these are also his DIY tools for home?

The cordless stuff will probably be available with 110V chargers for over here. They may be universal voltage anyway.

As for the 110V power tools, don't forget that the UK mains power is on 50Hz and Canada is on 60Hz. The motors may burn out at the higher frequency, possibly instantly, if they have a starter winding on the motor. The bearings may wear out as the motors will spin 20% faster at 60Hz at full speed.

There are two different issues: sales tax and customs duties.

Sales tax As these are trade tools they do not qualify for tax free import in the same way as other personal effects. Depending on province CBSA will collect GST/HST when you import the tools. If you are in a PST province you are supposed to self-assess the PST and send this to the provincial government.

For sales tax purposes is it OK to make a (reasonable) estimate of the fair market value of the total amount of tools.

Customs Duty The amount of customs duty payable depends on both the nature of the tools and their country of manufacture. For customs duties you need to make a list of each tool (or set of tools), their fair market value, and their country of origin.

One thing to keep in mind is that the fair market value is the value of what the customs officer sees when he opens the package.

For cordless tools is it possible to keep the tools and buy new chargers in Canada?

I shall have to tell hubby, didn't realise this

Thanks



Thanks for all your comments people


Bemsee

I shipped all my 110v power tools over with my personal effects, and sold the 240v ones. There was no issues. Most Canadians have workshops in there garages for DIY projects, so it is possible that your tools are for personal use.

My trade uses power tools, but it was never queried if the tools were for work or personal use. I did have all the individual serial numbers and make listed on my goods to follow list, but no duty was charged.

Tools are relatively cheap here.

Also, my 110v tools from the UK worked fine here, and most are still going after 5 years.