C47 – Application for Vessel Temporary Admission to the Coasting Trade of Canada

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Pursuant to the Coasting Trade Act, December 1, 1992, and P.C. 1990-939 Vessel Duties Reduction or Removal Regulations

Questions concerning the customs process should be directed to:

Canada Border Border Services
Commercial Registration Unit
191 Laurier Ave. W., 12th Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0L8
Fax: (613) 946-0242
E-mail: coastingtrade-cabotage@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Questions concerning the Canadian Transportation Agency's process should be directed to:

Canadian Transportation Agency
Rail and Marine Determinations Division
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0N9
Telephone: (819) 997-8354
Fax: (819) 934-0631
E-mail: maritime@cta-otc.gc.ca
website: www.otc-cta.gc.ca

Please provide the following details and attach your summary of the request for vessel temporary importation (print or type).

1. Characteristics of vessel

2. Complete description of the proposed engagement/operation

3. Details of the Importer

4. Details of the Canadian applicant/broker/agent


Guidelines for Completing an Application for Vessel Temporary Admission to the Coasting Trade of Canada - Coasting Trade Licence Required, Pursuant to the Coasting Trade Act and the Vessels Duties Reduction or Removal Regulations

All vessels entering Canada, including Canadian vessels are subject to the provisions of the Customs Tariff. In addition, foreign and non-duty paid vessels are subject to restrictions contained in the Coasting Trade Act. The Act reserves the coasting trade to Canadian ships and extends the jurisdiction of the coasting trade laws to include offshore development on the Canadian continental shelf. It also includes all commercial marine activities in addition to the carriage of passengers or goods. Foreign or non-duty paid vessels may temporarily enter the coasting trade on payment of duty, where it can be established that no suitable Canadian ship is available for a particular movement or service. There are some exceptions to the licence requirement, as outlined in section 3 of the Coasting Trade Act.

Coasting Trade Licence Request

1. Applications for vessel temporary importation must be made by a person resident in Canada.

2. Applications are to be sent to both the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The appropriate addresses and e-mails are indicated on the application form.

3. A covering letter should accompany the application for temporary importation setting out, in summary form, the intent of the request.

4. Application for a Coasting Trade Licence should be made using Form C47, Application for Vessel Temporary Admission to the Coasting Trade of Canada - Coasting Trade Licence Required, as far in advance as possible before the projected date of use of the vessel. This will allow reasonable time for completion of a proper search to determine whether a suitable Canadian vessel is, or can be, available for the work for which a vessel temporary importation is sought. Processing time may increase depending on the circumstances associated with the request.

Note: The Coasting Trade Act permits the CTA to request any such information and documentation as it deems necessary.

5. The determination of availability and suitability of a Canadian vessel is made by the CTA. The CTA subsequently confirms this determination in writing to the Minister of Public Safety. The actual granting of the coasting trade licence is done by the Canada Border Services Agency on behalf of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

6. However, before the applicant may commence the operations as set out in the letter of authorization issued by the CBSA Commercial Registration Unit, Commercial Operations Division, the applicant must obtain the actual Coasting Trade Licence.

7. To obtain the Coasting Trade Licence, the applicant will be required to present to the CBSA office specified in the application and named in the letter of authorization, the following:

Vessel Duties and Taxes

8. The tariff classification and origin of the goods as outlined in the Customs Tariff, determines the applicable rate of duty.

9. For certainty regarding the tariff classification or origin of a product, importers may request a binding advance ruling. Details on how to make such a request are found in CBSA Memoranda D11-11-3, Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification and D11-4-16, Advance Rulings for Origin Under Free Trade Agreements. The CBSA also offer binding rulings on non-FTA origin and the valuation of goods; please see Memorandum D11-11-1, National Customs Rulings.

Completion of Form C47, Please provide the following details and attach your summary of the request for vessel temporary importation (print or type).

1. Vessel Characteristics

2. Complete Description of the Proposed Engagement/ Operation

3. Details of the Importer

4. Details of the Canadian Applicant/Broker/Agent

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