Reimport From Canada to US

lordnorth wrote:
. It is my understanding that making sure that it meets US *vehicle* safety standards, then the fact that it was manufactured in the US *should* be good enough. As for the *RV* aspect, it is (again my understanding) that the Canadian Regulations are law, however US RVIA are simply "guidelines."

Please, keep the advise coming! I am sure I will get to the bottom of it sooner or later.

Thanks!
Chris

I think you'll find that the RVIA certification is the required proof that the RV's systems, gas, electrical, plumbing, etc., meet the minimum required safety standards.

Having said that, here in Canada there is no mechanism to enforce compliance with that requirement, so many people import US units WITHOUT bringing the unit into compliance. Several of them are extremely vocal about preaching that the requirement is non-existent and in fact go to great lengths to quote completely unrelated sources to back up their ridiculous claims.

Check also with your insurance company, mine required a physical look at the unit to see that it was in fact certified as compliant here in Canada after they learned it was an US import.

Chris...the best thing to do would be to contact the customs office and get the facts from the people who enforce the rules. Good Luck!

Thanks for the help so far... Unfortunately, it seems like we have conflicting reports on here as well. (Not that I don't appreciate the offers!)

It is a motorhome... as I said, a Forest River Georgetown. As far as I know, all of the Forest River's were made in the US... so this would, in fact, be a re-import.

It is my understanding that making sure that it meets US *vehicle* safety standards, then the fact that it was manufactured in the US *should* be good enough. As for the *RV* aspect, it is (again my understanding) that the Canadian Regulations are law, however US RVIA are simply "guidelines."

The reason I am looking at Canada is that I am looking for a class A with bunkbeds -- which are fairly rare... and even more rare when taking into consideration what I hope to spend.

There is a lot of discussion online about TRAILERS, but very little about MOTORhomes...

Please, keep the advise coming! I am sure I will get to the bottom of it sooner or later.

Thanks!
Chris

JaxDad wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
This is a motor home, and all Forest River products are US assembled.. so most of whar has been said so far is useless information. For the real truth, contact US customs and ask them.

Actually that may be completely FALSE.

If the m/h in question was manufactured for sale in Canada and certified by the factory to CSA Z-240 standards instead of the RVIA standards it might not be legal to register it (or insure it) in the US until it's re-certified as RVIA compliant.

The standards are similar, but not the same. That's why US certified units imported to Canada have to be re-certified as CSA Z-240 compliant after being imported.

You are right, I forgot about that. It is the same as life jackets.
We Canadians can not buy a life jacket in the US and use it in Canada.
It does not have a Canadian certified label and according to the Coast Guard, I checked with every department, it is illegal to use.

donn0128 wrote:
This is a motor home, and all Forest River products are US assembled.. so most of whar has been said so far is useless information. For the real truth, contact US customs and ask them.

Actually that may be completely FALSE.

If the m/h in question was manufactured for sale in Canada and certified by the factory to CSA Z-240 standards instead of the RVIA standards it might not be legal to register it (or insure it) in the US until it's re-certified as RVIA compliant.

The standards are similar, but not the same. That's why US certified units imported to Canada have to be re-certified as CSA Z-240 compliant after being imported.

This is a motor home, and all Forest River products are US assembled.. so most of whar has been said so far is useless information. For the real truth, contact US customs and ask them.

Just going to add a bit to what Lakeside said about the importance of the money.

You can bring as much money in as needed but "You Must" declare exactly the amount you are bringing in. That includes the money you will be spending on food, hotels, gas etc. If you are spending let's say 12K on your TT then you need to declare that and the other amount in your pocket. If you do not abide by this it is possible if caught you will lose all your money or TT. Don't worry, just be honest and you will have no problems.

I am also curious as to what you are buying here. Normally it is Canadians buying in the US.

Greetings,

First question: Where was it manufactured? If made in US, no problem importing back into US. If made in Canada, a few more issues, but not a big problem. Is it a drivable unit or is it towable unit? Different regulations apply.

USA made, and you are a US citizen returning with your newly purchased towable RV, declare it at the primary booth that you show up at. How did you pay for it? If cash of $10,000+ was carried across the border, you had better stopped on US side and reported that $10,000 cash prior to crossing the border or you will be in for a nightmare of a problem. It takes all of five minutes to stop and report the money and you will have no hassles getting back, provided you ask for a copy of the paperwork to show when you cross back over. Once method of payment (over $10,000 cash) has been determined you will be told to have a nice day and enjoy your new camper.

If the camper was made in Canada, all you will need is a sticker or letter from the manufacturer stating that the RV complies with the US DOT safety standards. The money question and issues will be the same as stated above.

There is NO 72 hour waiting period on RVs being imported into the US. If it is a drivable RV other regulations apply (US EPA sticker or letter from manufacture required) so if you have other questions, send me a PM and I will give you my home e-mail address. Good luck and enjoy your new RV.

Lakeside