JaxDad wrote:
lakeside013104 wrote:
netjam wrote:
I would imagine importing a truck to Canada is the same as a motorhome. I imported the motorhome in 2017. It was a bit of a hassle. I used an import broker for most of the paperwork but needed to supply them with a bill of sale, clearance docs showing that all recalls had been done ( really hard to obtain) a letter from the manufacturer stating that speedometer read in kph, and that daytime running lights were operational. After the border where you pay the taxes etc you had a short window to get a federal inspection done (cdn tire for $125 and a days time) and then present the vehicle for inspection at the provincial dmv. I saved a few $ buying in the USA but it was a hassle i won’t do again.
Good information.
The only tidbit I would ad: you will need to 'export' the vehicle from the USA.
Stop at the border a week or so before you actually want to take the vehicle across and ask the Officers what is required. They will advise you of the correct procedures and proper paper work.
Lakeside
This is completely unnecessary, all you have to do is fax a form (available from the CBP website along with all the instructions/ information you need) to the border crossing you will be using at least 48 hours before you get to the border.
You are somewhat correct, using the form is allowed, but some folks are confused when viewing the CBP web site as to what form they will require. My advise about stopping to inquire prior to the crossing day with the vehicle, is recommended to those who prefer first hand knowledge given to them by an informed individual.
Also, you are missing the point with your advise: "All you need to do is fax 24 hours before you get to the border, your words".
This implies to the person attempting to do the 'right' thing, that all they need to do is send a fax to the border and then cross with their new vehicle.
You are missing the most important step, which can be missed by just reading and faxing compared to talking to an informed actual person (Officer) in advance; YOU need to STOP on the USA side of the border on the day of the export to finalize the paperwork. A real live person will explain this to anyone who inquires, vs. missing that point with the 'fax' only information you provided.
Again, no fees are due the day you 'physically' show up at the US border to export your vehicle. All the Officer will do is compare the previously submitted form information to the vin number of the vehicle wishing to be exported. It takes less then five minutes to export a vehicle from the USA. A very simple process, but a process that is mandated by federal law.
You may ask, why all the fuss? Simply stated, you are removing an item of value from the US commerce (exporting) and introducing that same item of value into the Canadian commerce (importing).
If the direction of the vehicle was opposite, you would be exporting from Canada and importing into the USA. This process is completed hundreds of times every month by both countries. The paper trail is there, OR it isn't, if you have failed to comply or complete the process correctly and completely.
In my opinion, it is much easier to hear the words from a 'live' individual, rather then attempt to interpret the information available from a web site. The Officers are there and getting paid a fair wage, so lets use them for our benefit when the occasion arises.
Lakeside
