Crossing the border.

swimmer_spe wrote:

lakeside013104 wrote:
Due to the OP never re-commenting to this thread, I assume he got the answer he was looking for? Or not?

Lakeside

OP here, I got it.

10-4.......

lakeside013104 wrote:
Due to the OP never re-commenting to this thread, I assume he got the answer he was looking for? Or not?

Lakeside

OP here, I got it.

Due to the OP never re-commenting to this thread, I assume he got the answer he was looking for? Or not?

Lakeside

The reason a person is required to import a mobile conveyance (vehicle, motorcycle, golf cart, ATV, etc.) is that if the item is coming from Canada, then it is in the Canadian commerce system. When a person imports the item into the US that item enters the US commerce system.

Once the item is in the US commerce system, the Customs Officer does not care what happens to the item. The law of 'importation' has been satisfied, thus the reason the Officer no longer has any legal interest in the item. One may sell, trade, give away, or junk out the item.

Importation of a motorcycle / vehicle for their own use is a simple process that is needlessly feared by those who have not seen how easy the process is to complete.

Lakeside

Tom/Barb wrote:

The bike is just an other vehicle registered in his name. You tell customs that it is being imported for resale you are begging for an import license,,, want to be hassled, try that route. you will be in line with every auto importer and most likely be there 6-8 hours.

NOT true.

Many Canadian citizens import their, autos, golf carts, motorcycles, or ATVs for their own use while in the USA. Usually these items go to their homes or camps and remain in the US. Occasionally these items are imported because the Canadian wishes to buy a new vehicle in the US and they wish to trade in their older model on the new one.

Like I stated previously, the actual import process is simple. The Customs Officer fills out the blanks on a standard import form with the customers pertinent information, prints it off, and hands it to the individual. This process takes all of five minutes, unless the printer is out of paper or the government is shut down.

No 'auto' importer required. Your information was in accurate.

Lakeside

lakeside013104 wrote:
"Project' or not, the 'deceit' is what will get you into trouble. Does not need to be an 'over zealous' Inspector. Just an Inspector doing the job they have been trained to do and sworn a "Oath" to do.

Simply stated, the law reads that any "self propelled" (motor driven) item that can cross the border under it's own power, needs to be imported into the USA, if said item is intended to remain in the USA.

Even a motorcycle in pieces and in a box could eventually become a self propelled item. The intent of bringing a box full of parts is easily recognizable for what it is. These border Officers are not brain dead. They are trained to recognize deception at all levels.

If the item to be imported is of US, Canadian, or Mexican manufacture, there is no duty involved. If the item is dutiable, that duty is a small percentage of the value of the item. Example: an item worth $100 from Japan has a duty of 4% or a meager $4 duty. Duties that low are usually waived by the inspecting Officer. Judgment call to be made by that Officer's own discretion.

The importation process is FREE and can be done in a few minutes by any US border Officer at the time of entry into the country.

Honesty is always the best policy. You stated that you intended to bring in an old motorcycle, in pieces to give to someone. Declare your intent, and pay a meager duty, maybe. No negative issues that could lead to major problems if the so called 'project' is determined to be one that includes deception at the border crossing.

The border Officers have great authority at the border and vast levels of discretion. If no deception is detected, most likely all you would have invested is a few minutes of your time for being sincere and honest. Your future ability to freely cross into the USA would NOT be restricted.

Peace of mind and the positive 'feeling' of having done the 'right' thing would be your companion.

Lakeside

The bike is just an other vehicle registered in his name. You tell customs that it is being imported for resale you are begging for an import license,,, want to be hassled, try that route. you will be in line with every auto importer and most likely be there 6-8 hours.

"Project' or not, the 'deceit' is what will get you into trouble. Does not need to be an 'over zealous' Inspector. Just an Inspector doing the job they have been trained to do and sworn a "Oath" to do.

Simply stated, the law reads that any "self propelled" (motor driven) item that can cross the border under it's own power, needs to be imported into the USA, if said item is intended to remain in the USA.

Even a motorcycle in pieces and in a box could eventually become a self propelled item. The intent of bringing a box full of parts is easily recognizable for what it is. These border Officers are not brain dead. They are trained to recognize deception at all levels.

If the item to be imported is of US, Canadian, or Mexican manufacture, there is no duty involved. If the item is dutiable, that duty is a small percentage of the value of the item. Example: an item worth $100 from Japan has a duty of 4% or a meager $4 duty. Duties that low are usually waived by the inspecting Officer. Judgment call to be made by that Officer's own discretion.

The importation process is FREE and can be done in a few minutes by any US border Officer at the time of entry into the country.

Honesty is always the best policy. You stated that you intended to bring in an old motorcycle, in pieces to give to someone. Declare your intent, and pay a meager duty, maybe. No negative issues that could lead to major problems if the so called 'project' is determined to be one that includes deception at the border crossing.

The border Officers have great authority at the border and vast levels of discretion. If no deception is detected, most likely all you would have invested is a few minutes of your time for being sincere and honest. Your future ability to freely cross into the USA would NOT be restricted.

Peace of mind and the positive 'feeling' of having done the 'right' thing would be your companion.

Lakeside

its a frame, wheels and boxes..

title in your name.. your good.

as stated before "Project".

Just remember your M/C is simply a project. Never mention your importing. Hoping you have a title in your name for the bike.

With a valid passport should be no problems.

swimmer_spe wrote:
I may be heading to the USA from Canada this summer. I would be bringing an old motorcycle, in pieces to give to someone. I would be towing my camping trailer.

What kinds of issues might I have with crossing in or out of Canada. I am a Canadian citizen with a valid passport.

Have all the registration, pink slip, license documents for all your vehicles.