| 95EagleAWD |
I get at least a PM a week about this, so I figured I'd write an FAQ about it. If I forgot something, PM me and I'll add it in. Thanks for the sticky. I was gonna ask.
Things to do before you import
Make sure it's legal. Sounds stupid, but not everything can come over.
This is what you need
Title - Make sure the owner has signed the back of it, signifying it's sold.
Bill of Sale - You really should have one that has both signatures in ink. I got major shit at the US side of customs when trying to export the car. My bill of sale had been faxed between the seller and I, and customs didn't really like that. You can also fudge the amount if you really want to, but make it believable.
Insurance - Take your bill of sale to your insurance company and insure the car before you get it. That way you can drive it home, or if anything happens to it, it's covered
Recall Clearance Letter - I've heard people having no problem getting these, and I've heard of dealers refusing to give them out, so YMMV. You'll need one for the federal inspection if your car is less than 15 years old. If it's older, no need.
Things on the car
Manufacturer's cargo capacity lab - This is simply the doorjam stickers that state date of manufacture, VIN, weigts and all that crap.
VIN - Again, sounds stupid, but make sure the 17-digit VIN is on the dash.
Speedo - Make sure the speedometer has KM/H on it. Some older cars might not.
Customs
Paperwork - You have to fax your title and bill of sale to the Border. This MUST BE DONE AT LEAST 72 HOURS IN ADVANCE. I can't stress that enough. If you don't, they can make you wait at the border till 72 hours has passed. That being said, they let me across early, so again, YMMV. Also, when you fax them all the stuff, they will fax you something to fill out as well. Do so and fax it back to them. You might want to call them to make sure that all your paperwork gets there. No point in them not getting it.
The crossing - Make sure you go to the right border crossing for exporting. Coots does it in Alberta. Dunno about anywhere else. You have to declare that you're exporting the car to the US side. They'll make you park, then you need to go inside and show them the bill of sale and title. They will ask the value of what you're exporting, so you better know what's written on the bill of sale. They will stamp the title as EXPORTED and you're on your way to the Canadian side. When you get there, they will ask you if you're bringing anything across. Tell them you're importing the car. Again, they'll ask you the value. So make sure you know it. Again, they'll tell you to park it and come inside. Show them the bill of sale and title. They will check the bill of sale versus blue book, so like I said, make it realistic. Then it's time to open the wallet. You'll pay 6% GST on everything. On anything BUILT outside the USA, you'll also pay 6.1% duty. If the car is not 15 yet, then you'll pay $206 for the RIV fee. If it has AC, another $100. They never checked my car, so you might get away with lying about that.
After you've been raped in taxes, you should be free to go. And it's a great feeling.
Now, I never had to go through any of the RIV crap, so the following is off JAYMEZ's Beyond.ca thread.
Things to do in Canada
You have 30 days to do this. Or the government takes your car away.
Put DRLs on the car if it's built after 1990. You'll need these for both Federal and OOP inspections. Mine lasted five minutes after OOP.
You will need to get a car inspection (I believe the paper can be bought at a registry for $18) - They will check basic things like , lights , how it drives ect ect , this is pretty damn painless , and sometimes they might forget to do it and pass you.
OOP - You have 10 to 15 days to complete this once you have applied for the inspection. After this, you can get a plate.
Federal Inspection sheet - 10 days after you import your car , you will get form 2 in the mail , this inspection you have to do at Canadian tire. You have 45 days to complete this.
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So hopefully, this helps a lot of people. It really is quite painless IF you have your shit together. On a personal note, take a week off work and drive your new car up. It's a great way to get to know it. |
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| boarderfatty |
Aosl some useful info, hang onto the add for the car if there is one, Canadian Customs hassled me hardcore about the price i paid, where I found it, Why did i buy it in the States. The add makes this process alot easier. Also dont lie to badly about the price you paid on your car to avoid GST and duty, because Customs has the right to investigate, and will charge you 25% on whatever you lied about. So either have you story strait, or have an add.
Also the contact info for the Witlash MT Crossing, into Couts AB is
phone - (406)432-5522
Hours - 9-5 mountain time 7days a week
Then Sumas WA crossing into Abotsford BC is
phone - (360)988-2971
fax - (360)988-6300
Hours of exportation - 8 - 4 Monday thru Friday
call them, and they will tell you what they require, and also send you a form that they need filled out |
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| Driven |
| Thanks for the information guys. :thumbup: :beer: |
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| energie |
| very helpful!thanks!! |
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| Prudz_lude |
| great info. i always fear inspections in canada. they like to fail everything. |
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| WongSifu |
| awesome info, thanks man |
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| YNNOJ |
This is very helpful
but i am wondering what you do in the states, how do you insure the car with out a plate?
Because it say's that you need to go threw the insection to get a plate
so are you just on a temp registration??
Help plz
Thanks |
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| morningla |
i think to insure your car, you just call your own insurance company and give them the VIN of the US car. tell them you are buying it there and driving it back from the states.
to actually drive back, you can either ask the selling to lend your their plate or bring your own AB. plate.
i have another question, is there new rules since nov. 07?
will check on RIV |
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| YNNOJ |
| you can't bring a plate down, because you can't get one until it has gone though a vehicle inspection |
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