Bringing a car into Canada from the US????

[2qwik2c]

I'm looking at bringing a car into Canada from the southern US. I need to know what would be involved to get the car over the border???. All the paper work needed and if the would be any taxes or charges??? The car is older than 25 years. Whats it going tto take. Thanks.

[Charley Lillard]

Prototype will chime in with exactly what you need to know as soon as he gets his lazy butt out of bed....

[Zedder]

I have one coming in tomorrow also Go to www.riv.ca and follow the steps to import a car. Basically, you need to fax a copy of the title to US customs at the border you are crossing at 72 hours in advance, then present the title and bill of sale, pay the 7% GST and $200 RIV fee and across you go! Then pay your Provincial sales tax when you register the car...

[prototype]

Butt out of bed now, just remember the early bird gets the worm.....I guess I'm stuffed.

This experience can be one of the most pleasant or possibly swing to the most aggravating.

You will be dealing with people who are paid to protect our borders and when you get one that does their job to every policy in the book, you better be prepared.

BEFORE you even consider sending your paperwork to US customs (72 hours in advance or 72 business hours in advance for commercial) ensure that everything is filled out correctly:

VIN, model number, sellers name, etc
Is the title in the sellers name?
If not ensure you have the bills of sale connecting the seller to the title the vehicle has.
Is the title signed off under the registered owner (as many owners as required if more than one owner, ex: husband and wife) and legal owner (if there is one on title).
Is the title clear?
If there is a lienholder get a release letter.
Some border crossings require original titles 72 hours in advance, most require faxes.
Some titles will not copy (they have security features in them) and you will need a creative copy shop to get the job done (photocopying a title is illegal).
Bring copies of all original documents with you (title/registration, bill of sale, payment method)
If the car is registered ensure you have a copy of state rules exempting the vehicle from requiring a title.
For personal importations you can come through 24 hrs a day.
For commercial 8-4 only (check with your specific crossing)
US customs will come out inspect the vehicle to verify the VIN and stamp your paperwork EXPORTED. Ensure you get your paperwork back.

From there it's off to Canada.
Present your paperwork and pay your taxes. They may or may not examine everything. Ensure that you or anybody you are with does not have a record of anykind (or has a pardon).

If any of this bothers you hire a commercial carrier and a broker. They are cheap and know the rules.

Hope this helps.

[prototype]

Forgot a couple of items.

If the vehicle you are importing is an import there is a 9.4% duty charge.

Domestic vehicles do not have duty if imported personally. If imported commercially you need to prove the North American content (with a letter from the manufacturer, made of unobtanium) for the Free Trade Agreement. Otherwise it is subject to duty also.

[Belair62]

Looks like it's harder to bring a rusty old car in than a ton of C 4...