Author Topic: Import info #835993 (a couple of unclear asnwers to questions) (Read 5970 times)

Batan · « **on:** June 29, 2009, 05:48:41 PM »

I did a good bit of reading on matter of importing, on this site as well as other sources online. However, I still have a couple of questions that are unclear and I need opinions from people with experience crossing the borders. First one is regarding the specific purchase situation of this 69 Bus from the other thread. Situation is, the guy I bought it from(Arin) never plated it. So, the previous owner(Dorothy) signed off her title. I have that title document, bill of sale from her to him, and the bill of sale from him to me. I already talked to ICBC agent I deal with and she said, that paperwork I have will be fine regarding insuring and plating the bus here, as long as she has the ownership trail with no gaps. Just like I thought it would be. However, you guys that have imported before:

1. You think this would be a potential hassle at either of the borders?

And my next question has less to do with the specific Bus but with vehicles older then 15 years.
2. Is there DUTY on 15 years and older vehicles manufactured outside of NAFTA?
<http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048-eng.html#s5>
CBSA site makes it sound like there is, but not specifically clear. As online info seems to be mixed, can anybody post a link to an official confirmation, either way? Preferable towards "no duty", LOL.

Bruce · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2009, 08:49:55 PM »

Quote from: Batan on June 29, 2009, 05:48:41 PM

And my next question has less to do with the specific Bus but with vehicles older then 15 years.
2. Is there DUTY on 15 years and older vehicles manufactured outside of NAFTA?
<http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048-eng.html#s5>
CBSA site makes it sound like there is, but not specifically clear. As online info seems to be mixed, can anybody post a link to an official confirmation, either way? Preferable towards "no duty", LOL.

That does not appy to your 69 Bus since it's not older than 15 years. The rule that does apply is for all vehicles older than 25 years.
There is no duty on any vehicle older than 25 years. It has nothing to do with NAFTA. This exemption has been in existance for many decades before anyone thought of free trade. No need for any links. It's been proven many times. If the customs guy wants to charge you duty, argue. If that doesn't work, just pay it. You will get it back when you apply for a refund.

Batan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2009, 10:03:47 PM »

Quote from: Bruce on June 29, 2009, 08:49:55 PM

Quote from: Batan on June 29, 2009, 05:48:41 PM
And my next question has less to do with the specific Bus but with vehicles older then 15 years.
2. Is there DUTY on 15 years and older vehicles manufactured outside of NAFTA?
<http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048-eng.html#s5>
CBSA site makes it sound like there is, but not specifically clear. As online info seems to be mixed, can anybody post a link to an official confirmation, either way? Preferable towards "no duty", LOL.
That does not appy to your 69 Bus since it's not older than 15 years. The rule that does apply is for all vehicles older than 25 years.
There is no duty on any vehicle older than 25 years. It has nothing to do with NAFTA. This exemption has been in existance for many decades before anyone thought of free trade. No need for any links. It's been proven many times. If the customs guy wants to charge you duty, argue. If that doesn't work, just pay it. You will get it back when you apply for a refund.

Thank you, that's all I need to know when it comes to that part!

(I wanted a link so I can print it and show it if push comes to shove).

Batan · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2009, 10:59:44 AM »

Well, I talked to ICBC, US Customs and Canada customs. It's all good. So, in case somebody needs this in the future, here's the info in this case:

1. Dorothy sold the car to Arin(with signed off Title and Bill of Sale)
2. Arin never registered it in his name
3. I bought the car from Arin
4. I have the Title signed by Dorothy, Bill of Sale from Dorothy to Arin, and a Bill of Sale from Arin to me.

^ This case is OK with all three bodies.

CHEECH · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2009, 11:02:30 AM »

Well done... Now go get that beauty

Batan · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2009, 11:16:42 AM »

Quote from: CHEECH on June 30, 2009, 11:02:30 AM

Well done... Now go get that beauty

Will do!

It's a case of stuffing a cube into a round hole though as my wife(who'd go and drive the GTI back) can't get the time off, you can't import the car on the weekends, and leaving at 10pm from down there is too late because I can't make it to the crossing that close at 3:30pm for vehicle import. And I can't leave early from Oregon because I'd have to get a driving permit from DMV. Bunch of catches22! lol.
I'll figure something out...

BUSDADDY · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2009, 01:02:43 PM »

So go get it on the weekend and park it in Blaine at Yorky's or Pantec, or ask Tommy at Import auto clinic, then export/import it on a weekday during business hours.

Batan · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2009, 01:04:22 PM »

Quote from: BUSDADDY on June 30, 2009, 01:02:43 PM

So go get it on the weekend and park it in Blaine at Yorky's or Pantec, or ask Tommy at Import auto clinic, then export/import it on a weekday during business hours.

That is I think the best option. Providing I can get the permit for it at DMV on a weekend.
EDIT: Sweet, I just checked DMV in Corvallis and they are open on Saturdays! God I love internet! O0

silas · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2009, 11:45:24 PM »

Quote from: Batan

....It's a case of stuffing a cube into a round hole....

something that probably shouldnt be said in a thread about crossing the border!

it might be a bit more of a drive...but doesnt the border crossing in sumas have more lenient hours for importing/exporting vehicles??

Batan · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2009, 12:00:31 AM »

Quote from: silas on June 30, 2009, 11:45:24 PM

Quote from: Batan
....It's a case of stuffing a cube into a round hole....

something that probably shouldnt be said in a thread about crossing the border!

LOL, nah, after contacting both Customs I am somewhat confident it will be ok.

Quote from: silas on June 30, 2009, 11:45:24 PM

Quote from: Batan
....It's a case of stuffing a cube into a round hole....

it might be a bit more of a drive...but doesnt the border crossing in sumas have more lenient hours for importing/exporting vehicles??

Doesn't appear that way. Info says, 3:30 for importing vehicles?

el_flechador · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2009, 11:14:50 AM »

i importrd my my split van through sumas on a weekend.

Batan · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2009, 05:27:51 PM »

Quote from: el_flechador on July 01, 2009, 11:14:50 AM

i importrd my my split van through sumas on a weekend.

Well, damn. When was that? I should call Sumas and see.

silas · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2009, 08:53:03 PM »

Quote from: el_flechador on July 01, 2009, 11:14:50 AM

i importrd my my split van through sumas on a weekend.

yup...and i imported my bug through sumas late at night (cant remember if it was a weekend or not).

AirCooledRules · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2009, 11:47:14 PM »

You might be able to import it late if its a personal import. If its business then it has to be before 3:30.

Im pretty sure i imported my audi in october in the evening, in fact im sure of it. it was late in the evening.

Fuckers made me pay the duty on it though, even though it was over 25 years old.

I argued and they said that it only applied to collecter vehicles.

Batan · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2009, 12:04:39 AM »

ACR, did you go through Sumas as well? I will phone them tomorrow and confirm that. It would be very helpful if I could import it on the weekend.

dannyboy · « **Reply #15 on:** July 02, 2009, 02:36:34 AM »

i took my van through 176st crossing on the weekend, i just told them the tow vehicle broke down delayed us, and they put us through...
none of the border agencys will actually tell you that they will process it, but if you dont get an asshole, and they arent too busy i think they will do it for you...

85fastlane · « **Reply #16 on:** July 02, 2009, 08:19:49 AM »

I tried to put mine through on the weekend and got turned away. Found a place to park it and came back on Monday. It's upto their discretion though, it seems to be a "we'll see if I feel like doing you a favour" kind of thing.

My experience was that as far as papers and things ICBC is tougher to deal with than the border. Getting it into Canada was the easy part.

Batan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 02, 2009, 12:21:21 PM »

Quote from: BUSDADDY on June 30, 2009, 01:02:43 PM

So go get it on the weekend and park it in Blaine at Yorky's or Pantec, or ask Tommy at Import auto clinic, then export/import it on a weekday during business hours.

Speaking of that, anybody knows what it costs to park the vehicle for a day or two?

bwaz · « **Reply #18 on:** July 02, 2009, 12:42:05 PM »

I had brought a car through on the weekend a few years ago at Sumas. When I spoke with them recently, I was told it had to go through the Pacific crossing. (weekdays 8 - 3:30) My plan is to go down at 6am and be at the border at 8 when they open. I just checked the Washington State DMV and it says:

Trip permits allow vehicle owners to operate their unlicensed vehicles on public highways. A vehicle is considered unlicensed if the vehicle tabs are expired or if the current gross weight is not enough for the load being carried. The vehicle operator must complete, sign, and date the trip permit before operating the vehicle. Any correction or alteration of data on the permit invalidates the permit. Each trip permit is valid for 3 consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

Talked to an Insurance agent, and they said if you have BC insurance should be ok. Called ICBC and they won't give a permit until it's in Canada? Called State Patrol, and they say it would need a Wa State permit if no BC permit. So, I guess it's a Wa permit and stop in BC to get a ICBC one.... or trailer it back as it would probably be cheaper and less hassle.

vwmike · « **Reply #19 on:** July 02, 2009, 03:45:23 PM »

Importing a car into Canada can be done day or night. It's exporting it from the USA that they only will do between 8-330. The Canadians want it to be exported but it isn't mandatory. I have a bay window that was never exported but was imported and it's been licensed and insured in BC for 5+ years and no one has come knocking at my door yet

Mike.

Batan · « **Reply #20 on:** July 02, 2009, 05:07:57 PM »

Quote from: bwaz on July 02, 2009, 12:42:05 PM

I had brought a car through on the weekend a few years ago at Sumas. When I spoke with them recently, I was told it had to go through the Pacific crossing. (weekdays 8 - 3:30) My plan is to go down at 6am and be at the border at 8 when they open. I just checked the Washington State DMV and it says:

Trip permits allow vehicle owners to operate their unlicensed vehicles on public highways. A vehicle is considered unlicensed if the vehicle tabs are expired or if the current gross weight is not enough for the load being carried. The vehicle operator must complete, sign, and date the trip permit before operating the vehicle. Any correction or alteration of data on the permit invalidates the permit. Each trip permit is valid for 3 consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

Talked to an Insurance agent, and they said if you have BC insurance should be ok. Called ICBC and they won't give a permit until it's in Canada? Called State Patrol, and they say it would need a Wa State permit if no BC permit. So, I guess it's a Wa permit and stop in BC to get a ICBC one.... or trailer it back as it would probably be cheaper and less hassle.

Yeah, insurance from ICBC is good for 10 days, but once in Canada you have to park the car.

I will be getting a permit from DMV in Oregon and get the insurance from ICBC. It's about $30 for basic and about 50 full coverage so not much. But once the car is in Canada, you have to get a day permit every time you take it to a shop or whatever until passes the inspection.

Bruce · « **Reply #21 on:** July 02, 2009, 06:10:22 PM »

Quote from: vwmike on July 02, 2009, 03:45:23 PM

.... The Canadians want it to be exported but it isn't mandatory. ....

You got lucky.
Canada Customs will not process your import papers if you don't have the export permission from the US side. There's no law, but they do it as a courtesy to US Customs.

BUSDADDY · « **Reply #22 on:** July 02, 2009, 07:13:25 PM »

Quote from: Bruce on July 02, 2009, 06:10:22 PM

Quote from: vwmike on July 02, 2009, 03:45:23 PM
.... The Canadians want it to be exported but it isn't mandatory. ....
You got lucky.
Canada Customs will not process your import papers if you don't have the export permission from the US side. There's no law, but they do it as a courtesy to US Customs.

Yep, 5+ years ago (closer to 10) they would let one in, a few years before that the US didn't even care if you left the country with a car, now the paperwork doesn't happen unless there is a USBPS stamp on the title.

Batan, there's links on the exporting a car page or on the worksheet they give you with #'s for Yorkies or Pan-tec, Yorkies is 24 hours so it may be a better choice. Why don`t you just camp in the bus overnight and be there 1st thing Monday morning

Batan · « **Reply #23 on:** July 02, 2009, 09:59:03 PM »

Quote from: BUSDADDY on July 02, 2009, 07:13:25 PM

Batan, there's links on the exporting a car page or on the worksheet they give you with #'s for Yorkies or Pan-tec, Yorkies is 24 hours so it may be a better choice. Why don`t you just camp in the bus overnight and be there 1st thing Monday morning

Batan · « **Reply #24 on:** July 03, 2009, 08:43:20 PM »

Got the final paperwork ready today, getting emailed to Blaine crossing over the weekend so I can go pick up the bus on the 11th/12th. (Paperwork can be emailed as well as faxed to US Customs). They are pretty quick to reply their emails with your questions by the way.

bwaz · « **Reply #25 on:** July 03, 2009, 09:37:51 PM »

I sent mine in by fax, and emailed them two days later, they said almost right away that it would good to export the next day. I've never had problems on the U.S. side, it's us damn canucks!

AirCooledRules · « **Reply #26 on:** July 04, 2009, 11:07:10 AM »

No i went the pacific border crossing. Basically the peace arch truck crossing.

Batan · « **Reply #27 on:** July 06, 2009, 12:56:45 PM »

Wow! I emailed the documents to Blaine crossing as per their instructions about an hour ago and I just got the confirmation that it was clear for export!!

That was QUICK!

bwaz · « **Reply #28 on:** July 06, 2009, 02:24:10 PM »

Yooo whoooo! Made it through both sides of the border this morning, no problems. They stamped my u.s. title at the U.S. side, didn't even come out to look at the serial numbers. Then got to the canadian side, pulled into one of the areas ahead on the right, went inside, filled out some paperwork, had a conversation about where I saw if advertised and if I had a copy of the ad. I told him the samba, he looked online and saw something comparable. I made sure to tell him that it was a shell with parts to reassemble, not a running car, and it was originally imported to Toronto by VW Canada. That cleared up any issues, paid the GST (NO DUTY) and was done! Thanks for all the advice on previous posts for making it simple. Now the fun begins!
brian waz

Batan · « **Reply #29 on:** July 06, 2009, 02:44:13 PM »

Quote from: bwaz on July 06, 2009, 02:24:10 PM

Yooo whoooo! Made it through both sides of the border this morning, no problems. They stamped my u.s. title at the U.S. side, didn't even come out to look at the serial numbers. Then got to the canadian side, pulled into one of the areas ahead on the right, went inside, filled out some paperwork, had a conversation about where I saw if advertised and if I had a copy of the ad. I told him the samba, he looked online and saw something comparable. I made sure to tell him that it was a shell with parts to reassemble, not a running car, and it was originally imported to Toronto by VW Canada. That cleared up any issues, paid the GST (NO DUTY) and was done! Thanks for all the advice on previous posts for making it simple. Now the fun begins!
brian waz

Sweet!! I hope mine goes as smooth. I did print off the copy of the Craigslist ad before it was taken down so I should be good.