Importing from the States
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: up, north, canada
Importing from the States
Okay so I'll be bringing up a Integra GSR from the states to Canada in the next few weeks thought id see if anyone else has done this process or knows anything i should.
What type of things have to be done to pass safety up here?
Thanks, ALL HELP APPRECIATED!
What type of things have to be done to pass safety up here?
Thanks, ALL HELP APPRECIATED!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,343
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles.
Re: (Coreyg)
I've never heard of anyone doing this, however I know that the inverse (importing from Canada to US) is quite difficult.
However, US cars are know to be more more strict in terms of safety and emissions. So in that regard, you should be okay.
You'll need to convert the Integra headlights to daytime running lights, I know you Canadians need that by law.
However, US cars are know to be more more strict in terms of safety and emissions. So in that regard, you should be okay.
You'll need to convert the Integra headlights to daytime running lights, I know you Canadians need that by law.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, B.C., Canada
My Guide to Importing a Vehicle from the US to Canada:
PART 1 - BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR VEHICLE
Step 1 - Check your vehicle can be imported!
This is the RIV eligibility list to determine which models can and cannot be imported:
http://www.riv.ca/english/US_v...y.pdf
* IF YOUR VEHICLE IS 15 YEARS OLD OR OLDER, IT IS AUTOMATICALLY ELIGIBLE
Step 2 - Determine if Your Vehicle Has an Excise Tax <-- NEW
The BC Government has now determined that if your vehicle is inefficient on fuel, you will be required to pay an extra excise tax. The way it is calculated is this:
If the combined fuel consumption (X) is:
X < 13 L/100Km = no excise tax
13 L/100Km < X < 14 L/100Km = $1000 excise tax
14 L/100Km < X < 15 L/100Km = $2000 excise tax
15 L/100Km < X < 16 L/100Km = $3000 excise tax
16 L/100Km > X = $4000 excise tax
Read more about this new law and how to calculate X for your vehicle here: Excise Taxes and Special Levies Notice (PDF)
Find the official EPA ratings for your vehicle here: Fuel Consumption Guide
Step 3 - Purchase Your Car
Regardless of what the seller says, you do NOT pay tax to whatever state it was purchased in since you are not a resident of that state. (I have been advised that some people have had states require you to pay tax. I have bought vehicles from 39 states now and never been required to pay tax, but inquire at the DMV or tax office for the specific state you are buying a vehicle in.) Make sure you have:
1) A title for your vehicle, fully signed over to you
2) A bill of sale for your vehicle, must clearly indicate VIN #, purchase price (and currency), kms, the seller's personal information, and the buyer's (your) personal information.
* MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THAT THE TITLE'S VIN # MATCHES THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE SELLER'S ID MATCHES THE ID ON THE TITLE UNDER "OWNER"
Step 4 - US Export Documentations
You MUST phone the Blaine US vehicle export office (assuming this is where you are bringing the vehicle across - Pacific Truck Crossing) and ask them to fax you a Vehicle Export Worksheet. The # to call is 360-332-2632, leave a message and they will fax it to you. Fill out this form and fax it, along with a copy of the title (front and rear) and a copy of the bill of sale to 360-332-2639.
* THIS MUST BE COMPLETED 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE VEHICLE CROSSES THE BORDER (NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!)
PART 2 - BEFORE YOU CROSS, THE DAY OF
Step 1 - Insurance
You must have a way of legally driving your vehicle on the US and Canadian sides of the border. You can call your local Autoplan agent and have them issue you temporary insurance (called an insurance binder). Not all agents are aware this exists as it is not commonly used so if you have any problems asking for an insurance binder (which does exist, I promise!), just call another agent.
Step 2 - Prepare Your Documents
For your day at the border you will need:
1) ORIGINAL title
2) ORIGINAL bill of sale
3) COPY of title (front and back)
4) COPY of bill of sale
5) Proof of insurance (may or may not be asked for, but make sure you have it just in case!)
6) Money. You may need a lot, or a little bit - you will need to be able to pay (they accept interac, credit card to a maximum of $500 on each card, and cash):
$100 A/C Excise Tax (if your vehicle has a/c)
$1000-$4000 Fuel Excise Tax (if your vehicle is subject to it)
6.1% Duty (if your vehicle has not been produced in North America)
6% GST
PART 3 - CROSS THE BORDER WITH YOUR VEHICLE
Step 1 - US Customs to EXPORT
Drive your vehicle from wherever it is in the US to the Blaine border crossing (make sure to go to the commercial crossing. Park your vehicle at the examination pullout (pretend you are driving across normally, you will see a small pullout on the left side right next to the window booths to enter the US). Bring your keys and paperwork inside and find the "VEHICLE EXPORT OFFICE." Give them your title and keys and they will confirm they have received and processed the paperwork you have sent them 72 hours ago. They may or may not inspect your vehicle, but the final result will be a "VEHICLE EXPORTED" stamp that goes right on your original title.
*YOU MUST ARRIVE BY 3:30PM ON MON-FRI OR THEY WILL NOT EXPORT YOUR VEHICLE!
Step 2 - Canadian Customs to IMPORT
Head over to the Canadian border. They will send you inside after you declare you are importing a vehicle and show you where to go inside.
Step 2A - Form 1
Ask the agent inside at the counter for a FORM 1. Go ahead and fill it out, asking the agent for help if you have any questions. Ensure you check "Credit Card" at the bottom and fill your credit card in to process the RIV payment.
Step 2B - B3
After filling out your Form 1, head to the two computers marked "B3 Entries" and use one. Follow the on-screen prompts as best as possible, asking for help when you need it.
*IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHERE YOUR VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED! VIN #S STARTING WITH 1-9 DO NOT HAVE DUTY!
Step 2C - Assemble and Hand In
Make sure to sign and date both copies of the B3 that print and stick the barcode to it. Also fill this barcode in on your Form 1.
The correct order for a complete package from top to bottom:
1) Yellow Card from the Booth
2) B3 copy 1 stapled to COPY of bill of sale and COPY of title
3) B3 copy 2 stapled to ORIGINAL bill of sale and ORIGINAL title
4) Form 1
Wrap this whole package in the yellow jacket that came with your barcode and hand it in.
Step 2D - Wait
It may take 5 minutes, it has taken me as long as 6 hours one day. Luck of the draw and by how many people are there ahead of you. They will call you to the cashier by name when you are finished.
Step 2E - Pay
With whatever combination of Interac, Credit Cards, and Cash - pay your bill. They will give you a gate pass to leave the compound. Make sure you leave with:
1) Original Title
2) Original Bill of Sale
3) 1 copy of B3
4) Form 1 (yellow and white sheets) *MARKED PAID
Step 2F - Leave
Thank god this day is over!
PART 4 - AFTER THE BORDER
Step 1 - Out of Province (Provincial) Inspection
An "OUT OF PROVINCE" (Provincial) inspection is required. There are many shops in the lower mainland that are licensed to perform this (it should be approximately $75).
Step 2 - Compliance
Before your vehicle is federally inspected, you will need to make sure your vehicle has:
1) Daytime Running Lights
2) Speedometer labels in KMS (doesnt have to be the main display, an analog or digital readout is fine).
3) All lights (airbag, check engine, etc.) function properly and are out.
4) No open recalls (you will need written documenation of this)
NOTE: YOU MUST SCAN/EMAIL YOUR RECALL LETTER (ALONG WITH YOUR CASE # FOUND AT THE TOP OF YOUR FORM1) TO RECALL@RIV.CA BEFORE THEY WILL RELEASE YOUR FORM 2.
IF YOU CANT SCAN IT, CALL THEM AND THEY WILL GIVE YOU A FAX # BUT THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED - THEY OFTEN LOSE THESE FAXES.
Step 3 - Federal Inspection
By now you should have received in the mail your FORM 2 from the RIV. If not, give them a call at 1-888-848-8240 and ask them of the status of your case (your case # is printed on your form 1 and is a 6 digit number currently starting with H (H123456). Take this form, along with the white and yellow copies of your FORM 1, and recall documentation to any designated inspection centre (almost any canadian tire is one) and ask them to perform a federal inspection. This inspection is included in the RIV fee ($206.70 including GST as of the latest edit). They should stamp your documents and give you copies of the form 2 and recall letter and your original white and yellow copies of the form 1 back.
Step 4 - Register Your Car
Head over to your ICBC agent and bring with you:
1) WHITE copy of Form 1 (stamped by border & Canadian Tire)
2) ORIGINAL title
3) BLUE copy of provincial inspection
You're done! Your insurance agent will collect PST from you based on the amount you paid for the vehicle. With these 3 documents, the agent should be able to register your vehicle into the province and then add insurance and license plates should you chose.
Step 5 - Keep for your records
1) YELLOW form 1 copy
2) B3
3) STAMPED form 2 copy
4) YELLOW provincial inspection copy
5) ORIGINAL bill of sale
Amended Aug 13, 2007
PART 1 - BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR VEHICLE
Step 1 - Check your vehicle can be imported!
This is the RIV eligibility list to determine which models can and cannot be imported:
http://www.riv.ca/english/US_v...y.pdf
* IF YOUR VEHICLE IS 15 YEARS OLD OR OLDER, IT IS AUTOMATICALLY ELIGIBLE
Step 2 - Determine if Your Vehicle Has an Excise Tax <-- NEW
The BC Government has now determined that if your vehicle is inefficient on fuel, you will be required to pay an extra excise tax. The way it is calculated is this:
If the combined fuel consumption (X) is:
X < 13 L/100Km = no excise tax
13 L/100Km < X < 14 L/100Km = $1000 excise tax
14 L/100Km < X < 15 L/100Km = $2000 excise tax
15 L/100Km < X < 16 L/100Km = $3000 excise tax
16 L/100Km > X = $4000 excise tax
Read more about this new law and how to calculate X for your vehicle here: Excise Taxes and Special Levies Notice (PDF)
Find the official EPA ratings for your vehicle here: Fuel Consumption Guide
Step 3 - Purchase Your Car
Regardless of what the seller says, you do NOT pay tax to whatever state it was purchased in since you are not a resident of that state. (I have been advised that some people have had states require you to pay tax. I have bought vehicles from 39 states now and never been required to pay tax, but inquire at the DMV or tax office for the specific state you are buying a vehicle in.) Make sure you have:
1) A title for your vehicle, fully signed over to you
2) A bill of sale for your vehicle, must clearly indicate VIN #, purchase price (and currency), kms, the seller's personal information, and the buyer's (your) personal information.
* MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THAT THE TITLE'S VIN # MATCHES THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE SELLER'S ID MATCHES THE ID ON THE TITLE UNDER "OWNER"
Step 4 - US Export Documentations
You MUST phone the Blaine US vehicle export office (assuming this is where you are bringing the vehicle across - Pacific Truck Crossing) and ask them to fax you a Vehicle Export Worksheet. The # to call is 360-332-2632, leave a message and they will fax it to you. Fill out this form and fax it, along with a copy of the title (front and rear) and a copy of the bill of sale to 360-332-2639.
* THIS MUST BE COMPLETED 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE VEHICLE CROSSES THE BORDER (NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!)
PART 2 - BEFORE YOU CROSS, THE DAY OF
Step 1 - Insurance
You must have a way of legally driving your vehicle on the US and Canadian sides of the border. You can call your local Autoplan agent and have them issue you temporary insurance (called an insurance binder). Not all agents are aware this exists as it is not commonly used so if you have any problems asking for an insurance binder (which does exist, I promise!), just call another agent.
Step 2 - Prepare Your Documents
For your day at the border you will need:
1) ORIGINAL title
2) ORIGINAL bill of sale
3) COPY of title (front and back)
4) COPY of bill of sale
5) Proof of insurance (may or may not be asked for, but make sure you have it just in case!)
6) Money. You may need a lot, or a little bit - you will need to be able to pay (they accept interac, credit card to a maximum of $500 on each card, and cash):
$100 A/C Excise Tax (if your vehicle has a/c)
$1000-$4000 Fuel Excise Tax (if your vehicle is subject to it)
6.1% Duty (if your vehicle has not been produced in North America)
6% GST
PART 3 - CROSS THE BORDER WITH YOUR VEHICLE
Step 1 - US Customs to EXPORT
Drive your vehicle from wherever it is in the US to the Blaine border crossing (make sure to go to the commercial crossing. Park your vehicle at the examination pullout (pretend you are driving across normally, you will see a small pullout on the left side right next to the window booths to enter the US). Bring your keys and paperwork inside and find the "VEHICLE EXPORT OFFICE." Give them your title and keys and they will confirm they have received and processed the paperwork you have sent them 72 hours ago. They may or may not inspect your vehicle, but the final result will be a "VEHICLE EXPORTED" stamp that goes right on your original title.
*YOU MUST ARRIVE BY 3:30PM ON MON-FRI OR THEY WILL NOT EXPORT YOUR VEHICLE!
Step 2 - Canadian Customs to IMPORT
Head over to the Canadian border. They will send you inside after you declare you are importing a vehicle and show you where to go inside.
Step 2A - Form 1
Ask the agent inside at the counter for a FORM 1. Go ahead and fill it out, asking the agent for help if you have any questions. Ensure you check "Credit Card" at the bottom and fill your credit card in to process the RIV payment.
Step 2B - B3
After filling out your Form 1, head to the two computers marked "B3 Entries" and use one. Follow the on-screen prompts as best as possible, asking for help when you need it.
*IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHERE YOUR VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED! VIN #S STARTING WITH 1-9 DO NOT HAVE DUTY!
Step 2C - Assemble and Hand In
Make sure to sign and date both copies of the B3 that print and stick the barcode to it. Also fill this barcode in on your Form 1.
The correct order for a complete package from top to bottom:
1) Yellow Card from the Booth
2) B3 copy 1 stapled to COPY of bill of sale and COPY of title
3) B3 copy 2 stapled to ORIGINAL bill of sale and ORIGINAL title
4) Form 1
Wrap this whole package in the yellow jacket that came with your barcode and hand it in.
Step 2D - Wait
It may take 5 minutes, it has taken me as long as 6 hours one day. Luck of the draw and by how many people are there ahead of you. They will call you to the cashier by name when you are finished.
Step 2E - Pay
With whatever combination of Interac, Credit Cards, and Cash - pay your bill. They will give you a gate pass to leave the compound. Make sure you leave with:
1) Original Title
2) Original Bill of Sale
3) 1 copy of B3
4) Form 1 (yellow and white sheets) *MARKED PAID
Step 2F - Leave
Thank god this day is over!
PART 4 - AFTER THE BORDER
Step 1 - Out of Province (Provincial) Inspection
An "OUT OF PROVINCE" (Provincial) inspection is required. There are many shops in the lower mainland that are licensed to perform this (it should be approximately $75).
Step 2 - Compliance
Before your vehicle is federally inspected, you will need to make sure your vehicle has:
1) Daytime Running Lights
2) Speedometer labels in KMS (doesnt have to be the main display, an analog or digital readout is fine).
3) All lights (airbag, check engine, etc.) function properly and are out.
4) No open recalls (you will need written documenation of this)
NOTE: YOU MUST SCAN/EMAIL YOUR RECALL LETTER (ALONG WITH YOUR CASE # FOUND AT THE TOP OF YOUR FORM1) TO RECALL@RIV.CA BEFORE THEY WILL RELEASE YOUR FORM 2.
IF YOU CANT SCAN IT, CALL THEM AND THEY WILL GIVE YOU A FAX # BUT THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED - THEY OFTEN LOSE THESE FAXES.
Step 3 - Federal Inspection
By now you should have received in the mail your FORM 2 from the RIV. If not, give them a call at 1-888-848-8240 and ask them of the status of your case (your case # is printed on your form 1 and is a 6 digit number currently starting with H (H123456). Take this form, along with the white and yellow copies of your FORM 1, and recall documentation to any designated inspection centre (almost any canadian tire is one) and ask them to perform a federal inspection. This inspection is included in the RIV fee ($206.70 including GST as of the latest edit). They should stamp your documents and give you copies of the form 2 and recall letter and your original white and yellow copies of the form 1 back.
Step 4 - Register Your Car
Head over to your ICBC agent and bring with you:
1) WHITE copy of Form 1 (stamped by border & Canadian Tire)
2) ORIGINAL title
3) BLUE copy of provincial inspection
You're done! Your insurance agent will collect PST from you based on the amount you paid for the vehicle. With these 3 documents, the agent should be able to register your vehicle into the province and then add insurance and license plates should you chose.
Step 5 - Keep for your records
1) YELLOW form 1 copy
2) B3
3) STAMPED form 2 copy
4) YELLOW provincial inspection copy
5) ORIGINAL bill of sale
Amended Aug 13, 2007
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Re: (Rikter)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rikter »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
And people say I don't help on here LOL.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You usually don't.
And people say I don't help on here LOL.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You usually don't.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 2
From: Bethlehem, PA, United States
Re: (WookinPaNub)
your going to have to change your bumpers also. Canada bumpers are rated @ a higher speed crash test. I remember somone a while back was taking their car to canada and was selling their front end because he had to buy a new front and rear from the dealer in order to pass the inspections.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 0
From: New Milford, Ct, usa
Re: (WookinPaNub)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WookinPaNub »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
You usually don't. </TD></TR></TABLE>
x2... mostly flaming.
You usually don't.
</TD></TR></TABLE>x2... mostly flaming.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 0
From: SLO CAL
Re: (jhammond_82)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jhammond_82 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">man that seems like a lot of **** to do just to get an american car. </TD></TR></TABLE>
are integras hard to come by up there?
are integras hard to come by up there?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: up, north, canada
GSR's around here are either all rusty or have high km's. not to mention way over priced. ie. a 95 gsr with surfact rust by left and right rear wheel wells over 200k KM'S for 9600$
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jbrokos307
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
8
Sep 24, 2009 06:18 PM