Need advice re: importing older vehicle from Canada

[Paul K]

All:

Found a 1980 vehicle that the wife wants, but it’s in Victoria, BC. Went to the DMV here in Oregon but got the feeling they don’t deal with this often if ever. Where’s a good source of info so I can be sure it goes smoothly?

Thanks in advance.

Paul

[Otter74]

Paul, I did this last year (from Victoria, too) and may be able to provide some useful information to you. I'll PM you with my email address.

[Tishabet]

I did this 3 years ago with my 86 Syncro Westy, Bought in Vancouver and imported to Seattle by yours truly. For a 25+ year old vehicle it is pretty straightforward, there are I believe two forms that you will need to present at the border (EPA 3520-1 and DOT HS-7) and of course you will need to pay import duty (which is 25% "chicken tax" if it is a truck) but that's it aside from the regular stuff like title and Bill of Sale.
CBP has a web page to guide you, they were actually pretty helpful.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1704/kw/importing%20car%20from%20canada/session/L3RpbWUvMTUzODI4MTMyMS9zaWQvcWRscmcyWW4%3D

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/278/kw/importing%20car%20from%20canada/related/1

[Arizona_928]

Couldn't you just drive it out of the country like you own it?

[Tishabet]

You probably won't be able to title it in your state without the paperwork that customs gives you at the border, the DMV will flag you and the CBP can seize your vehicle if they feel like it.

There are some schemes people will attempt (e.g. import under the radar then try to use the Vermont loophole to get a title) but not worth it to dodge a 2.5% duty, which is the regular rate outside of the chicken tax. People who have tried and failed often end up with a parts car or end up committing a felony by VIN tampering to get around this. Even people who got the vehicle titled via Vermont loophole have found themselves in hot water when someone makes an insurance claim against them, suddenly your insurance is invalid because your carrier can prove you never legally imported the vehicle. Just pay the duty.

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by AZ_porschekid

Couldn't you just drive it out of the country like you own it?

Now I know why you live in Suicide Sill.... In green of course....

[Paul K]

Thanks guys. This is the vehicle in question. It was originally RHD, built in Australia. I may convert it back when it is ready to to to the USVI. It’s a bit loud colour wise, but should fit right in in the Caribbean. Sadly the owner raised the gear ratios on it, but I plan to drop them back down. It’s got a 1275 bored to a 1300 with added fuel injection, and it’s properly quick.

I had already heard that you really don’t want to try & bring it in via the I-5 crossing. I’ll get the paperwork downloaded, reviewed & confirmed with the owner- thanks for that.




Cheers,

Paul.

[RANDY P]

On preliminary scan of the docs above it appears

1)- Anything unmodified with a US emissions conforming sticker (EPA cert) from the factory underhood.

2)- Anything unmodified- originally sold / purchased in Canada conforming to Can. emissions (which, does not explicitly say matches US requirements.) Underhood Can compliant sticker, Proof of Can registration or letter from manufacturer required. Does this apply to vehicles not ever sold in USA Proper? Who knows.

3)- Anything sold in any country unmodified with a letter from manufacturer certifying the car is was sold identical to US Version / emissions compliant.

4)- Unmodified and 21 years or older..

Seem right?

Also, who knows how this interacts with State laws.

rjp