Process to Import an Original US Back From Canada

[spb350]

I have been looking for a 911 for quite some time now and have run across a car in Canada. It was originally sold new in the US and then exported to Canada about 10 years? ago. Does any body know the process to import it back to the US? Is it easier because it was a us car? What are the fees involved? Thanks

[RedCoupe]

In about 2000 I brought a camaro from Canada to the U.S. for my son. The biggest issue was ascertaining that the car met US emission and safety standards as it was a Canadian model and didn't have the proper US labels. GM had an office that dealt with these issues, so they wrote a letter saying that the car met US federal standards. This allowed us to pass through customs. If the Porsche you are buying still has the labels saying that it meets US standards, you shouldn't have any problems. If not, you may have to get a letter from Porsche North America. Be sure to give yourself lots of time when you actually take the car across the border. Although we had all our ducks in line, it still took a couple of hours to get all the paperwork completed.

[Tonger]

Here's the scoop, there should be no duties -

Re-Importing A Previously Exported Vehicle
A vehicle taken from the United States for non-commercial, private use may be returned duty free by proving to CBP that it was previously owned and registered in the United States. This proof may be a state-issued registration card for the automobile or a bill of sale for the car from a U.S. dealer. Repairs or accessories acquired abroad for your vehicle must be declared on your return and may be subject to duty.
In some countries, it will be difficult or impossible to obtain unleaded fuel for your vehicle. If the vehicle is driven using leaded gasoline, it will be necessary for you to replace the catalyst and oxygen sensor upon its return to the U.S. To avoid the expense of replacing these parts you may obtain authorization from EPA to remove the catalyst and oxygen sensor before the vehicle is shipped overseas. The EPA telephone number for these authorizations is (202) 564-2418. When the vehicle returns to the U.S., the original catalyst and oxygen sensor will need to be reinstalled. However, you may now reenter your U.S. version vehicle into the U.S. without bond, upon your assurance that you will have the reinstallation performed.

Here is the website:

Importing a Motor Vehicle | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

[geshaghi]

I bought a 1970 or 71 911 from Canada a couple of years ago. Process was relatively simple once I figured it out, but involved someone who could pick up the car in Canada and take it to the customs broker, who cleared the car through customs and then had it available for pickup on the US side by another carrier, who brought the car to LA. IIRC, I had to pay a duty based on the purchase price and a brokerage fee of a few hundred dollars, plus the transportation costs. I don't think it would have made a difference if the car was previously titled in the US. The car I bought wasn't driveable, otherwise it might have been possible for the seller to simply drive it back across the border and then sell it to me. Email if you need more details.

[RedCoupe]

Sorry I didn't mention fees. Canada and the US have a treaty and working agreement about automobiles, because the Detroit automakers have plants on both sides of the border. IIRC, if we had to pay any fees when we imported the Camaro, they were just minor administrative fees. No duties or import taxes. I think the only car importation that might be a problem is a late model used car. But, bringing a vintage 911 into the US shouldn't be a problem as long as you can prove that the car meets US standards.

[spb350]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Tom '74 911]

I did this a few years ago w/a '74 roller that was originally a US car. The fellow I bought it from had never even registered it in Canada and still had the US title. I did all the research and had ALL the proper paperwork with me when I crossed back into the US w/it on a trailer behind my truck, but the border patrol were still a massive PITA. I eventually was able to cross, but it took a few hours of sweating and mild panic to get it done. I think it's their job to make people freak out to see what their reaction is... interesting study in psychology I think.

Titling it was a piece of cake compared to my customs experience.

Tom

[Tom '74 911]

Pelican locked up before I was able to finish... Also, I'm pretty sure that no fees should be charged except sales tax.

Tom

[spb350]

I did some reading and it sounds like as long as the original US emission stickers are in place it will be a lot easier. I'll ask the guy to send me some pics of the stickers but where are these located, door jamb or in the engine bay? Thanks

[pors1968]

You can have one made and send it to guy.

[jlex]

When my Porsche was imported from Canada, the seller had to change the speedometer so it would read miles, not kilometers...

[grizzfan]

Tonger states:

"Here's the scoop, there should be no duties"

Perhaps there is a new customs regulation but in May of 2010 I imported a previously US owned 1973 911T from Regina, SK at a lonely Montana crossing point in the NE Montana corner. The customs people poured over the previous owner info, although there was obviously no California title. From the engine number and VIN they were able to determine that the 911 was indeed a US model and accepted the voluminous repair records as "proof" it lived in CA. Several hours later I wrote them a check for $385 duty!

(During this time an 18-wheeler rolled into the checkpoint and out popped a guy with a full-length black beard and a turban and some sort of smock you see men wear in the middle-East. My wife and I lived there for a year and a half and were shocked. The customs agents waived him on into the US - I'm not kidding!!!)

So, I don't know what to suggest other than that you get as much history as possible, a valid Canadian title, properly executed - they are much like ours. Take a copy of the regs that Tonger references and GOOD LUCK!!

Tom

[javadog]

What is the model year of the car?

JR

[elbean]

I purchased a 99 996 a few months back form a guy in Vancouver. The car was from the US. I had to pay a Canadian sales type of tax-about 10-12% I may or may not get back when I file my taxes???
I bought this car as I thought it was a good deal-it was but the extra fees and taxes and going through customs was a huge PITA and something I'll never do again. Three hours at the border. Unless you absolutely have to have this car do your homework and find out more about importing and fees otherwise forget it.
Also the person I bought this car from totally miss-represented the car. I didn't do a PPI and I didn't walk away after I discovered a few things. I was into it with a $1000 desposit, a one way plane ticket from CA for my wife and I and a hotel room that wasn't cheap--ALL MY BAD for sure and I only blame myself for not doing better due diligence.
In the end I'm happy with the car but have more into it than other cars i looked at locally.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[spb350]

[QUOTE=javadog;8492799]What is the model year of the car?


Its a 1988 911


It has the original rebuilt motor(waiting on paperwork) with rebuilt heads and only about 3K miles. The car has 115000 or so total, new brakes, new clutch, new battery, etc etc and its reasonably priced. Its Diamond Blue with blue top and black interior, it should be a nice car if I can get it home without a lot of extra expenses. I did see something about no sales tax if they are over 25 years old? After I see the paperwork on the motor I will get into the import costs a lot deeper.

[javadog]

After 25 years, EPA and DOT rules don't apply, so you don't have to prove that it was a US model. You may have to pay import duty. The waiver for that quoted above may not apply to you, since you didn't export it and use it while it was in Canada. You're simply buying it from a seller that owned it there. You can call customs ahead of time and ask them the question. I have found that importing things isn't a big deal and doesn't take long. Years ago, the duty was around 2.8% of the used value, although I have no idea if that has changed.

Get a bill of sale, get the Canadian registration, get insurance for the car and you should be good to go.

JR