Importing Car into Canada from US

timhorton1

actually written by a paper on the other side of the border in detroit..

"Really, it's greed," Iny said of the higher prices. "What the public would like to see is no fine print, no excuses. Just do the right thing."

http://www.importcarcanada.com/main/...hp?topic=144.0

mv2008

I am not sure what will happen but I was able to register and insure my Sienna today (Nov 20th). Given how disorganized this process is between the various agencies, my bet is that I won't hear back from not getting a clean Form 2 for a longtime if ever. There are thousands of vehicles crossing and a major lack of consistency in administration, I would be surprised if such a dysfunctional process can coordinate getting vehicles back to the US.....

sergelbergeron

Extract from Mr. Lawrence Cannon tonight on the CBC the National;"
"I do want to reassure Canadians that purchased these vehicles that we are working on it and we will do the necessary due diligence to correct the issue."

Not too sure if this is a promise ?? Let's keep the pressure on.

wrajinder

yes it s admissibe & you do not any need letter.But i will say you to make sure with RIV.

wrajinder

its very very strange. 2008 toyota camry is admissible as per TC list. So i am surprised by this, Or therwise it has to be shown in inadmiisble list. I will suggest you to contact at TC by email or by fax and calrify about it. How come toyota USA is saying it is inadmissible while canadisn TC list saying it is admissible. Sonething is wrong somewhere. You must also give another call to toyota USA and clarify about it again. I just don't know what to say?

beaurocratsuck

"I do want to reassure Canadians that purchased these vehicles that we are working on it and we will do the necessary due diligence to correct the issue."

Interesting but it what does it mean. Is the "issue" the fact the admissibility list wasn't updated in a timely manner and that will be corrected or is the "issue "that RIV agents give conflicting and confusing information and that will be corrected.

Yes, I am cynical when it comes to politicians and beaurocrats.
I hope Mr Cannon means TC will give an exemption to those who purchased vehicles based on RIV agents advice prior to the vehicles being officially listed as inadmissible.

And I hope this will happen without further delay. A lot of people are being needlessly stressed while they dillydally.

netdog

my2008: I am in the same boat as you with a 2008 Sienna purchased pre-Nov 1st yet mine still remains in my driveway not registered.

I too have considered registering the vehicle without form2, yet I decided against it because the RIV file on my vehicle would not be closed until they received form2 from Canadian Tire. Point is that even with the vehicle registered I might still receive a notice to export the vehicle after 45 days from the RIV if they did not receive form2 from CT but I'd then be out not only the GST but also the PST.

Judging from recent news on this issue, thanks in no small part to Robert Lamb, Serge Bergeron et al., it appears that the pressure is on for TC to fix this problem for those caught up in this mess like you and I. I would suggest that once the dust clears that you proceed with the formalities of form2 anyways so that the RIV can close your file. Better that than a potential export order from them in 45 days.

good luck

netdog

p.s. been seeing many XLE's on the road over here with dealer plates on 'em and XLEs are not available in canada (only the XLE LTD are) .... hummmm....

benji99

Hi Guys

I think you are talking about two diffrence letter:

If the imported car was build before September 1, 2007: then this will be enough

"To import a vehicle from the U.S. the vehicle must be cited as admissible on Transport Canada's List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States. Assuming this vehicle is listed as admissible, the vehicle must also bear a Statement of Compliance label affixed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer stating that "the vehicle as manufactured to comply with all US federal emission, bumper and safety standards on the date of manufacture". Failing that, we will accept a letter from the manufacturer stating the same."

and the recall letter

If the imported car was build after September 01, 2007 : then you will need

"To import a vehicle from the U.S. the vehicle must be cited as admissible on Transport Canada's List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States. Assuming this vehicle is listed as admissible, the vehicle must also bear a Statement of Compliance label affixed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer stating that "the vehicle as manufactured to comply with all US federal emission, bumper and safety standards on the date of manufacture". Failing that, we will accept a letter from the manufacturer stating the same."

The recall letter and this

Please be advised that if you are planning to import a vehicle manufactured after September 1, 2007, that the vehicle may be affected by this requirement and if an immobilizer that meets CMVSS 114 is not already installed in the vehicle, which an immobilization system will have to be installed. You may also want to verify the cost of such an installation prior to importing a vehicle.

AND HERE IS THE RESPONSE RIV SEND TO ME:

Thank you for your recent inquiry about importing a 2008 Lexus AWD.


This vehicle appears to be admissible as it is cited on Transport Canada's List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States as admissible, revised October 2007. This vehicle must bear a Statement of Compliance label affixed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer stating that "the vehicle was manufactured to comply with all US federal emission, bumper and safety standards on the date of manufacture". This label is located on the pillar of the driver door side. Failing that, we will accept a letter from the manufacturer stating the same. Please refer to this list at http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/VAFUS.pdf



Please be advised that if you are planning to import a vehicle manufactured after September 1, 2007, that the vehicle may be affected by this requirement and if an immobilizer that meets CMVSS 114 is not already installed in the vehicle, which an immobilization system will have to be installed. You may also want to verify the cost of such an installation prior to importing a vehicle.


For temporary licensing information, please view the US Department of Motor Vehicles' website at http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-vehicles.com/



Complete a Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 and register with CBSA. This form must be kept in the vehicle until it is licensed. Canada Customs will facilitate the payment of your nonrefundable RIV fee of $206.70 in all provinces except Quebec where it is $220.20. This fee includes the federal inspection.



After the payment has been received you are subject to obtaining a recall clearance letter(s). Please see the following link at http://www.riv.ca/english/html/recall_clearance.html.



Once the recall clearance documentation have been received by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles an Inspection Form will be mailed which details what must be done to bring your vehicle into compliance. It is your responsibility to complete the necessary modifications within 45 days. These modifications include what is written on the admissibility list and:



(a) U.S. statement of compliance label (SOC);

(b) valid alpha-numeric 17-digit VIN;

(c) Metric speedometer and Odometer labels. (The inspection centre will place labels if required)

(d) recall documentation (we require a letter from the Original Equipment Manufacturer stating there are no outstanding recalls on your vehicle. VIN must be included);

(e) Daytime Running Lights;

(f) Functioning airbags (if, originally equipped with airbags); and

(g) French Supplementary Restraint system label for airbags that require periodic maintenance.

Cheers

Ben

altaboy

i am almost certain that a pre-sept.1 cadi ext is admissable. Caution - when i came across sweetgrass with a vehicle (same situation as you, Aug.30 manufactured 2008 duramax 3/4 ton truck, gvwr 9200 lbs so all the same rules apply to me as you) they pulled 3 cadi's into the inspection bay. Seems like the canada border schmucks have a hard time watching 100 people a day drive by inside their yearly wage.....BTW, i also heard that canada customs agents have been working without a contract since summer 2007. I imagine they are not allowed to strike but may explain some of their apparent bitterness. Note, you will get dinged with the inefficient fuel consumption tax on the cadi (not applicable to trucks as they are deemed excempt, apparently my truck is a "work" vehicle....right....).

spauls

wrajinder, can you forward me the e-mail address for TC and RIV, how much time do they take to reply back..........seems like the agents are themselves not clear what to say ....when i called last time the lady agent checked a few answers from her supervisior.
The guy from one of the Immobilizer companies( which they claim to be meet CMVSS 114 standard) told me Customs Canada is not allowing vehicles in without Immobilizer when we talked this Monday only, so advised me to wait till TC makes the issue

Another thing : Are you supposed to get after market Immobilizer installation on the Higlander.

thecannyscot

Thanks Ben, a great Post. Where does one get the French Supplementary Restraint System label? Would I need one for a pre Sept 1-07 Highlander?

Cheers,

thecannyscot

eieio2

thanks altaboy .... any idea what the inefficient fuel consumption tax on the cadi EXT will be ... and I assume you pay at the same place as you pay the GST

hammatime

eieio2:

Rev. Canada info. on the Excise Tax is at this link:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/agency/budget/2007/excise-e.html

The pdf document that indicates what the Tax Rates are is linked in the Answer to Question no. 3.

caramel

See. Dealers are beginning to hurt. I believe sales reported in this Globe article are dealer to consumer. Data relesed right after month end are distributer to dealer.

So hold off from buying new. Prices will be much cheaper when the snow has gone. Don't fall for the manufacturers' line that there has never been a better time for Canadians to come into their showrooms.

September retail sales slip slightly

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

OTTAWA — Retail sales edged down 0.2 per cent in September to an estimated $34.4-billion, due mainly to a decline in sales by new-car dealers.

It is the third decrease in overall sales since May, 2007; Statistics Canada says retail sales have generally been rising at a rapid clip since 2004.

Third-quarter sales fell 0.3 per cent.

Excluding sales by dealers of new, used and recreational vehicles and auto parts, retail sales increased by 0.1 per cent in September.

Sales in the automotive sector declined 0.7 per cent in September, primarily due to a 1.3 per cent decrease in sales by new-car dealers.

The second-largest decrease came in furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores (down 2.2 per cent).

Clothing and accessories stores slipped 0.8 per cent in September and the miscellaneous retailers group fell 0.2 per cent.

Increases were recorded in food and beverage stores (0.6 per cent), general merchandise stores (0.4), pharmacies and personal care stores (0.4) and building and outdoor home supplies stores (0.1).

The quarterly decline is primarily due to a 2.3 per cent drop in automotive sector sales.

In constant dollars, total retail sales declined 0.5 per cent in September, indicating that there was a slight price effect.

eieio2

thanks hammatime .... I was thinking that the tax was going to be between $1000 and $2000

defrederick

gaut,

If I were in your shoes, I'd definitely bring the vehicle as far as I could. If you can successfully get it in your garage, at least you'll essentially be in the same boat as hundreds of other Canadians and should be able to benefit when they "get the issue resolved". If you leave it "between the borders", you may end up losing your opportunity to drive it home at all. Your worst case with driving it home is that you'll have to go through the effort of driving it back, which really isn't much worse than you are right now. In fact, if you have to re-export it to the US, at least you'll be able to take pictures of it for the Auto Trader...

If you can get it registered (I know you can in Alberta), then you'll also be able to drive it for at least 45 days before TC tries to make you send it back. And then if you ignore TC, it doesn't sound like they'll have any clue about how to make you give it back.

Theoretically, you could even sell the van after it's registered (let's not get into the ethics of this - I know it's just not right, and there may be legal ramifications), and then what would happen? This whole thing is going to get worse if TC and the RIV don't do something definitive soon.

Good luck!

hammatime

and to answer your other query:

yes, you pay Excise Tax at the border when you pay your GST; and, GST is payable on the US dollar amount you paid for your vehicle after it is converted to Can$ at the prevailing exchange rate. On Monday, that exchange rate was 0.9808 .

volvomax

We can debate till the cows come home whether the immobilizer is effective or not. Data suggest that it is, as opposed to alarm systems, which generally are not effective. But it doesn't matter here. My point is that the intent, I repeat, the intent, of the immobilization standard is for public safety and security, not as a tool for manufacturers to stop importation of cars into Canada.

Sorry, but it isn't debateable.
I live in a state with one of the highest stolen car rates in the US.
Having an immobilzer doesn't lessen the chance of having your car stolen by a PROFESSIONAL. it just doesn't.
If someone wants your car, they are gonna get it.


Are you kidding me?! What's in it for them? Is that what you said? There's everything in it for the manufacturers!! They can artificially keep prices high!! There may actually be very little impact on the dealers if the manufacturers adjust Canadian prices to fall in line with US prices. Lower MSRP, lower invoice cost = similar margin. In fact, I dare say if the manufacturers adjusted Canadian prices, the Canadian dealers will stand to gain, because more people will buy cars in Canada. Almost every dealer in Canada is hurting right now due to the disparity between Canadian & US prices.

You are so out to lunch on this one.

Respectfully, I don't think you are thinking this through.
The Canadian motor companies cannot simply "reprice" their cars.
First of all, neither you nor I knows all the components that go into pricing a car in Canada.
Second, re-pricing cars would have a disasterous effect on lease residuals, to say nothing of used car values.
Chances are, the parity between the Loonie and the US dollar won't last.
Sooner or later, probably sooner, the Canadian Gov't will close the door to importing US cars.
Only a fraction of Canadian auto buyers have the wherewithall to take advantage of the current situation, because you have to pay cash for a US car.
For the motor companies, and the dealers this isn't th ebig deal you think it is.
The motor co's are banking on this fizzling out after a while and they are probably correct that it will.

dreyfus1

We now know who benefits from and wants to maintain and preferably expand non tariff trade barriers such as CMVSS114.
The CVMA and AIAMC have appeared before a parliamentary committee in Ottawa.
Private importing is now approaching 10% of the 1.6 million cars sold in Canada annually, even worse it is continuing to grow. Having sucked deeply on CMVSS114 and the $3k to $30k premium per car sold in Canada both associations are anxious to see that the gouging continues. The sensitive "jobs" issue was raised, if CVMA/AIAMC members were concerned about Canadian auto manufacturing jobs they would remove their embargo on importing Canadian manufactured cars into Canada. I would like to believe that our MPs are not drunks, clowns and fools, only time will tell.
If the benefits of NAFTA are solely for manufacturers and are withheld from ordinary citizens it is time for us to rethink our trade policies.

netdog

defrederick, your advice to gaut is practical however it fails to recognize the additional financial risk of losing the GST paid at the border and possibly the PST if you are able to also register the vehicle, in the event that the RIV issues an export order against the vehicle. It's a risk not everyone is willing to take.

netdog

silver_fox

Not all border crossings or customs agents are charging this excise green tax. I crossed the Sweetgrass border fully expecting to pay the $1000 tax which according to the list is the amount due for my specific vehicle and they never charged me, nor did I ask them to.
I considered it an extra savings as I know the tax is part of the retail price when the same vehicle is purchased in Canada.

silver_fox

"If you can get it registered (I know you can in Alberta), then you'll also be able to drive it for at least 45 days before TC tries to make you send it back. And then if you ignore TC, it doesn't sound like they'll have any clue about how to make you give it back. "

What? It CAN"T be registered as RIV will not issue the form 2 needed for registration in Alberta. I may be wrong, but that is what I was told by the Alberta registries office when I registered my vehicle.

defrederick

I thought the same thing, and it appears that maybe some registries are confused about the requirements. I registered my own vehicle before receiving the Form 2, and I've seen someone else on this board who's done it with an inadmissable 2008. I'm thinking that when/if it hits the fan there's going to be a lot to unravel.

Also, good point about the GST and PST, netdog. I hadn't considered that and it could make a difference on the economic decision.

hammatime

dreyfus1 may just be thinking out loud.

beaurocratsuck is right. Look there's a ton of illegal things that can be done, but please, please, don't go there.

You don't have to. My gut feeling is that those who purchased their vehicles when they were admissible will be permitted.

jashall

Here's my story:

- Checked the RIV list Sept, Oct, Nov 1st & the Tacoma was admissable;
- Purchased a U.S. 2008 Tacoma on October 12th, 2007;
- Tacoma was built in California late October 2007;
- Checked the RIV list November 6th, now the Tacoma is inadmissible;
- Received a letter from RIV stating that all vehicles purchased prior to November 1st, would be given a "one-time amnesty" to bring it across and get it registered;
- Picked up truck November 10th, and drove across the border November 11, 2007;
- Border crossing took 10 minutes to get across both.
- Sent Form 1 off to RIV;
- Received Form 2 back (no mention of immobilizer required or recall letter);
- Passed federal inspection & took stamped form to licensing agent;
- My 2008 Tacoma built in October 2007, has been insured and plated in my home province - Yahoo !!!

Now I can sleep...

Kirstie_H

Hey folks,
This topic is for discussing legal ways of importing vehicles into Canada, and conversation about how to get laws changed. Posting suggestions of illegal methods really isn't a good idea, so those kinds of posts will be removed as we see them. Thanks!

shellyh

Congrats!

When did you get your Form 2? I was told that these files were on hold and RIV couldn't access them.

wrajinder

No you cannot install thirdparty on highlander's & Rav's . I am not sure about other vehicles. Email & contacts are available on thier websits.

defrederick

I just spoke to my registry agent again, and she confirmed that the policy from Alberta Registries is that only Form 1 and the MSO is needed for registration. She said that Alberta Registries received their instructions from TC.

It appears that the Transport Clowns are at it again!

I also suspect that this "loophole" will be getting closed soon, now that the cat is out of the bag.

bodble2

"Having an immobilzer doesn't lessen the chance of having your car stolen by a PROFESSIONAL. it just doesn't."

I'm not talking about a professional thief. The immobilizer is meant to stop the deadbeat kids, and the drug addicts, and the joyriders who commit the bulk of the car thefts, and who represent a threat to public safety.

As for your take on the pricing issue, with all due respect, it sounds like you're just reading from the corporate spin manual. Yeah, it might affect residual, and used car values, but so what? My used car may be worth less on a trade-in, but if the price on the new one I'm buying is priced in line with US prices, I'll take that trade-off any day. As a consumer, I'll still come out ahead. It might hurt the used car dealer with stock-piled inventory, but I doubt that's the reason the manufacturers are playing dirty pool with the importation rules.

But enough of this debate here -- it's getting way off-topic here. You're entitled to think whatever you want. I just don't agree with it.

gabeman

FYI, Toyota Canada just announced their Highlander Hybrid pricing today. You can find it on their web site.

bodble2

I'm still a bit confused about this. So, if you're importing any car manufactured after Sept 1, even if it is already listed as admissible, you still need to provide confirmation that it meets CMVSS 114? And what document do you need to prove that? :confuse:

netdog

"Look there's a ton of illegal things that can be done, but please, please, don't go there.

You don't have to. My gut feeling is that those who purchased their vehicles when they were admissible will be permitted."

Well put hammatime.

netdog

jashall

I faxed the Form 1 November 12th to RIV, and received the Form 2 November 16th.

I had just heard about the TC "holding" the files as well, but I must have got under the wire on that one. :confuse:

Good luck!

dayfut

My dealership called me this morning to tell me that my 08 Civic is now admissible after Honda and RIV got the immobilizer issue resolved. I just tried calling RIV to confirm but after holding for a while, I had to go to work and havent had a chance to call again yet. Has anyone heard anything to this effect today yet?

netdog

"I also suspect that this "loophole" will be getting closed soon, now that the cat is out of the bag."

defrederick: this is not a loophole.

Your provincial registration office and the canada customs and immigrations offices are two different entities. Unless the RIV receives your form2 back from Canadian Tire, your file remains open with the RIV. After 45 days, if your file is still open, they may still exercise their option to issue an export order on your vehicle, whether it is registered or not. So as others have suggested here, it is better not to go there and simply follow process. Common sense will prevail and we will all be driving our cars legally some time soon.

netdog

netdog

"but I must have got under the wire on that one."

jashall: the RIV and TC had a conference call late in the day on Friday November 16th when TC imposed this order to place all inadmissible vehicles on hold. So you did in fact sneak in just under the wire. I tried on the 19th and could not get mine, yet my friend got his on the 14th no problem for the same vehicle. Go figure ...

netdog

civicexportit

I just got off the phone with RIV - they are spouting their website information - only Honda S2000 is admissible. I have my doubts that the RIV 1-888 operators will have the latest news given the misinformation that has occurred over the last six weeks. Perhaps TC would be better to contact.

delwicki

FYI...Any tax (AC/Tire Levy,GST, PST, Green Levy) is not part of the retail price on any vehicle in Canada. All are broken out separately on the bill of sale. My parents did not pay the $1000 at the border for their 07 V8 4Runner but were sent a letter/bill approximately 4 weeks after registering. If they did not charge it at the border, they will come looking for it later.

beaurocratsuck

Any chance you can publish the contents of that one time amnesty letter. Who signed it?

delwicki

My neighbor works at a used car lot in here in Calgary and they brought up some US trucks. Had the updates done (DRL, bumpers on those that required etc.), and registered with Alta Registries and then RIV came calling after they had sold some of the vehicles as 2 were not on the inadmissable list and they had not gotten a Form 2. Not the brightest used car lot owner I guess. They had to refund the money and are sitting on 2 of the trucks they brought up which look like they may make a trip back to the US. They apparently did none of the research that the members on this board had done. Probably just looking to make a quick buck and skipped the due diligence. Hope there aren't too many out there like this guy lol.

hammatime

Yes jashall, having that letter would really help.

You can black-out any private details, but don't get crazy like the CIA!!.

Please post a scan of the letter on http://www.carswithoutborders.com, along with your story if you have not already.

Thanks.

silverboy

Could someone who has imported a new vehicle and had to file the Vehicle Export Worksheet with US Customs (apparently a requirement at Sweetgrass MT, not sure about elsewhere) please answer a question for me? On the form, there is a blank for the "Title Issuing State". I'm not sure what to fill in. Since my vehicle is new, my understanding is that there isn't a title per se. So I'm wondering if I should just leave it blank, say "n/a" or just fill in the state of the dealer I am buying from. I can't get ahold of a live body at US Customs so if someone out there could help me, it would be much appreciated.

darfer

You need the Title to Export. Your dealer should have the original Title. Pretty sure this is correct.

wrajinder

Thanks. They reduced the pricing for highlander limited model. It comes with navigation package built into it. So the diff between fully loaded base Ltd & hybrid limited is only $ 1925.00. Why Would somebody now buy fully limted model in Canada ?
As compare to USA pricing its another good news. Fully loaded hybrid limited C/W import duty of 6.1% will cost you $ 49603.00 in US dollar. So price diff is only now of $ 6372.00. This is good news for people who want to buy Hybrid Limited. All these calculation are based on If you conside US & Candian dollar at par.

08tacoma

You can download the amnesty letter at http://68.146.1.199

I've also posted several versions (including pre-November) of the RIV Lists of Vehicles Admissible

silverboy

Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought that the MCO (which is what you are supposed to fax to US Customs) was used in lieu of a title. So is there something on the MCO that would indicate the "Title Issuing State"?

hammatime

Thanks a bunch.

Lots of people have been looking for specific VAFUS lists so that really helps.

One (final?) question: what is significant about the Nov. 1 date in your case. Is that the date when your vehicle became Inadmissible as per VAFUS?

beaurocratsuck

Thank you for posting the information and having saved it in the first place. The smoking gun for sure.

All I can say is Holy Crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a mess.

Incidentally I've tried TC again after having left several unanswered messages in the last few days and their mail box is full

northernkiwi

You might like to save to the list on the web-site
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/VAFUS.pdf

This list is dated Nov 20, 2007