Right now with the exchange rate hovering around par with the US Dollar, many Vancouverites and Canadians are contemplating purchasing vehicles in the USA and importing them into Canada. Although the savings appear to be valid, ensuring you comply with all the importation rules is critical to avoid delays, headaches and additional costs. Take the time to research your make and model to ensure you can legally import the vehicle into Canada regardless whether it is a car, truck, boat or RV.
1. Check to make sure existing warranties will be valid in Canada
2. Recall letter from the manufacturer
3. Letter of admissibility from manufacturer
4. Use a service like CarFax to check out the VIN # and the vehicles history
5. If the VIN # starts with 1,2,3,4,5 you avoid paying the import duty which is 6.1%
Keep all documentation - always a good idea to print off that eBay ad or any advertisement showing what the asking price of the vehicle was that you have purchased. This provides the back-up you will need at customs when declaring the purchase price they use to calculate the GST due. This is not a time to avoid paying taxes by incorrectly declaring the purchase price paid to try and save few hundred dollars. Be straight and declare the actual purchase price in USD...if Customs determines you are jiving them the fines will be stiff.
More Helpful Car Import Tips
If you are seriously considering importing an auto first review the RIV.ca website which details how to import: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
Download Blaine-Export-Worksheet.pdf
Download Information Packet.pdf
Another useful resource: http://www.carburner.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
Canadian Warranty Information on U.S. Cars: http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253
Last but not least do not forget to talk to your car insurance broker about a rider or coverage while the vehicle is in transit from USA to Canada.
