Words by Issa Breibish // Photography by Nita Breibish
At first glance importing a vehicle from the US into Canada seems pretty daunting. But with some organization, a little research, a handful of patience and an open outlook to letting things unfold as they may, importing a vehicle can be pretty easy – if a little stressful the for the first-timer. Of course, it’s also completely dependent on the vehicle you’re wanting to import. For us, the BMW R1200GS was completely worth it – the amount we’d save would pay for another bike not to mention availability for used units is pretty much nil in this neck o’ the woods.
You can find out if your vehicle is admissible here: http://bit.ly/9gsdBG
First-off you’ll need to get your paperwork together – and keep it together. Lost documents like the Vehicle Title are a pain to replace. Start by checking to see if you can even import the vehicle of your dreams – some vehicles (like *all* BMW motorcycles from all years) are admissible but many are only importable with a number of exceptions.
If you plan to ship the vehicle then you’ll need the title, bill of sale and any lien documents. A note about the title – in all of the info sites online it wasn’t clear to me whether or not you needed to get the title in your name – you don’t. The original title in the name of the previous owner will suffice – just be sure you and the seller fill and sign the reverse of the title at the time of sale.
If you’re planning on riding/driving the vehicle you’ll need proof of insurance and an in-transit permit which (unfortunately) means a trip to the DMV :) My experience was a DMV in New York and it turned out to be a 3 hour visit – not bad considering. The hiccup for me was my insurance documentation. First, my middle name is on my license but not my pink card – that was a problem. They want all the info identical. Also, having all the info your insurance company sends you by mail will not be accepted. They’ll want your insurance company to fax it to them directly. Next time I’d organize this in advance and get it all ready to go when you’re there. You could even call ahead and get the DMV’s fax number prior to arrival. If I’d done that it would have be an hour’s visit instead. Even with the NYS registration I threw my license plate from my other bike on the import for the duration of the ride with no problems – I even went through customs with it and they didn’t seem too fussed.
Find out more about the Recall Clearance letter here: http://bit.ly/aYpzGl
You’ll also need the Recall Clearance letter – something most manufacturers supply ahead of time. Unfortunately for us BMW doesn’t supply this without seeing the vehicle so you’ll have to make the border crossing without it and be prepared to pay $500 for the pleasure of the letter. Basically the Recall Clearance letter let’s RIV know whether or not there are any outstanding recall issues with your particular vehicle and, if possible, fax it to 1-888-642-9899 as soon as you get it. If you happen to be importing a BMW the dealership will send in the request for the Recall letter once you’re across the border – and in my case it was forwarded directly to the RIV in a matter of 3-4 days – though officially they say that you’ll receive your copy in 5-10 business days. You don’t need the Recall letter to cross the border – just to be clear.
Once you have the title, bill of sale and any lien documentation you’ll need to fax it to your preferred border crossing at least 72 hours ahead of time.
A list of US CBP fax numbers can be found here: http://bit.ly/d70I9w
The important thing to note is that 72 hours is the minimum – send it in early in the process – they seemed to appreciate the lack of crisis. The number to fax this info to depends on your port of entry.
The Canadian side doesn’t need anything in advance at the border.
When you head to the border you’ll need to export the vehicle from the US prior to importing it into Canada. As you pull into the border station there’ll be a spot to park posted “Vehicles for Export.” Park and follow the directions to the US Customs office. They’ll grab the fax you sent 72 hours before, stamp your title and send you on your way. Next stop is the Canadian border. You’ll go through the usual questions then they’ll give you a slip and have you pull into the parking lot if everything else is in order. Before you run in to get your Form 1 (hopefully), grab the date of manufacture off of your compliance sticker – on bikes it tends to be on one of the front forks.
Once inside, the guys at the traffic desk will help fill out your Form 1 if all of your paperwork is in order. Again, you’ll need your newly stamped title, bill of sale, license, proof of insurance and lien documentation. Once it’s all filled out they’ll inform you of the GST and (possibly) duty. You pay up and you’ve got your Form 1 in hand – don’t lose it. They fax your case number onto RIV who collates it with your Recall Clearance letter (if it was faxed before import).
Once you’re back in town you can immediately set up your provincial inspection at your local dealership with your Form 1 – there’s no need to wait until you get your Federal Inspection form from the RIV. If you need to take your vehicle in to get your Recall Clearance you can do that too. Once the RIV has received your Form 1 from the border station and the Recall letter, they’ll let you know that you can download your federal inspection form. Get the inspections done and you’re all good to go. Don’t walk – run down to the registry and enjoy your newly imported vehicle. In a week or so you’ll get a snazzy Canadian compliance sticker in the mail from your new pals at the RIV!
Ta da! And just like that you’ve not only saved thousands of dollars, you’ve also acquired a difficult-to-get vehicle and you’ve taken a cross-country vacation :) Suh-weet.