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So I'm looking into importing a mk7 golf.
It doesn't seem to be a hard process but it is time consuming! Also you have to do everything in the right order or it delays you.
First before buying a car always check with Carfax/Carproof/Autocheck/Vincheck
Important consideration: you have to pay GST on all vehicles, PST/HST if applicable, $100 AC, and also the Green levy for vehicles with poor fuel economy - this one can be up to $4k!
Here are the steps as best I understand them, this is what I did but it can change anytime:
1 - Make scanned copies of your license & passport - you will need a package of documents that are scanned to do this process and these are the first 2 required.
2 - Find a car and check it is in the list of admissible vehicles:
https://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
3 - Check that there are no active recalls on the car (go to the USA manufacturer website and use their VIN recall check) and save the document/webpage - if there are recalls you need a letter from the manufacturer on official letterhead stating that they have all been done, or invoices/receipts proving it - add to your scanned package. (www.vw.com/owners-recalls/)
4 - Check that your insurance company will insure it in Canada after import/repair
5 - Find a place to store the car near the border crossing and book it for a week or two
6 - Buy the car - scan the sale confirmation so you have the price before taxes and shipping!
7 - Insure the car for driving it over or transport if possible (Canadian insurances will not cover a salvage vehicle during transport)
8 - Get the car shipped to the storage place
9 - Get the seller to scan the car's title & and bill of sale and mail the originals to you via registered mail. (or pick them up in person)
10 - Find a broker to do the AES for vehicle export from USA - non-residents must use a broker (you need the scanned documents for this) (it takes a min of 3 days after filling out the form) (I used these guys, good price and quickly done! links: http://simplifiedtradesolutions.com/...-requirements/)
11 - Fill out the Canada Form1 for import (you need all the scanned documents for this) [I]https://www.riv.ca/OnlineForms/Home/Landing[I]
12 - Email the Vehicle Export Worksheet to USA border crossing (each crossing has it's own unique forms/process) - lookup the contact info here: https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports
You need to submit the form 72 hours before taking the car across the border.
13 - Call both Canadian border and USA border services verify with them that you have all the required documents.
14 - Get a Canadian temporary permit/plate, if you can't get one you need to move it with a trailer - but make sure that all 4 wheels are off the ground! (you can easily rent a truck+trailer from uHaul for a day)
15 - Wash the car thoroughly inside and out and check for anything hidden inside like drugs, plants, food, weapons or firearms - VERY important - you are the liable owner now!
16 - Bring the car to the border
17 - Pay duties & fees
18 - If required get it repaired and get the salvage inspection - You only have a short amount of time to do this and pass or else the car will be declared parts only!
19 - Get it inspected out of province (you may need to get modifications done to pass)
20 - Drive it!
It doesn't seem to be a hard process but it is time consuming! Also you have to do everything in the right order or it delays you.
First before buying a car always check with Carfax/Carproof/Autocheck/Vincheck
Important consideration: you have to pay GST on all vehicles, PST/HST if applicable, $100 AC, and also the Green levy for vehicles with poor fuel economy - this one can be up to $4k!
Here are the steps as best I understand them, this is what I did but it can change anytime:
1 - Make scanned copies of your license & passport - you will need a package of documents that are scanned to do this process and these are the first 2 required.
2 - Find a car and check it is in the list of admissible vehicles:
https://www.riv.ca/VehicleAdmissibility.aspx
3 - Check that there are no active recalls on the car (go to the USA manufacturer website and use their VIN recall check) and save the document/webpage - if there are recalls you need a letter from the manufacturer on official letterhead stating that they have all been done, or invoices/receipts proving it - add to your scanned package. (www.vw.com/owners-recalls/)
4 - Check that your insurance company will insure it in Canada after import/repair
5 - Find a place to store the car near the border crossing and book it for a week or two
6 - Buy the car - scan the sale confirmation so you have the price before taxes and shipping!
7 - Insure the car for driving it over or transport if possible (Canadian insurances will not cover a salvage vehicle during transport)
8 - Get the car shipped to the storage place
9 - Get the seller to scan the car's title & and bill of sale and mail the originals to you via registered mail. (or pick them up in person)
10 - Find a broker to do the AES for vehicle export from USA - non-residents must use a broker (you need the scanned documents for this) (it takes a min of 3 days after filling out the form) (I used these guys, good price and quickly done! links: http://simplifiedtradesolutions.com/...-requirements/)
11 - Fill out the Canada Form1 for import (you need all the scanned documents for this) [I]https://www.riv.ca/OnlineForms/Home/Landing[I]
12 - Email the Vehicle Export Worksheet to USA border crossing (each crossing has it's own unique forms/process) - lookup the contact info here: https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports
You need to submit the form 72 hours before taking the car across the border.
13 - Call both Canadian border and USA border services verify with them that you have all the required documents.
14 - Get a Canadian temporary permit/plate, if you can't get one you need to move it with a trailer - but make sure that all 4 wheels are off the ground! (you can easily rent a truck+trailer from uHaul for a day)
15 - Wash the car thoroughly inside and out and check for anything hidden inside like drugs, plants, food, weapons or firearms - VERY important - you are the liable owner now!
16 - Bring the car to the border
17 - Pay duties & fees
18 - If required get it repaired and get the salvage inspection - You only have a short amount of time to do this and pass or else the car will be declared parts only!
19 - Get it inspected out of province (you may need to get modifications done to pass)
20 - Drive it!
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