IMPORTING A VEHICLE FROM CANADA TO US

[sjs87 27]

Hello VJers,

In two weeks' time, I'll be entering the US on my K-1 visa; because I live very close to my nearest POE, I will be driving my car across. I know I have to register it with CBP upon entry. As such, I've received the "Letter of Compliance" from both the Canadian and US Manufacturers of my vehicle. I've been reading about other paperwork required when 'importing' the vehicle, and according to the CPB website (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/218/related/1/~/importing-a-car-or-vehicle---obtaining-epa-form-3520-1-and-dot-form-hs-7)%C2'>, I will have to complete and submit two forms:

1. EPA form 3520

2. DOT form HS 799

I had read on the forums here somewhere that we should try to fill out the forms ahead of time. However, some of the information required on these forms will be specific to the port which I enter through (specifically, it asks for a customs entry number on BOTH forms).

For those of you who have gone through the process of importing a vehicle, were you able to fill out these forms at your time/point of entry?

[TBoneTX 43,038]

*** Country-specific thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Canada regional subforum. ***

[Rob & Monika 87]

Fill out what you can ahead of time. Otherwise you may be filling it out while you are processing the K-1. You will also need a cbp7501 form. Make sure the VIN is listed in the "Description of Merchandise". For us, they gave us the forms and made us fill them out using a template they supplied to copy from (this was at Alexandria Bay). The important thing is to make sure the VIN ends up on all 3 forms. Also look up the value of the vehicle on KBB.com, that will go on cbp7501 somewhere...I wish I had copied our forms before turning them into the DMV!

Edited March 17, 2014 by Rob & Monika

[canadianplum 20]

For anyone that reads this going forward.... I just imported my car through the Blaine, WA POE and all I needed was the compliance letter, I had some forms from online that I had not filled out but they didn't need any of them. They said there was one form that I probably had printed, but they wanted to type it out so they didn't have to hand write, lol. It basically included the value of my car, VIN and a cpl other things and they had me sign it. That was it. It seemed too easy.

[Rob & Monika 87]

For anyone that reads this going forward.... I just imported my car through the Blaine, WA POE and all I needed was the compliance letter, I had some forms from online that I had not filled out but they didn't need any of them. They said there was one form that I probably had printed, but they wanted to type it out so they didn't have to hand write, lol. It basically included the value of my car, VIN and a cpl other things and they had me sign it. That was it. It seemed too easy.

Are you saying you only got the CBP7501 at the border? If that's the case, you will likely run into trouble at the DMV. Keep us informed on how it goes.

[canadianplum 20]

Are you saying you only got the CBP7501 at the border? If that's the case, you will likely run into trouble at the DMV. Keep us informed on how it goes.

Yep! Just that one form and the compliance letter, no big issues - other than having to deal with the friggen DMV, which was a treat! lol And getting the stupid smog check even though I was just air cared.

[Weston3220 4]

Good info to know I'll be driving across Blaine!

Compliance letter anyone been able to get it for free from dealership? Mine will be Hyundai Richmond most likly

[Flames9_RN 358]

There was another Canuck on here recently that had a Hyundai, and Hyundai would not give him the letter....He ended up having to use an importer, which of course cost $$$...Let me see if I can find the link..........

[Flames9_RN 358]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/361932-help-car-import-from-canada-to-us/ few have Hyundais in this post

[canadianplum 20]

Good info to know I'll be driving across Blaine!

Compliance letter anyone been able to get it for free from dealership? Mine will be Hyundai Richmond most likly

I was able to get mine free. I have an Acura, and they (Acura Canada) had me call Honda USA to get the compliance letter. If Hyundai doesn't work with you maybe call Hyundai USA. I thought it was weird that my compliance letter was straight from the states, but they had all my info via my VIN. Good Luck! Hope it goes smooth for you.

Oh and PS. The Blaine guys were awesome, was in and out quick, had a detailed list of what I was bringing across and they didn't even go look at my car or look at my list, lol. Really funny too!

[Lakehouse 293]

Do the compliance letters have a limited time frame? I wouldn't want to get one too early and find out at the border that it needs to be within 30 days or something like that...

[floridaboundcanuk 7]

Not specifically, but in general most government forms require documents less than a year old.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

compliance letters are about your car meeting certain US standards for building a car. That doesn't change

[Lakehouse 293]

Not specifically, but in general most government forms require documents less than a year old.

compliance letters are about your car meeting certain US standards for building a car. That doesn't change

Excellent! Then I'll order one up asap, as I'll probably need it within the next 2 months.

It was more that I thought US standards on emissions etc could change periodically, as indicated by an email I received when inquiring with Toyota:

Dear Ms. X:

Thank you for your recent email.

Please be advised that Compliance Letters do not have an expiry date. However, DOT and EPA requirements are constantly changing. As such, we cannot guarantee vehicle compliance at a future date.

We hope this information proves helpful.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Customer Interaction Centre

Toyota Canada Inc.

Edited May 11, 2014 by Lakehouse

[xprecious32 50]

I've been trying to get a compliance letter from Ford and all I am getting is the run around. Ford Canada says go to dealer, Dealer says try Ford Canada, so beings as my car was manufactured in the US and says so right on the sticker on the door as well as under the hood, I figured I'd call Ford USA- nope call Ford Canada. Apparently there are two letters I require though and each one is $75.00. I give up.