How to Permanently Import Your Canadian Car To USA

Guide to Importing your Canadian Car to USA Permanently

Importing a car from Canada to the United States can be a straightforward process if you understand the necessary steps and paperwork required. Many people choose to import vehicles due to various reasons, such as family household move, work related relocation and other factors such as better pricing or unique vehicle models not found in the their country.

Now lets get started with what is required to import your vehicle to the U.S.!

Step 1: Determine what type of Import is your Car by Age

Under U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Import Requirements under HS-7 Form, the two main import types is either under Category 1, which is Antique Vehicle Type, or Category 2B which is a Canadian Car that meets all applicable FMVSS Standards.

Vehicle Import Requirements by Age

Category 1: Vehicles 25 years old or older: Canadian or other Foreign vehicles 25 years of age or older are exempt from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA Emissions standards.

Category 2B: Canadian Car meets USA FMVSS Standards: Canadian vehicles less than 25 years of age must meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA Emissions.

Step 2: Necessary Paperwork for Importing a Car

When importing a vehicle from Canada to the U.S., the below documents are generally required and accepted by CBP:

Proof of Ownership Documents

1. Bill of Sale: If the vehicle was purchased, a copy of the Bill of Sale is required to show the transaction of the sale including the sale price, details of the vehicle, and full name and address of the seller and buyer.

2. Title: A copy of the Vehicle Title can be used as proof of ownership of the for both a sale transaction showing transfer of ownership, or current owner of the vehicle.

3. Canadian Vehicle Registration: A copy of the Canadian vehicle registration can be used as proof of ownership of the vehicle.

4. Lien Release: If the vehicle is under financing, a written letter from the lien holder authorizing the vehicle to be exported out of Canada to the U.S. is required. The lien holder typically would be the bank.

   
   

Import Compliance Documents

1. Letter of Compliance from Manufacturer: A written statement from the car manufacturer stating that your specific vehicle indicating the VIN # to certify it meets the U.S. FMVSS safety standards.

2. EPA Emissions Certification: Located inside your vehicle a photo of the EPA compliance sticker.

   
   

Customs Broker Document Preparation

Upon securing Customs Broker service for your vehicle import, the below documents will be prepared and completed by the broker as part of the customs clearance process with CBP.

1. Form 7501: The CBP Entry Summary which contains the vehicle and import information along with import duty is the main document CBP will use to clear the vehicle and required by DMV as part of the main import documentation.

2. EPA Form 3520-1: This form indicates that the vehicle conforms to EPA regulations. If it does not, an exemption form will be required.

3. DOT Form HS-7: This form is to declare compliance with DOT standards.

4. Customs Import Bond: A U.S. import bond is required as part of the entry filing clearance process to safeguard all CBP financial obligations are met such as import duty, penalties and any non compliance.

   
   
   
   

Step 3: Contact a Customs Broker for Vehicle Import Service

U.S. Customs generally requires a licensed customs broker to process both the hardcopy documentation and also electronic data elements and customs bond in order to clear the vehicle. Some individuals can try to do it yourself at the border or port office without a broker, but in general CBP would ask the importer to hire a customs broker for this process.

Reasons why a Customs Broker is needed

1. Vehicle Imports are governed by multiple Partnered Gov't Agencies (PGA): Under federal import laws, if a shipment or import is governed by other agencies besides US Customs. A customs bond is required with a formal entry declaration.

2. Customs Bond: A customs bond is a financial guarantee to CBP that if in the event any non compliance or monetary sums are due after the clearance. CBP has a way to make sure they have a way to recover the monetary sums via the bond. The customs bond is electronically entered into CBP system as part of the vehicle import.

3. New Tariffs on Vehicles: Under the new U.S. Presidential Trump Administration, new tariffs such as Auto Tariff, Reciprocal Tariff and every changing environment of import laws, US Customs at most port locations now require a broker for vehicle import. In the past many port offices were lenient and did clearances for Individuals for free but is rare nowadays.

4. Cost Savings: While the notion to hire a customs broker seems you may be paying more money to import your car. You can actually save more money in the end if your broker is able to help you declare lower market value for your used vehicle which can save you more than the fees you are paying them. Some CBP Port locations actually requires the Individual to pay import duty based on the new car value even-though the car is old.

   
   
   
   

Conclusion

Permanently importing your car from Canada to the USA may seem daunting task, but with All Cleared Customs Brokerage we can make the process easier and stress free. Feel free to contact us via phone call, email or WhatsApp for service and pricing. We provide vehicle import clearance service for all 50 states.

Contact: All Cleared Customs Brokerage

website: www.accb.nyc

email: imports@accb.us

tel: 347-952-8680

Other Information

Import Duty Rates

Import duty rates for vehicles can vary based on several factors including the vehicle's age, type, and value. Generally, the duty rate for passenger cars imported into the U.S. is 2.5% on the purchase price, and for trucks 25%. Under the new Trump administration various new tariffs may apply. It is recommended to check with our customs brokers to confirm the current applicable duty rates for your vehicle.

Registering Your Vehicle

Once your vehicle successfully clears customs, it will need to be registered in your state. The process involves:

1. Obtaining a State Title: You will need to submit your original title, along with the paperwork from customs.

   
   

2. Paying State Fees: Each state has different fees associated with registering a vehicle.

   
   

3. Insurance: Your vehicle must be insured according to your state’s regulations before registration is complete.

   
   

After registration, you will receive a new title and license plates to legally operate your vehicle in the U.S.

www.accb.nyc