Exporting Your Vehicle from Canada to the US and Other North American Destinations
Introduction: Introduction to Customs Procedures Regarding Vehicles and Vehicle Import Restrictions
Cargo and Passenger Vehicles
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforces customs laws and regulations on all vehicles imported into the United States. DHS has established various importation requirements for vehicles and vehicle parts that are based on their classification as either cargo or passenger vehicles.
Cargo vehicles are typically classified as either commercial or noncommercial. Commercial cargo vehicles are vehicles that are used in international trade and are not used primarily for personal purposes. Passenger vehicles, also called private passenger vehicles, are classified as either new or used. New passenger vehicles are those that have never been registered while used passenger vehicles are those that have been registered for at least three consecutive model years.Cars and light trucks are further classified as passenger cars and light trucks, respectively. Passenger cars are cars that are typically driven primarily by private individuals, while light trucks are vehicles that primarily serve the purposes of transportation (e.g., taxis, delivery trucks) or carrying (e.g., pick-up truck). Light truck is also referred to as “light commercial vehicle” in some countries. Larger passenger cars and light trucks are classified as “midsize” passenger cars and light trucks, respectively.
Easily Navigating Auto Export Rules of Canada’s National Car Carrier & Shipping Lines
The starting point for most vehicle exports from Canada to a country other than the United States is the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Recommended Trade Value Guide. For light vehicles, this publication provides the wholesale transaction price for each model. The trade value is then adjusted based on general wear and tear, the age of the vehicle, the vehicle’s condition and its mileage.
Once the value of a car has been determined, the next step is to determine the specific requirements of Canada’s national car carrier and shipping lines. .The two major national car carriers are Canada Carriers Ltd. and Atlantic Canadian Towing Ltd. In general, Canada Carriers Ltd. requires that a vehicle be in good condition, with no dents or rust, and has a value of less than $1,500 as well as being road legal (meaning it is not declared a total loss and can be driven). They also require that the vehicle’s odometer is accurate to within 30 miles at time of delivery. Atlantic Canadian T
A list of Canada’s national car carrier and shipping lines can be found
Shipping a Vehicle Shipments Between Provinces or Internationally Via Car Carrier
1. A vehicle export permit will be required for the export of vehicles.
2. The vehicle must be legally registered to the applicant and the applicant must have all necessary documents to transport and import the vehicle.
3. The vehicle must have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or a Certificate of Ownership issued by a provincial or territorial government.
4. The vehicle may not be sold or traded while in international shipment transit.
5. The exporter must notify the CBSA of their intent to export the vehicle by submitting an Automated Export Declaration or a Personal Exemption Claim
Canadian Foreign Trade Agreements Automotive Section 232 Case Studies – Results of US Import Controls Having Significant Effect on Canadian Auto Industry
– Car imports from China to North America decreased by 7.2% in 2017.
– Cars manufactured in Canada or Mexico were exempted from the original 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminum, as a result of NAFTA negotiations.
– In response to the introduction of US tariffs on steel and aluminum, Canada will impose tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, and other products from the US.
5. (C) The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAT) has compiled the following list of instances where US import controls have had a significant effect on the Canadian Auto Industry:
-In 1981, US duties on Canadian automobiles were increased to 25% as a result of a trade dispute.
-In 1984, US import tariffs on Japanese vehicles were increased to 40%.
-In 1985, US import tariffs on Japanese vehicles were increased to 45%.
-In 1986, US import tariffs on Japanese vehicles were increased to 55%.
Exporting Your Vehicle from Canada to the US and Other North American Destinations for export vehicles from Canada to the US, you must have the following: – A completed Vehicle Export Declaration (VEX) form- An export permit- The pre-export inspection certificate, issued by Transport Canada on the VEX form- For vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1965: a Manufacturer’s Statement of OriginFor vehicles sticking to Canadian standards of construction that are exported out of Canada and not used in North America, no documents are required.Exporting a vehicle from Canada is different from exporting a vehicle from other countries. Ex porting your vehicle from Canada for export is different because the Vehicle Export Declaration (VEX) must be completed on their behalf by the Canadian exporter. This form must be filled out and submitted to Transport Canada before you can export your vehicle.
