importing new yamaha to canada

[ReX]

were you importing a new sled? we stopped at the us customs office on the way over to pick it up and the customes officer confirmed the they dident need the paperwork ahead of time because it had never been registered. i think there are differen rules at the border depending on what kind of mood the guards are in that day. LOL

Both were new sleds.

If you still don't believe me, have a read through the rules on the Registrar of Import Vehicles web sit I linked earlier. They are pretty clear that all documents have to be submitted 3 days in advance for any self propelled vehicle. It doesn't matter if it's new or used.

The US Customs I went through were very strict about it. I ended up trying to return a couple of hours before the 72 hours and they sent me back. I turned around, had lunch and then went through (still a little early...). They still had to get permission from the "big boss" to let me through at that time because I was a little early.

These guys didn't mess around and if you didn't have the paperwork to them 72 hours (or at least 71.5...) you were not getting through.

With the tightening of everything at the Cdn/US border these days I suspect they'll be even less likely to break the rules in the future.

BTW, the reason for the 72 hours is so they can make sure you didn't just steal the vehicle, complete with paperwork, and are trying to get it across the border before it is reported stolen. It would be a lot harder to steal just the paperwork and then the machine 3 days later so it's a reasonable deterrent. They also can ask for a bill of sale 72 hours in advance.

It's best to call the US Customs office you'll be going through well ahead of the day your picking up the sled and ask specifically what they want and when.

 

[APEXLIGHTNING]

im not arguing with you, just telling you what actually happened. when was the last time you imported a sled? we brought one accross about a month ago

 

[ReX]

when was the last time you imported a sled?

2 1/2 months ago.

 

[ZR800EFI]

I know it states you must give 72hrs notice, but I didn't either, and brought the used sled across without issue. It was at the Corwall crossing.

I just brought it back from some warranty work and they went through my truck and I didn't bring in a receipt for a $10 oil filter. I did bring in a receipt for $127 which included the separate $10 filter, but they said I MUST bring in all paper work, and gave me a warning and said I could be suspect to future searches for 2-years when crossing.

As mentioned earlier, I think it all depends on the day and what mood the Customs workers are in...

 

[NB-NYTRO]

I know it states you must give 72hrs notice, but I didn't either, and brought the used sled across without issue. It was at the Corwall crossing.

I just brought it back from some warranty work and they went through my truck and I didn't bring in a receipt for a $10 oil filter. I did bring in a receipt for $127 which included the separate $10 filter, but they said I MUST bring in all paper work, and gave me a warning and said I could be suspect to future searches for 2-years when crossing.

As mentioned earlier, I think it all depends on the day and what mood the Customs workers are in...

So true.. I went through late at night and they kind of rolled theirs eyes when they saw me. They did what was necessary and sent me on my way.

 

[cantom]

I have imported a few antique cars and 2 used 4 wheelers from the US to Canada. It is clear to me and also seen in these posts; that the treatment you receive at the borders is not very consistent. For used vehicles, the 72 hours seems pretty firm, with bill of sale and original registration supplied in advance. The US guards seem generally cooperative, not always too concerned about the vehicle...but like to see the VIN number matches the paperwork.
The Canadian side always seems much more difficult to me. Paperwork must be correct, they normally(but not always) look at the vehicle.
The RIV inspection is no problem...and no cost, but it does take a while for the forms to get sent to you. It took over two weeks for both the 4 wheelers this summer, from the time of crossing to receiving the inspections forms from RIV.
There is no question that $$$ can be saved with CA the dollar in the upper 80 cent range., and if you pickup costs are not too large.

 

[ZR800EFI]

I have imported a few antique cars and 2 used 4 wheelers from the US to Canada. It is clear to me and also seen in these posts; that the treatment you receive at the borders is not very consistent. For used vehicles, the 72 hours seems pretty firm, with bill of sale and original registration supplied in advance. The US guards seem generally cooperative, not always too concerned about the vehicle...but like to see the VIN number matches the paperwork.
The Canadian side always seems much more difficult to me. Paperwork must be correct, they normally(but not always) look at the vehicle.
The RIV inspection is no problem...and no cost, but it does take a while for the forms to get sent to you. It took over two weeks for both the 4 wheelers this summer, from the time of crossing to receiving the inspections forms from RIV.
There is no question that $$$ can be saved with CA the dollar in the upper 80 cent range., and if you pickup costs are not too large.

The RIV inspection is not free...what do you think the $209 is for at the border when you cross? And, you can get your paperwork in two days if you decide to pay online when you get home instead of at the border. After two days, call them and the payment should have cleared, then they'll fax the papers for the inspection.