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US-Canadian customs.

To: datusn-roadsters-digest <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Subject: US-Canadian customs.
From: Bill Elliott <wcelliot@concentric.net>
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 21:40:33 -0400
<<HellO All,
        So Ihave a new to me 68 Canadian Solex U-20 coming to me in a 
couple of days. (YAY finally Solex's for me!!!!!!!!)  I was wondering
about
customs requirements.  If anybody has had any experience with this
please
let me know.  I called customs talked to three different people and they 
had no idea even if it 'had' to 'clear customs'  I believe the shipping 
company thinks it has to..but they want to charge me a silly amount of 
money to get it thru...I am not paying someone a couple hundred bucks to 
fill out some forms for me.>>

                
I just imported a car (1960 model, so no problems), so I have some info.
  
First, if it was ever a US car and you can prove it, no problem and no
duty.  

Second, if it was built before Dec 31, 1967... you might have to pay an
import duty (10% on the first $1000, 2.5% on the remainder... based on
the sales price.)

If it was built after Jan 1, 1968, you will have to prove EPA
certification.  What is expected is a letter from the manufacturer
saying that the given car (by VIN) meets EPA specs for the year. 
However, since it's over 25 years old, they may let you slide. The
different regs seem to conflict, so that's the reason for the confusion.

You're DOT clear from a safety aspect, though, since the car's older
than 1973... and older than 25 years. Again the rules conflict.

Bottom line, there's lots of discretion at the border.  I think your
shipping company's right its going to cost them time and you money.

Good Luck!

Here's some reference material:

http://www.i-trade.com/dir01/imprtgui/ch31.html

http://www.cs.brandeis.edu/~zippy/49-CFR-591.html

http://www.gills.com/carstuff.html

Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI

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