importing vintage cars [over 25 yrs old ] from Canada to U.S.

[roy]

           I have a 64 Mercedes 230 sl convertible for sale and the question I get
           most often from U.S. citizens interested in the vehicle is " how do I get
           it through customs at the border? What paperwork will I need? Most
           people I have talked to say it's not a problem if the Vehicle is 25 yrs old
           and has been purchased in Canada. Anyone have experience importing
           from Canada to U.S ?  Thanks--Roy

[rjmarco]

Hi, Roy.

I do have some semi-recent experience with this.  I imported a 1987 BMW about three years ago.  It was originally built as a Canadian model but just about identical to the US version since all were built for the North American market.  I bought it in Vancouver, BC and drove it back home to California.  I took some background reading to understand all the requirements including the supporting paperwork.  I can't recall them all but an internet search while give you what you need.  All in all, it took a few hours to get across the border which included waiting in a few lines and a vehicle inspection by US border agents.  Not a bad experience just takes some time and patience. 

Hope this helps,

Rich

[smackYYZ]

My understanding is there are 2 forms required.

https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/epa-standard-form-3520-1-declaration-form-importation-motor-vehicles

http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/HS7_r.v.7.pdf
 
With our cars being over 25 years old it should be pretty straight forward.  I'll let you know, since I'm moving next week from Brampton to Florida and trailing my 230sl with me.

[roy]

           Good to know it wasn't a bad experience Rich , like you say a little
           patience. From what I gathered is the vehicle must be purchased in
           Canada and have the proper transfer papers as well as a bill of sale.
           Also Mike has listed the importation forms required by the U.S. govt.
           Anyone else having experience with this let me know how it went.
     
                 Roy

[smackYYZ]

Hi Roy,

So I brought the car into the US last Friday. They didn't want the EPA form, since they looked at it and said not necessary due to it's age. The only form they wanted was form CBP Form 7501, which they had a master with all the details gave it to me on a clipboard with a blank to be filled out and signed.

They wanted a bill of sale and a valuation. I only had the bill of sale from when my dad bought it in 1980 so that didn't help. So they had a few databases they looked at and came up with a value of US$50,000. Which I tried to argue them down but without a current bill of sale or appraisal they weren't going to budge. Also the importer has to have status in the US ( Citizen or registered alien with docs ), which I wasn't yet, but my wife is so we had to redo the paperwork so it was in her name. Well that made her happy!

So I paid the duty  ( US$1255.00 ) and we were on our way. Whole process took about an hour. The duty was calculated, 3% on 1st 1,000 then 2.5% on the balance.

Good luck,

Mike