Car from Candada-USA

In the past, I've occasionally queried people about buying a car in Canada and bringing it into the U.S., and my recollection is that they have all said that it's no big deal.

I've just contracted to buy a car in Canada, and I'm in New Jersey. I expect that I'll fetch it home on a trailer.

The car is of British origin, a 1969 model, and is of a make and model that was legitimately sold here in the U.S.

So, assuming that I rent a trailer and drive up to Canada to pick it up, can anyone tell me just what I can expect to be confronted with when I arrive back at the U.S. Customs border station to bring it into the States?

Thanks,

Giff Kucsma

Thanks, Mike. I've been to that web site

( http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/imp-exp2/informal/ car.htm )

on several occasions previously, but it has always left me with unanswered questions.

I'd like to hear from someone like the fellow from whom you bought that '37 Chevy, who's actually experienced the process.

Thanks,

Giff Kucsma

Giff, You might be well advised to give US Customs a call (and Canada Customs just for the heck of it). Although I have never brought a car from Canada to the US, I have done the reverse - twice. The first time I had no problem, the second time I almost had the car confiscated!!!! Give BOTH Canada and US Customs a call - and get the officer's name of whom you get advice from. I have quite a few friends in the classic car biz up here and they say that bringing a Canadian-owned car into the US can be frustrating - get all of your instructions from an actual human being that you can 'blame' if something goes wrong at the border - one of the Customs agents' own. Cheers! Steve Sears 1987 Audi Turbo Quattro 1980 Audi 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes

Thanks for the suggestion, Steve. I will do that.

Having not heard any first-hand accounts of the process, I will endeavor to document mine when it's concluded, and post it here and on the web.

I *did* find a very nice web site for going your way - U.S.->Canada, but must confess that I don't know if it was any more adequate for a Canadian's needs than the U.S. Customs site was for mine.

You might find a call to a customs clearance broker,in the USA,who is experienced in the importing of autos,to be your best bet for up to date info.They also can handle the customs side of things on your behalf.Their fees are generally reasonable,less than $100.

Based on going from US to Canada, it is usually worth while to hire the services of a broker that has an office at the port of entry I am sure the reverse is true. The cost is usually small for the hassle it saves. The U.S. customs likes some notice (72 hours) if you are leaving the U.S. and not using a broker. Most of the brokers are listed on websites if you do a search relating to your entry port.