are there any issues with importing a restomod classic car into vancouver bc canada from the usa?
Importing a restomod classic car from the USA to Vancouver, BC, Canada is generally straightforward if the vehicle is at least 15 years old, as it’s exempt from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program and certain safety standards under Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Act. However, there are potential issues and considerations to ensure a smooth process. Below is a detailed breakdown based on available information:
Key Considerations and Potential Issues
Vehicle Age and Eligibility:
15-Year Rule: Vehicles 15 years or older (based on the date of manufacture) are exempt from Transport Canada’s safety standards and RIV inspection requirements. This makes importing classic cars, including restomods, easier than newer vehicles.
Issue: If the restomod is less than 15 years old, it must comply with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), which could require costly modifications if the vehicle doesn’t meet these standards. Verify the vehicle’s age using the manufacture date on the title or VIN.
Modifications and Admissibility:
Restomod Modifications: A restomod is a classic car with modern upgrades (e.g., engine, suspension, brakes). If modifications significantly alter the vehicle from its original condition, Canadian customs may scrutinize it to ensure it still qualifies as a “classic” vehicle. For example, extensive modifications like a motorhome conversion or added wheels could complicate admissibility.
Issue: If the restomod has non-compliant modifications (e.g., non-CMVSS parts for vehicles under 15 years old), it may be deemed inadmissible unless modified to meet Canadian standards. For vehicles over 15 years old, modifications are less likely to be an issue unless they affect the vehicle’s classification (e.g., converting a car to a truck). Always check with Transport Canada for a “no objection” letter if the vehicle’s status is unclear.
Title and Ownership:
Clear Title Required: You must provide a clean U.S. title to prove ownership. Vehicles with salvage, rebuilt titles, or liens cannot be imported into Canada.
Issue: Ensure the title is free of issues before purchase. Check with the U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles to verify the title’s status. A salvage or rebuilt title will result in the vehicle being denied entry at the border.
Export Requirements from the USA:
72-Hour Rule: You must notify U.S. Customs Service at least 72 hours before exporting the vehicle and submit an Automated Export System (AES) filing, including proof of ownership, purchase invoice, bill of lading, and insurance information. The vehicle must be in the U.S. when the filing is made and not in transit.
Issue: Failure to comply with the 72-hour rule or incomplete AES documentation can delay or prevent export. Ensure all paperwork is prepared and filed correctly, and confirm the U.S. port of exit (e.g., Blaine, WA, near Vancouver) accepts the filing.
Import Duties and Taxes:
Duty-Free for Older Vehicles: Vehicles over 25 years old and in their original condition (or with period-appropriate modifications) can be imported duty-free. However, restomods with modern components may not qualify as “original condition,” potentially incurring a 6.1% duty if parts are sourced from outside the USMCA (e.g., China or Europe).
Taxes: You’ll pay the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on the vehicle’s declared value (based on the purchase price or Canadian Red Book value if customs deems the declared value too low). In British Columbia, you’ll also pay the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7–12% (depending on the vehicle’s value and private vs. dealer sale) when registering with ICBC.
Issue: Under-declaring the vehicle’s value to reduce taxes can lead to customs using the Canadian Red Book value, increasing costs. Verify the origin of major components to estimate duty costs.
Recall Clearance:
Requirement: You need a recall clearance letter from the vehicle’s manufacturer confirming no outstanding recalls. This is typically required even for older vehicles to ensure safety.
Issue: Some manufacturers may be unresponsive or unable to provide recall clearance for older models, especially for heavily modified restomods. If buying from a dealer, request they obtain this letter on your behalf.
Registration and Licensing in BC:
ICBC Requirements: After clearing customs, you must register and insure the vehicle through ICBC. Required documents include:
Vehicle Import Form 1 with two CBSA stamps.
The U.S. title and bill of sale.
Proof of a BC safety inspection from a designated inspection facility (even for vehicles over 15 years old, BC requires a safety check for registration).
Verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and odometer reading by an Autoplan broker.
Issue: Additionally, certain vehicles (e.g., salvage-title vehicles or heavily modified ones) may not be registrable in BC, even if imported successfully. Check ICBC’s requirements for modified vehicles in advance.
Fuel Consumption Tax (Green Levy):
Applicability: If the restomod is post-March 19, 2007, and consumes 13 liters or more per 100 km, a Green Levy Tax of $1,000–$4,000 may apply. Many restomods with high-performance engines could trigger this tax. Check the vehicle’s fuel consumption rating on Natural Resources Canada’s website.
Issue: This tax can significantly increase import costs for restomods with modern, high-performance engines. Verify the engine’s specs to estimate this cost.
Logistics and Transportation:
Options: You can drive the vehicle across the border (e.g., at Blaine, WA) or use a shipping service. If driving, you’ll need temporary U.S. insurance and a temporary permit, as the original U.S. plates may be invalid once the title changes hands.
Issue: If the restomod is a project car or not drivable, you’ll need to arrange transport, which adds costs. Additionally, using a courier like UPS for parts or documentation can incur high brokerage fees ($20–$30), so consider USPS for lower fees ($5).
Solution: Many trucking companies offer customs clearance and freight forwarding services, handling pickup, border clearance, and delivery to Vancouver. This can simplify the process but increases costs.
Steps to Mitigate Issues
Pre-Purchase Checks:
Verify the vehicle’s age, title status, and modification history. Use a service like Carfax to check for accidents or title issues.
Contact the manufacturer or dealer for a recall clearance letter.
Confirm with Transport Canada if the vehicle’s modifications affect admissibility (call or request a “no objection” letter).
Prepare Documentation:
Obtain a clean U.S. title, bill of sale, and proof of purchase.
Complete the AES filing 72 hours before export with all required documents (proof of ownership, invoice, bill of lading, insurance).
Fill out the Vehicle Import Form 1 (E-Form) in advance to present at the border.
At the Border:
Present all documents to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the port of entry (e.g., Pacific Highway or Peace Arch in Blaine, WA).
Pay GST and any applicable duties. Ensure the vehicle’s declared value is accurate to avoid disputes.
Obtain two CBSA stamps on Form 1 for ICBC registration.
Post-Import:
Take the vehicle to a BC-designated inspection facility for a safety check.
Visit an Autoplan broker with all documents (Form 1, title, bill of sale, inspection certificate) to register and insure the vehicle. Pay PST at this stage.
Apply for a BC license plate and insurance through ICBC.
Consider Professional Help:
If the process seems complex, hire a customs broker (e.g., BorderBuddy or Cole International) or a trucking company offering full customs clearance and delivery. This can reduce errors but adds costs.
Additional Notes
Cost Considerations: Importing a restomod may not always be financially advantageous due to taxes, duties, transport costs, and potential modification expenses. However, for a unique or sentimental vehicle, the process can be worthwhile.
BC-Specific Rules: BC’s safety and registration requirements are stricter than some other provinces. Confirm with ICBC that the restomod’s modifications (e.g., aftermarket suspension or engine swaps) meet provincial standards.
Timing: Plan for delays at the border or with ICBC registration, especially if documentation is incomplete or the vehicle requires inspection. The process can take a few days to weeks, depending on complexity.
Example Costs (Hypothetical)
For a $20,000 USD restomod (converted to ~$27,000 CAD at 1.35 exchange rate):
GST: 5% of $27,000 = $1,350
PST (BC): 7–12% of $27,000 = $1,890–$3,240
Duty (if applicable): 6.1% of $27,000 = $1,647 (only if non-USMCA parts are used)
Green Levy: $1,000–$4,000 (if applicable)
Transport/Shipping: $500–$2,000 (if not driven)
Safety Inspection: $100–$300
Total Additional Costs: ~$4,840–$12,537 CAD, excluding registration/insurance fees.
Critical Notes
Always verify the vehicle’s history and modification details before purchase to avoid surprises at the border or during registration.
Contact ICBC and CBSA in advance to clarify any unique aspects of the restomod (e.g., RHD, extensive mods).
If the restomod is a project car, ensure it’s transportable and meets BC’s safety standards for registration.
For further details, check:
Transport Canada: tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/importing-vehicle[](https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transporta ... tes-mexico)
CBSA Importing Vehicles:
ICBC Vehicle Import:
Registrar of Imported Vehicles: www.riv.ca/
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