Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Topic: Importing a FT back into US from Canada (Read 1311 times) previous topic - next topic

Importing a FT back into US from Canada

September 24, 2015, 09:19:48 pm

Could the group please tell me where the official DOT/ EPA conformity/certification data plate is on FT's. Specifically a late 90's U320. I found this FT for sale in Canada. The owner bought it in Texas. But I want to be sure that before I go look at it, That the owner is able to find and verify that it has this certification. Otherwise I'd be wasting his and my time.

Thanks

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #1 – September 24, 2015, 10:01:22 pm

It seems to me the owner should know where the data plate is located,he bought it and imported it to Canada..

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #2 – September 24, 2015, 10:13:58 pm

Only required on gas powered vehicles coming into the U.S. Diesel has no EPA requirements.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #3 – September 24, 2015, 10:35:12 pm

Self deleted off topic post.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #4 – September 24, 2015, 10:39:22 pm

EPA means emissions rating. Let me ask you this.........WHERE do you take a diesel to get it smogged?

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #5 – September 24, 2015, 10:54:12 pm

You don't. It is manufactured to be a low emissions engine, yes, diesel. There are several tiers of compliance, we are now at tier 3 which is an exotic common rail, highly computerized engine. These regs are for importation, not getting a state inspection certificate.

If you follow the news you will see Volkswagen is in some hot water over this very issue.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #6 – September 24, 2015, 11:58:56 pm

What a dunderhead I am. Members Roger & Susan pointed out that the data plate with the weights show whether it is in compliance or not. I was so focused on weight capacities and model/ build numbers that I failed to see that it was hiding in plain sight.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #7 – September 25, 2015, 10:35:03 am

Sounds like you've got it worked out, good luck with the hunt and repatriation.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #8 – September 25, 2015, 12:11:06 pm

If you obtain this vehicle I think we all would be interested in what dance you had to do at the border.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #9 – September 25, 2015, 01:10:35 pm

One last word on this and I'll comment no more. Verify that the US will allow importation of a vehicle that complies with 1999 (or whatever year is on data plate as year of emissions compliance) emissions standards.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #10 – September 25, 2015, 02:09:26 pm

Just got verification that the coach is a US spec vehicle. It was for sale at Encore RV in Nac. It just so happened that a Canadian gentleman bought it and imported it to Canada. A vehicle does not loose it's US certification because it went north. Sure, There might be some forms to fill out. But it does not have to be re-certified. I believe customs just needs to verify that it was built for the US standards of the year it was built.

I'm going to call the customs office in Blaine, Wa. to ask a few more questions and then I will report back to the group.

If I buy this coach and all goes well, Then perhaps we need to have the moderators post the process as a permanent guide for others to use.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #11 – September 25, 2015, 02:15:22 pm

Having imported 4 Fts from US it is a very easy process and Customs told me that it is just a piece of paperwork to get it back in. All FTs qualify for import to canada, and very few manufacturers can say that, even prevost have to be specific years. Anything over 15 yrs old (and any make) do not have to meet import standards, less than that have to be inspected ans within 45 days have to be brought to recent standards.

JohnH

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #12 – September 25, 2015, 02:27:33 pm

I am a Canadian customs broker.

If you need help of a US Customs broker I recommend

Jones & Jones Customs Brokers
Blaine, Wash
360-332-6090

Ask for Kim Jones.

This is only for people who need the help of a US broker.,
If your an individual you can import goods in both directions without a customs broker.

Steve
Summit Customs Brokers
British Columbia.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #13 – September 25, 2015, 02:35:34 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – September 25, 2015, 02:15:22 pm

Having imported 4 Fts from US it is a very easy process and Customs told me that it is just a piece of paperwork to get it back in. All FTs qualify for import to canada, and very few manufacturers can say that, even prevost have to be specific years. Anything over 15 yrs old (and any make) do not have to meet import standards, less than that have to be inspected ans within 45 days have to be brought to recent standards.

JohnH

Just a bit of paperwork, That's kind of what I figured it would be John. But down here it's a 25 year window of having to meet standards when bringing a vehicle in.

I have imported two vehicles. One from Europe and a car trailer from Express customs (Canada) The trailer was very easy. I was queued in line longer than it took for the actual process which took about 20-25 minutes. Just needed the MSO, statement from the builder that it meets US safety specs, And a bill of sale. No duties were owed. In fact Washington state credited me for the Canadian taxes I paid. So I didn't even owe Washington sales tax. RESULT!!!!

When I brought my Caterham back from Europe, It was 32 yrs old and exempt. So as you say, It was just 1-2 pieces of paper and a rather detailed inspection to check for drugs and stolen diamonds and such.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #14 – September 25, 2015, 02:37:08 pm

Quote from: sk320 – September 25, 2015, 02:27:33 pm

I am a Canadian customs broker.

If you need help of a US Customs broker I recommend

Jones & Jones Customs Brokers
Blaine, Wash
360-332-6090

Ask for Kim Jones.

This is only for people who need the help of a US broker.,
If your an individual you can import goods in both directions without a customs broker.

Steve
Summit Customs Brokers
British Columbia.

Thanks Steve
This would be a individual import.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #15 – September 25, 2015, 02:49:30 pm

Quote from: bigdog – September 25, 2015, 02:35:34 pm

a rather detailed inspection to check for drugs and stolen diamonds and such.

Ha! We quit going into B.C. because of all the border hassles into my home Province. For some unfathomable reason, the Airstream seemed to have "Search me" written on the roof! They only noticed the grey pony tail later, which made it worse. I think the border "guards" were envious of the coach. They thought they had us one time when they found a pound of white substance (ah ha!.) Wife explained we'd just been at the health food store and it was bulk flour. Going back to The States is a snap! Last time we cleared U.S. customs, the guy said, "I didn't know Boeing made a motor home!

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #16 – September 25, 2015, 03:21:00 pm

Here is the question I asked and their response. I then asked if the Manufacturers data plate was sufficient. NO was their response. That tell me that if the current Canadian owner has the old registration papers, Then all is golden. If not I'll have to call Foretravel or Encore RV for papers attesting to the coaches origins. So all in all, Not to bad to repatriate the coach.

What I found odd was that customs wouldn't accept the "official" data plate that is required by law. So I have to think. Why is it there if the government that requires it doesn't recognize it.

I pasted the email conversation below.

Good day to all.

I am interested in how I go about reimporting a US made vehicle that was manufactured in the USA and was sold new in the USA. Said vehicle (a motorhome) was bought from a Texas RV dealer by a Canadian citizen and was exported from America and imported to Canada.

If I were to buy this vehicle, What do I have to do to repatriate it to the USA. Any duties?

Thank you very much for your time & your service

On Sep 25, 2015, at 11:38 AM, BLAINE-OFO EXPORT <BLAINE-OFOEXPORT@cbp.dhs.gov> wrote:

You can re import the vehicle to the United States. You need to obtain a documentation that this vehicle was made in the United States. Perhaps an old title or registration. There should be no duty for the said vehicle if it is made in the United States. Hope this answer your question. Thank you

From: jerry fincher [mailto:k12lt@me.com]
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 11:46 AM
To: BLAINE-OFO EXPORT <BLAINE-OFOEXPORT@cbp.dhs.gov>
Subject: Re: buying a US spec RV in Canada & repatriating it

Would the manufacturers data plate showing the Vin, Model, Manufactures address be OK? I'm not sure if the BC government took possession of the old documents or not. I'll ask the current owner.

Thanks

No

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #17 – September 25, 2015, 03:28:52 pm

Will your insurance Co. give you a rider so as to bring her back to Wally World?

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #18 – September 25, 2015, 03:41:47 pm

Encore no longer exists, but FOT does. They did have a fire at FOT a while back, hope it doesn't effect your search

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #19 – September 25, 2015, 04:05:28 pm

I don't think most insurers even consider Canada a foreign country anymore do they? But I'll check. I can buy temp insurance when I get temp plates in Ca. for a day or two to get back to wally world. That's what I did with the trailer I bought.

The gentleman that is storing and helping the current owner with the sale/ test drives is off to AZ on Oct 8th. So no access to the coach after that. My wife can't take any holiday from the US Army corp of Engineers till October 1 (end of year budget stuff). Between getting up there to look at it. Coming back to transfer funds from a retirement account. (can take two weeks) as it's a Government TSP retirement account, Getting the papers that customs wants. So even if I buy it. I doubt that a full deal could happen in one week. I think the bast that can happen is a deposit, Go back later with cash, Transfer ownership, Secure forms for customs, Then wait till May to bring her back to Walla Walla.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #20 – September 25, 2015, 04:22:57 pm

Quote from: bigdog – September 25, 2015, 04:05:28 pm

Then wait till May to bring her back to Walla Walla.

You have the patience of Jobe! As we all know, the weather could close in anytime up there, you will have a learning curve driving the new coach, anyway, no sense piling on ice and snow to the mix, especially in the Columbia River Gorge up I-84. Take some pics! M

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #21 – September 25, 2015, 04:48:05 pm

Quote from: mike leary – September 25, 2015, 04:22:57 pm

You have the patience of Jobe! As we all know, the weather could close in anytime up there, you will have a learning curve driving the new coach, anyway, no sense piling on ice and snow to the mix, especially in the Columbia River Gorge up I-84. Take some pics! M

Well I'm not quite as mad as it would seem. We have very limited indoor RV storage in the area. They are a first come first served business and they fill up fast this time of year. I don't want the coach outside all winter. So why not leave it in it's cozy little house on the Island. and I save the $130 per month fee. Then if all goes well, We will just do a long holiday with the new coach on the Island after we pick it up in the spring to get used to it. Brilliant no? Even if my name weren't Jobe. I'd likely not have a choice as the garage key will be in AZ. starting on the 8th of October. So when you have lemons you make lemonade.

Of course I first must buy it. But it's good fun anyway to count chickens before they hatch.

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #22 – September 25, 2015, 05:55:32 pm

As far as FT is concerned just ask them for a letter stating that the coach (vin#) was built in !! and meets all vehicle Rv requirements. I got these letters same day by Fax from them when I needed them. The are used to doing it so no problems there.
Depending on when it was brought into Canada (if it was not more than the 15 yrs old) there will be a decal next to plate by driver with a # on it and stating it was imported so that should help as those files will be stored in Govt office showing the original owner etc. The present owner may still have the original Title ( I keep them). Once over the Border in Washington you can get a temp permit to move it that is very cheap. 3 day permit $21.
JohnH

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #23 – September 25, 2015, 06:44:11 pm

My experience with Customs on both side of the border is.

Ask ten different officers the same question and you will get ten different answers.

Ask ten officers the same question when they are all together and sit back and watch them fight about who's right.

Steve

Re: Importing a FT back into US from Canada

Reply #24 – September 25, 2015, 10:00:34 pm

Guesss I posted this in wrong thread. anywhere here I paste:

I bought my u270 in canada. Previous ownered bought it from MOT and imported it to Canada a few years prior. The got the letters from FT and cummins saying it met all the USA specs, but the letters really werent needed. At the border, all the customs agent looked for was the USA data plate. Took about 20 minutes total. For my state, I needed to make sure I had a title and the correct stamped US Customs forms from the crossing.

Oh, I personally had to bring it across the border. Otherwise, one must hire a broker or something.

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