Step #3--Exporting
Rules for Exporting Vehicles from The U.S. to Canada
- You will need to show a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer. We are not allowed to do this for you. This is often the most confusing part of the process for our customers. See below, “Obtaining Clearance Letter”. The clearance letter is what allows you to get the vehicle inspected by the Canadian Authority. It also is required by US Customs.
- Complete and fax (or email) to the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection the following documents. These documents must be on file with their office for 3 Business Days prior to export. Weekends and holidays are excluded.
- US Customs & Border Protection/NICB Vehicle/Equipment Export Worksheet (this document is ALWAYS required). It is part of the export kit you will need to request from the below email address. Have a receiving fax number handy.
- Title or MSO
- Bill of sale (Purchase order)
- Recall Clearance letter
- Fax 360-332-2639
- Phone 360-332-2632
- Email cbp.blaine-export@dhs.gov
- Do not assume that your fax was received! 1-2 days after submitting documents, send an email stating that you are checking the status of your vehicle. Include Year, Make, Model, and which state the vehicle is titled in. Include the carrier company if applicable. If email is not available, call the phone number above and leave same information
- The vehicle must remain in the US during the 3-day curing period
- After vehicle has been cleared (and ONLY then), you can bring the vehicle and original documents to the Border Protection office during normal business hours: 8 am to 3 pm, M-F. (I-5, exit 275. Follow signs to building marked ‘KIOSK’.)
- There are several vehicle storage companies in the Blaine area if needed.
- See Frequently Asked Questions if needed.
- All other questions should be directed to the RIV or USCBP.
- At vehicle delivery, you will sign and receive copies of the original documents. Don’t forget copies of your driver’s license and insurance if we’re meeting you offsite. Copy machines aren’t always readily available!
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Obtaining Clearance Letter
Special Attention: The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (Canada) makes every effort to assist the importer with importation process. Recall clearance however is the responsibility of the importer. As a result we are unable to release the Inspection Form until such time as we receive a confirmation that there are no Outstanding recalls for your vehicle.
To facilitate the timely release of the inspection form, mail directly to our office or:
Fax: 1-888-642-9899 (exclusively for recall service)
Email: recall@riv.ca
A recall clearance letter is a document issued by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of your vehicle that states whether or not there are any outstanding recalls on your vehicle. If you are not sure of what a recall is, simply put, it is a safety defect on your vehicle as a result of the original manufacturing process. The OEM is responsible for notifying the last known owner, and fixing the problem normally at their expense. It's best to obtain this information before you import the vehicle to avoid any unnecessary delays.
The letter must come from the OEM's head office and be written on official company letterhead, duly signed with the name and position of the official at the OEM clearly visible. If the manufacturer's logo is not on the letter it will not be accepted.
In some cases, we will also accept a printout from an authorized American dealer. If you obtain a printout from an American dealer, you must ensure that they are an authorized dealer and not a re-seller. You can confirm this by calling the head office of the manufacturer and providing them with the location of the dealership in question
If the printout is from an authorized American dealership, the company stamp must be affixed to the printout. In either case, the 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in question must be included in the letter.
If your vehicle does not have any outstanding recalls then the letter should say "this vehicle has no outstanding recalls." This letter must be presented to the RIV department prior to your Vehicle Inspection Form being released.
If your vehicle does have a recall you will need to complete all repairs required. Once completed, the dealer will provide you with an invoice that contains the same work order number as your recall letter. You will then take the recall letter with the invoice from the dealer with you to your federal inspection as proof that the outstanding recall has been completed.
If you are importing a Motor home, Bus, Truck, Conversion Van or Limousine or any other vehicle that requires more than one manufacturer, you may require 2 recall letters. In some cases the final stage manufacturer may provide a recall clearance letter that also makes reference to the OEM recall information: In a case like this only one letter is necessary.
Normally, the recall letter from the final stage manufacturer will say "Please contact the chassis manufacturer for recall information". It is your responsibility to determine the number of recall letters that are necessary. The final stage manufacturer of your vehicle can assist with this.
For further details on your vehicle's recall clearance, go to: http://www.riv.ca/english/Recall_Contacts_on_RIV.pdf
