Lisa F.

Hi all,

I am a US citizen who has been living in Canada since May and I am now
looking at moving back to California. I have a few customs questions
regarding my goods and my car.

1. Because I originally left the US to become a Candian Permanent
Resident, I figure there's at least even odds they may deem me a "non
resident" (instead of "returning resident") for customs purposes. As
far as I can tell I still get to bring in my household effects free of
duty, and this only affects my exemption amount ($100 instead of $800)
and the tobacco limit or something. Is this true, or is there something
I've missed? (I'm expecting to have to prepare a full customs list in
any event as I will be shipping my goods in bond via a mover.)

2. Will my car be free of duty? It was originally manufactured and sold
in California and I exported it from the US (via a shipper) to bring it
to Canada. I have the bill of sale, shipping docs, etc. showing it came
from the US in the first place (except my original CA title, which I
had to surrender to licence the car in Ontario, but now I have the
Ontario document that is the equivalent of title).

3. Do I need to do anything special to re-import the car to the US,
besides the relevant import declarations? For example, when exporting a
car from the US you have to not only deal with the destination
country's import regulations, but you also have to notify the port of
exit from the US. Does anyone know if Canada has a similar export
requirement? (I'll be driving the car this time, probably exiting at
Detroit/Windsor, if anyone has any information specifically relating to
that POE)

4. What's this business I've read about "cars being imported to the US
have to have their undercarriage steam-sprayed to prevent foreign
soil/pests being introduced"? (they certainly don't have you do this
when you just drive across the border for a visit...)

TIA for any help.

ian-mstm

1. You are duty free as long as you have owned your personal items for more than one year.


2. Your car is also duty free as long as you have owned it for more than one year. Generally, you will have to prove that it meets US emissions and safety standards for its model year... but I'm guessing the original paperwork would suffice here.


3. No.


4. True... a quick google search on "gypsy moth" ought to do the trick. It's a relatively new USDA requirement.

Ian

Cool Dude

My best advice for you is to call the us embassy or consulate or better
to visit in person. And speak to a customs officer since they are up to
date on regulations and laws.

Also, here are few sites that might help
http://www.thetravelforum.com/t21088.html
http://help.customs.gov/cgi-bin/cust...i=&p_topview=1


Good luck.

Lisa F.

ian-mstm wrote:

    > 4. True... a quick google search on "gypsy moth" ought to do the trick.
    > It's a relatively new USDA requirement.

Huh! I had no idea. And it appears I'm moving from smack in the
"infested area" (albeit on the Canadian side, but insects know no
political boundaries, I'm sure). I'm getting pretty confused by the
apparent requirements to apply for a permit in advance and have it
inspected before trying to move it (sounds pretty impossible from this
side of the border)... I guess I'll have to see if I can get a hold of
customs in Detroit and ask how the hell I am supposed to comply with
this requirement. Thanks!

Lisa F.

ian-mstm wrote:

    > > 4. What's this business I've read about "cars being imported to the US
    > > have to have their undercarriage steam-sprayed to prevent foreign
    > > soil/pests being introduced"? (they certainly don't have you do
    > > this
    > > when you just drive across the border for a visit...)
    > >
    > > TIA for any help.
    > 4. True... a quick google search on "gypsy moth" ought to do the trick.
    > It's a relatively new USDA requirement.

FYI, the agent I spoke to at Port Huron said she had never heard of
this requirement. Odd.