Importing Cdn vehicle to US

[Brenda2010 1]

Hi all - I'd like to import my 1994 Mazda MX3 to Maryland...understand I need to provide documentation from the manufacturer stating that it complies with US rules and regs, show said documentation at POE and again at the DMV when registering. So I contacted Mazda Danada and they said what I'm looking for is a 'Recall Clearance Letter'...that doesn't sound right.

Any thoughts? Advice? Thanks in advance.

[trailmix 77]

Hi all - I'd like to import my 1994 Mazda MX3 to Maryland...understand I need to provide documentation from the manufacturer stating that it complies with US rules and regs, show said documentation at POE and again at the DMV when registering. So I contacted Mazda Danada and they said what I'm looking for is a 'Recall Clearance Letter'...that doesn't sound right.

Any thoughts? Advice? Thanks in advance.

What you actually want is a letter of compliance. Maybe Mazda calls it a recall clearance letter.

[SupportGeek 21]

Yea, I would call again and tell them exactly what you are doing and what you are after, the person on the phone with me at Chrysler/Dodge knew what I wanted. Although they have a roundabout way of getting it...

[Brenda2010 1]

Thanks for your response guys, think I've resolved it now.

Found my answer via Google, searching on 'Mazda Compliance letter' - found a form, USA/Canada Import/Export Request Form to be filled out and faxed to Mazda North America who will apparently reply within 20 days.

I'd sent my original request with all pertinent details online to 'contact us' Mazda Canada, have since written them back to tell them the correct information they should be providing people with!

[Veronik 19]

Hey Brenda2010,

I was trying to import my car too, and apparently if you don't have a passanger's seat airbag you can't import it, unless you have one put in... Haven't confirmed that yet but... My car is old too, a 1993, and I don't know if it'll be worth it now...

By the way, I like how you put the costs of the visa process in your signature; smart!

[SupportGeek 21]

Hey Brenda2010,

I was trying to import my car too, and apparently if you don't have a passanger's seat airbag you can't import it, unless you have one put in... Haven't confirmed that yet but... My car is old too, a 1993, and I don't know if it'll be worth it now...

By the way, I like how you put the costs of the visa process in your signature; smart!

You will need to confirm it, because the wording on the compliance letter seems to indicate that the compliance depends on the date of production.

For example, if the US did not have a requirement for a passenger side airbag in 1993, then you will be fine, but if they did have that requirement, and Canada did not, then you would need to install one, or forget about importing.

[OBX 51]

Hi all - I'd like to import my 1994 Mazda MX3 to Maryland...understand I need to provide documentation from the manufacturer stating that it complies with US rules and regs, show said documentation at POE and again at the DMV when registering. So I contacted Mazda Danada and they said what I'm looking for is a 'Recall Clearance Letter'...that doesn't sound right.

Any thoughts? Advice? Thanks in advance.

When I brought my Honda across I was told that the compliance letter and recall clearance were two different things. I received the compliance letter within 2 weeks and was told verbally on the telephone with Honda US that there were no outstanding recalls. So at the border all I had was the compliance letter and they were fine with that.

[Brenda2010 1]

Hey Brenda2010,

I was trying to import my car too, and apparently if you don't have a passanger's seat airbag you can't import it, unless you have one put in... Haven't confirmed that yet but... My car is old too, a 1993, and I don't know if it'll be worth it now...

By the way, I like how you put the costs of the visa process in your signature; smart!

Lucky me, discovered that mine does have both driver and passenger airbags, let's hope the rest of it's okay.

BTW: I've heard that after market air bags are very expensive - most likely cost more than what the car's worth (mine's worth only about $4000). On the upside, I've also heard that cars are way cheaper in the states, lots of good deals.

You like the costs on my signature? Thanks! Helps me keep track, hopefully will help others too/give them a heads up.

[Veronik 19]

Mummm... I guess I'll ask again about the airbad thing... Maybe I can get away with it! It's not big deal though because my rusted beauty is probably not even worth 400$!

[SupportGeek 21]

Mummm... I guess I'll ask again about the airbad thing... Maybe I can get away with it! It's not big deal though because my rusted beauty is probably not even worth 400$!

The letter of compliance will tell you if its out of spec with something.

AFAIK the vehicle has to comply with all US regulations that were in effect at the time of vehicle manufacture.