Bringing car in before formal import

[carfey 0]

Hi,

I will hopefully be moving my stuff down south this weekend if I receive my visa tomorrow. Unfortunately, Daimler Chrysler refuses to give me the import letter I need before I have the actual visa. In other words, I'd have to wait to get the visa, then send the request and wait more than a month (happened two times already) for a response, which I'm not willing to do. I've waited long enough to be with my fiancee, and I'm tired of waiting...

I just want to make sure there's no problem bringing my car in and getting it all formally done after I arrive and can get the letter from Chrysler. I know other people have done this when they forgot to bring it up or whatever, but is there any reason they might give me trouble about this? I'll be driving across the Blaine, WA crossing if that makes a difference.

Thanks...

[Flames9_RN 358]

I have no info, just find it strange that they would not give u the letter!! Why should they care, lol I would be asking to speak to a supervisor. Nissan didnt care at all, they faxed it to me free within minutes, no questions asked

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import...anada07032.html

[KiminON 0]

it shouldn't matter as you can do the import paperwork after you have arrived as I did. just be sure that you are near to a border crossing or a major airport where they will have an office that can do the paperwork for you. i had an airport 1.5hrs away where i got mine done. i guess the only trouble could come if for some reason the car didn't meet standards and you are not able to import it. then you would have to return to canada to sell it.

but it is odd that they will not do it now. what is to them if you have decided to sell it to an american? maybe that department had cuts and they don't feel like working?

good luck

k

[zyggy 9]

You can do the importation at any CBP POE or Service Port

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/ports/

Edited March 21, 2007 by zyggy

[carfey 0]

Here's an update for anyone interested.

I called the POE and talked to an inspector, and he said he couldn't give me a definite answer about this.

Technically, I should have the letter when trying to cross but he said since I will be within the same state and if I told him the story and showed him the correspondence, he'd be inclined to let me in. He said it was up to the inspector though, and that I could get turned back with the car.

You can do the import at any POE after you enter, but they may not let you in without the letter.

That said, I'm taking my chances and hoping they are kind enough to make an allowance for my case.