This is such a great post. I really hope that people in the know are still monitoring or responding to questions here. I am looking to import a Canadian purchased (new) 2010 Subaru Forester. On the vehicle's door jamb, there is a metal manufacturing plate (attached picture) that states the vehicle meets all applicable Federal vehicle safety standards. I am assuming everyone who imported a Canadian vehicle to the states has something similar and still obtained a letter of compliance/conformity. There is no indication is Federal refers to Canada or US. My US vehicles have the same manufacturing plate.
Was the letter obtained from Subaru Canada or Subaru US? I contact Subaru's US Customer Service, and they replied that they had no idea of what I am asking for and referred me to Subaru Canada.