Heads Up for Canadians importing from US

When I imported my Prius in late November, 2007 the requirement of US Customs was for them to receive the documents at least 72 hours before arrival with the car to clear Customs. The method which worked well for me and countless others was to fax the documents to Lewiston Border Customs (716 282 2414) 72 hours in advance, and then arrive with the original documents in hand.

My wife liked my Prius so much that she is selling her present 2006 HCH and I have found her a good 2007 Prius in Indiana.

I asked the dealer there to fax the documents as before and he told me that the fax was not accepted. Upon calling the US Customs at Lewiston, I was told that the documents, notarized, certified copies, now had to be delivered personally to their office at the delivery address as follows:

US Customs Automobile Export
1 Lewiston Queenston Bridge, Suite 1
Lewiston NY 14092

I clarified that a courier would be acceptable for this personal delivery and have made these arrangements. I have asked that the courier receive a signature on delivery.

The faxing was so much easier. I wonder if pressure is being applied to try and slow down the rate of imports to Canada.

Just when I thought I knew the game, they changed the rules!

Barry

 

2007 Package 5 Prius (the works except for leather, including HID lights not available in Canada.

Cost from Indiana dealer $23,117 (15,163 mi)incl new snow tires, mats

Hotel and meals overnight $ 150

Air Fare to South Bend $359

Gas to Ontario $80

Border Costs
Govt import Fee $206
Air Cond Tax $100
Import Duty 6.1% $1410
GST $1231

Daytime Running Lights $80

Total $26,733

PST of $1,849 was rebated in full and not included above

In Ontario, low mileage 2007 Prius with Nav etc (very hard to find in Canada) will sell for $32,000 plus GST of approx $1600 or $33,600

Saving was approx $7000

 

Anybody buying a car in Ontario must pay a federal tax, called GST of 5% plus a provincial tax of 8%. As an incentive for economical vehicles, the provincial government gives a rebate of up to $2000 or the actual PST whichever is less.

Only a few vehicles qualify for the $2000 rebate, the Prius being one of them.

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I had the DRLs installed at Canadian Tire

I stand to be corrected on the DRL installation. The $80 charge was not for DRLs but was for the required Provincial Safety Standard Inspection. I should have added that to the costs.

The DRL cost was $119.69 installed including 13% taxes, of which $24.99 was the actual cost of the DRL kit which they sell in the store.