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Moving From Canada to the United States |
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Atlas Van Lines and it's agency family want to make your move to the United States as smooth and easy as possible. Each year, Atlas Van Lines moves hundreds of families across the Canadian/ U.S. border. Over the years we have gained valuable experience and make every effort to provide our customers with accurate information and advice.
However, as the relocatee, you should be aware that neither Atlas or any other mover has any direct control over the enforcement of customs regulations or policies. Therefore we encourage you to directly contact the appropriate agencies or consultates to obtain detailed information, specific to your individual situation.
In some instances, it will be necessary for you to obtain pre-clearance certificates or to post bonds in accordance with various regulations. Often, your employer or solicitor can assist in these matters on your behalf so it is always wise to consult with them as early in the process as possible.
This information has been prepared by Atlas Van Lines. It will provide you with the answers to the most common questions related to cross border moving. Where possible, we have provided contact numbers and web sites for the various agencies or government bodies who can more directly respond to your inquiries.
We trust that this information will be of help to you and your family.
| Basic Documentation for Importing Household Goods |
| Q |
What documentation is required to ship my household goods to the United States? |
| A |
You are required to complete a U.S. customs form 3299. This is given to your Atlas Van Lines driver. He presents it to the customs official at the border along with a copy of your Atlas Bill of Lading and a copy of your descriptive household goods inventory form. |
| Q |
Are there any tips to correctly completing the 3299 form? |
| A |
Yes, here are a few that may prevent any clearance problems:
- use your full name - not initials
- enter the full name of any family who are accompanying you to the U.S
- even though there is not a specific box for it on the form, mark your Insurance Number or your U.S. Social Security Number on the top of the form
- give your Jay's sales representative or driver a copy of your entry visa to attach to your documents (front & back)
- provide a copy of your "offer of employment" letter (with the salary information marked out)
- provide a copy of a piece of photo I.D. (e.g. driver's license or passport)
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| Q |
Must I be present at the border when my goods clear customs? |
| A |
Usually not, most customers precede their goods into the United States. If for some reason, the goods cannot be cleared at the border (generally if paperwork is not in order) then U.S. customs will place the shipment "in bond". You will then have to report to a customs office at destination to "personally" clear your shipment. If you are not available, they will request that we put the shipment into storage in a "bonded" warehouse thus incurring extra charges for you. |
| Importing Automobiles to the United States |
| Q |
What must I do in order to get permission to import my car to the United States? |
| A |
All cars going into the United States must meet their EPA and Safety Standards. Your first step is to contact your automobile manufacturer to obtain a clearance or pre-approval letter. Your Jay's representative can provide you with a contact number for the various auto manufacturers. You must provide them with:
- the Vehicle Identification Number
- year, make and model
- a return fax number or a mailing address
- in some instances the manufacturer will charge a fee for this letter -they will ask for a credit card number or certified cheque
- If you need assistance call: (202) 366-5283
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| Q |
What happens next? |
| A |
Once you receive the letter back from the auto manufacturer, make a copy and give it to your Atlas representative. You should retain the original as you will need it when you go to register your vehicle in your new state. |
| Q |
What happens if my car does not meet standards or if the manufacturer will not issue a letter? |
| A |
In this case, you will need to use a registered importer who will make the necessary arrangements to have the car brought up to standards. Call (202) 366-9660 for help. A list of Registered Importers can be accessed on the NHSA website listed at the back of this booklet. |
| Q |
What happens if I sell my automobile after I move to the United States? |
| A |
If you sell your vehicle within one year of importing it to the U.S., you will be required to pay duty before you can finalize the sale. |
| Q |
Do I have to pay duty on my car? |
| A |
Cars manufactured in U.S. and Canada are exempt duty. Duty on foreign made vehicles is generally at the following rates:
- Autos 2.5%
- Trucks 25%;
- Motorcycles 3¾%.
- Rates are subject to change.
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| Q |
Are there any other tips relating to shipping a car to the U.S? |
| A |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that all cars that enter the U.S. on a moving van be free from foreign soil before importation so you should have your car cleaned before shipping it on the van.
Special Note: If you are moving to California you may be required to pay a one time $300 smog tax. Call (916) 657-8551 for more information.
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| Importing Restricted Items to the United States |
| Q |
Can I import firearms into the United States? |
| A |
There are a number of restrictions relating to firearms. It is best not to ship these items with your household. You must contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to obtain an import permit. Some antique firearms are exempt from this requirement but you should speak to the ATF for full information. Call them at: 202-927-7777. |
| Q |
Can I import alcohol? |
| A |
Moving companies are not permitted to ship alcohol on the van with your household goods. If you plan to take alcohol into the U.S. with you it will be restricted to 40 ounces per family member over 18 years of age. Each state has it's own specific regulations so you should check before making arrangements to import alcohol. If you have a wine collection or a large quantity of alcohol, you must obtain a permit through the ATF. Call them at (202) 927-7777. You should contact your local U.S. customs or your local U.S. consulate for more information. |
| Importing Pets or Plants to the United States |
| Q |
Can I take my family pet(s) into the United States? |
| A |
You will be required to produce proof of rabies vaccination and a certificate from a veterinarian stating that the animal(s) are in good health. Birds may require a period of quarantine at the owner's expense for a period of at least 30 days after entry to the U.S. |
| Q |
Can I move my household plants to the United States? |
| A |
There are no restrictions in the importation of household plants and bare-rooted outdoor plants. However customs requires imported plants must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Contact your local customs office for more information. |
You will find that moving to the United States can be as easy as moving around the corner provided you start your planning well in advance of your move date. Your Jay's moving consultant is well versed in the various regulations and will happy to answer your questions.
Websites
Addresses and Phone Numbers
US Customs Service
PO Box 7407, Washington, DC, 20044
(202) 307-1501
U.S. Dept. of Transportation
NHSA
Director of Vehicle Safety Comp. (NEF-32)
400 7th St. S.W., Washington, DC, 20590
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