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This booklet has been prepared by Atlas Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. It will provide you with an overview of the most common issues to be considered during a cross border move. Where possible, we have provided contact numbers for the various agencies or government bodies who can more directly respond to your inquiries. However, as the relocatee, you should be aware that neither Atlas nor 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 consulates to obtain detailed information, specific to your individual situation. We would highly recommend that you do your research and make the necessary contacts, well in advance of your actual moving date, since it sometimes takes time to get everything in order.
The following documentation is the minimum required for clearing customs: Returning Canadian Residents
Non-Resident - First Time Immigrants
Seasonal Residents
We are not permitted to deliver your personal possessions until the shipment has actually cleared customs. Canada Customs regulations require that you as the owner of the goods must clear the shipment in person. It is important to note that only the owner(s) of the goods can handle this aspect of your relocation. You cannot assign a third party to appear at customs on your behalf. Your Jay's van operator will contact you to make arrangements to meet him at the manifested customs office to make your customs declaration. You should bring the following documentation to the Customs Office: Immigration Documents
Possessions Documents
Duty or Taxes
If you require information or clarification on immigration related matters, we recommend that you contact the closest Consulate General of Canada office. Through them, you will be able to obtain:
Buffalo, New York
Phone: (1-716) 858-9500Fax: (1-716) 852-2477 Web Site: http://www.canadianconsulatebuf.org/ Seattle, Washington
Phone: (1-206) 443-1372Fax: (1-206) 441-7838 Web Site: http://www.canadian.consulate-seattle.org/ Washington, DC
Phone: (1-202) 682-1740Fax: (1-202) 682-7689 Web Site: http://www.cdnemb-washdc.org/ New York, New York
Phone: (1-212) 596-1700Fax: (1-212) 596-1791 Web Site: http://www.canada-ny.org/ Detroit, Michigan
Phone: (1-313)567-2340Fax: (1-313) 567-2125 Web Site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~detroit/ Los Angeles, California
Phone: (1-213) 346-2700Fax: (1-213) 625-7154 Web Site: http://www.cdnconsulat-la.com/
Transport Canada has a number of regulations regarding the importation of personal motor vehicles which are less than 15 years in age. To be eligible for importation, they must comply with Canadian safety and emission standards. To determine if your vehicle meets standards, you should contact:
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles 405 the West Mall, Suite 400 Toronto, ON M9C 5K7 1-800-511-7755 or 1-800-333-0558 www.riv.ca Provide them with the year, make, model, and the "vehicle identification number (VIN)" and they will advise if the car is eligible for importation into Canada. A list of admissible vehicles that can be modified to meet Canadian standards can be accessed through the Registrar of Imported Vehicle website at www.riv.ca. The website also provides information regarding the typical modification requirements along with complete details for the importation process. In addition to the proper certification from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles, you will also need to produce your title documents (ownership certificate), sales receipts, registration and proof of insurance documentation. You must also notify U.S. Customs about the permanent export of a vehicle at least 72 yours in advance of it's arrival at the U.S./Canada border. If you are moving your vehicle on a moving van or via a third party car transport service instead of driving it across the border, then you should discuss the requirements with your representative at the transportation company. Safety Standards It is also necessary to contact the manufacturer or dealer of your vehicle to obtain a "recall clearance" letter and information on modification costs. You must have this document in order to pass the federal inspection. Additional safety inspections and emission tests may be required to meet specific provincial or territorial regulations. If you need m ore information on standards, contact Transport Canada. Fees Canada Customs will collect your non-refundable "Registrar of Imported Vehicles" fee of $182 in all provinces except Quebec where the fee is $197. Fees are in Canadian dollars. Major credit cards, cheques and money orders are acceptable methods of payment. Just remember that the time required for the cheque to clear is included in the 45 days inspection time frame. What Happens After Your Vehicle Enters Canada? Within 10 days, you will receive a letter from RIV with your inspection document and details on what must be done to bring your vehicle into compliance. You then have 45 days to meet this requirement. The RIV website has some recommendations regarding possible service providers to perform this work along with other pertinent information. You will have 45 days to have the work completed. Returning Canadians who are bringing back a vehicle purchased in the United States with a value of more than $10,000 will be required to pay duty and taxes. To get full information on this contact Canada Customs to request a copy of the following; Brochure:
Internet Site Registrar of Imported Vehicles - www.riv.ca Older Vehicles Vehicles older than 15 years of age may be imported temporarily under a special provision. For more information contact:
Transport Canada Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulations Directorate 13th Floor Canada Building 344 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 1-800-333-0371 (from Canada) (613) 998-8616 (outside Canada) (613) 665-4831 (fax) www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca General Since regulations are subject to change, it is always wise to check with Canada Customs for completely current and accurate information. Internet Site The following is a non-government site with useful information related to importing a vehicle: www.autonet.ca/usedcars
Canada has very strict laws regarding firearms and weapons. As of December 31st, 2000, all gun owners living in Canada must obtain a firearms "Possession and Acquisition" (PAL) license. If you are moving to Canada and plan to import firearms or weapons, you need to be aware of the restrictions, regulations and procedures that are in place for gun owners. Prohibited and Restricted Weapons A number of firearms and weapons are prohibited from importation to Canada. They include:
Regular hunting rifles and shotguns acquired outside Canada can be imported for personal use such as sport hunting or for use in competitions. In some instances, restricted items such as pistols and revolvers may be imported providing you are able to obtain the proper Firearms Acquisition Certificate. You have to declare all firearms and weapons at customs when you enter Canada. If you do not declare them, they will be seized and you could face criminal charges. You will need documentation to prove that you are entitled to possess a firearm and obtain permission to transport it. How to Get a Temporary License to Possess Firearms in Canada If you are planning to import firearms or unrestricted weapons into Canada, you can obtain a temporary license (which expires in 60 days but is renewable). To do so, you will need to complete a "Non-resident Firearm Declaration" form. This will give you time to take the appropriate safety course and obtain the permanent "Possession and Acquisition" (PAL) license once you are settled in Canada.
Getting a Permanent "Possession and Acquisition" License (PAL) If you are remaining in Canada for more than a few months, the you will be required to obtain a proper "Possession and Acquisition" (PAL) License that will allow you to possess, acquire or borrow firearms while you are in the country. You cannot purchase ammunition unless you have this license. You will be required to pass a "Firearms Safety Course" before your permanent firearms license will be issued. There is a minimum 28-day waiting period for any new "Possession and Acquisition" license. The license is valid for five years. The current fee is $60.00 CDN but may be subject to change without notice. Special Note: If you prefer a one-step process - you should leave your firearms in the United States until you have obtained a permanent "Possession and Acquisitions" (PAL) license. Firearms Registrations The next step in the process after you receive your license will be the registration of your actual firearms. There are separate forms for this process which you can obtain from the Canadian Firearms Centre. For complete information on policies and procedures related to firearms registration, please contact the Chief Firearms Officer for the province you are moving to. They can be reached through the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000. Inform the operator that you wish to speak to the firearms officer for you're the province you are residing in. Returning Canadians Returning Canadians who are re-entering the country with firearms which were previously acquired in Canada must provide proof to Customs that the firearms were exported and are now being re-imported. A returning Canadian is also subject to the new regulations and must obtain a permanent firearms "Possession and Acquisition License" (PAL). Returning Canadians will also have to register any firearms by January 1, 2003. Other Useful Contacts
As long as you meet the age requirements in the province or territory where you enter Canada, you can import certain quantities of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products duty and tax free. Note that no alcoholic beverages can be transported on a moving van.
Importing Contents of Bar or Wine Collection If you intend to import the contents of a bar or wine collection, you must contact the appropriate provincial or territorial Liquor Control Board authority before you ship these items so that you can pay the appropriate fees and assessments in advance. To obtain release of the shipment in Canada, you must produce proof that these duties and taxes have been paid.
You can import domestic cats and dogs from the United States under the following conditions:
For other types of animals, you should check in advance with:
There are some restrictions on the entry of plants in order to control potential carriers of insects and disease. Generally house plants from the United States can enter without phytosanitary certificates or permits. House plants are defined as plants commonly recognized and grown indoors. Plants from Hawaii must be "bare-root and free of soil". All other plants from the United States require a phytosanitary certificate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and an import permit that Agriculture Canada has issued in advance. For more information contact:
C.F.I.A Food Production and Inspection Branch 1-877-493-0468
Customs Officers help Environment Canada administer the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This convention restricts the trade and movement of specific animals, fish, birds, reptiles, etc. For more information contact:
Administrator Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Canadian Wildlife Service Environment Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Phone: (819) 997-1095 Fax: (819) 997-2756 Website: www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca
Atlantic
Halifax, NS(902) 426-2911 Quebec
Quebec, QC(418) 648-4445 Northern Ontario
Ottawa, ON(613) 993-0534 (613) 998-3326 after 4:30 pm & weekends Southern Ontario
Toronto, ON(416) 973-8022 (416) 676-3643 after 4:30 pm & weekends Hamilton, ON (905) 308-8715 1-800-361-5603 Windsor, ON (519) 257-6400 Prairies
Winnipeg, MB(204) 983-6004 Calgary, AB (403) 292-8750 (403) 292-4660 Pacific
Vancouver, BC(604) 666-0545 |
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