Importing a used bike from USA uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wait?

evang · Mar 12, 2013

Re: Importing a used bike from uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wait?

If you were to just import a vehicle and not go through the export process in the US, could you go back at a later date and have them do it?

Red_Liner740 · Mar 12, 2013

Re: Importing a used bike from uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wait?

^^ Nooope...

MarcosSantiago · Mar 13, 2013

Re: Importing a used bike from uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wait?

Wow! Thank you so much for all your help. There's a ton of very valuable information here!

evang said:
If you were to just import a vehicle and not go through the export process in the US, could you go back at a later date and have them do it?

Actually, I am not sure. Maybe you can. I found some references that say "If the vehicle is already in Canada and you wish to export it, the vehicle must be brought back to the United States for the 3-day period!! "

So you could cross into Canada, and then call the US Custom office at a later date, and tell them you are bringing it back later, for 3 days?

Source: US Customs and Border protection form, for Blaine Washington crossing
https://sites.google.com/site/ronh2005/Veh_Export_Worksheet_BlaineWA.pdf

Fiery254 · Mar 14, 2013

Re: Importing a used bike from uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wait?

I have used a storage depot in Buffalo to store a bike for the week inbetween buying it and exporting it. I take the bike into the US at least twice a year so felt it prudent to export it correctly. The storage was about $50 for the week. I simply dumped my trailer there Sunday evening and went back for it the Friday after.

As has been said before, exporting correctly is not a Canadian requirement. It's a US thing and, I suppose, is personal choice as to whether you play ball or not. The Canadian side is a different issue. They always want, and get, their pound of flesh.

Red_Liner740 · Mar 14, 2013

Re: Importing a used bike from uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wait?

You're reading it wrong. By "if the vehicle is already out of states...." part, they mean it was taken out LEGALY by an american citizen. for instance. An american citizen comes to work in Canada with his bike, decides to sell it. He cant just sign the title and off you go. It still has to be exported. Hence the return to border and export it.

Now if YOU go back to export it, and told them how you crossed the border earlier, they WILL seize it. Might as well return to the scene of the crime.

MarcosSantiago said:
Wow! Thank you so much for all your help. There's a ton of very valuable information here!

Actually, I am not sure. Maybe you can. I found some references that say "If the vehicle is already in Canada and you wish to export it, the vehicle must be brought back to the United States for the 3-day period!! "

So you could cross into Canada, and then call the US Custom office at a later date, and tell them you are bringing it back later, for 3 days?

Source: US Customs and Border protection form, for Blaine Washington crossing
https://sites.google.com/site/ronh2005/Veh_Export_Worksheet_BlaineWA.pdf

djez · Mar 16, 2013

Importing a used bike from USA uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wa

Make sure to follow the 72 hrs rule, I lucked out today , my bike which i brought to canada Sunday night and tried to export today is now stored in the US and cant cross till monday.
Will cost me 50$ for storage using uhaul or 200$ for full service and storage at mechanic/dealer and another trip to buffalo.

.

Below is the email reply from the export office. Which i received the morning after i got the bike into canada already.

Begin forwarded message:

****PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE EMAIL****
The vehicle(s) must be in the U.S. when you submit your VIN and must remain in the U.S. until you export it with U.S. Customs. You can present your vehicle for exportation on or after 72 hours from receipt of this e-mail during normal business hours.
This e-mail response serves as your confirmation that CBP has received your vehicle export information. You may export the vehicle 72 hours from receipt of this e-mail during regular business hours. If you receive a response from us – Please do not resubmit the same VIN/Serial number – as it will be kept on file for 6 months.

Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are closed on all U.S. Federal holidays.

The Lewiston Bridge is the only place to export a vehicle in Western New York .

Vehicles for export may not be brought to Canada or be in Canada prior to being formally exported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in 19 CFR 192.2 may result in a penalty action.

Things required at time of vehicle export:
· The vehicle which is to be exported.
· Original title. Vehicles that have no title, (ex: snowmobiles, ATV’s, backhoes, forklifts, etc) must present a registration and/or bill of sale. Registration and/or bill of sale serves as your ownership (title). If there is no Title for construction equipment or a vehicle that has no Title (ex: snowmobiles, ATV’s, backhoes, construction equipment, forklifts, etc) – then you must present an Invoice with an original signature from the seller. This requirement varies from state to state. It is your responsibility to determine what that state’s ownership requirements are.
· WHTI compliant identification for yourself and all parties with you. Please refer to the following website for information on WHTI compliant identification: http://www.getyouhome.gov/
· Lien release if a lien is present on the vehicle. Note: This can be done by having the finance company sign off on the original title itself (along with the finance company’s stamp) or an original letter from the finance company indicating that the lien is released. For those vehicles that are still being financed, you may present a certified copy of the title, along with an original letter from the finance company that states that the vehicle can be exported.
· This printed, e-mail confirmation including your original message to CBP.
Additional information can be obtained via the Vehicle Export information line (716)843-8359.
All questions must be directed to buffalovinnyoffice@dhs.gov.

Thank you,
Vehicle Export Office
US Customs and Border Protection
1 Lewiston Plaza
Lewiston , NY 14092
Fax: (716) 285-3565
buffalovinnyoffice@dhs.gov

MarcosSantiago · Mar 16, 2013

Re: Importing a used bike from USA uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wa

djez said:
Make sure to follow the 72 hrs rule, I lucked out today , my bike which i brought to canada Sunday night and tried to export today is now stored in the US and cant cross till monday.
Will cost me 50$ for storage using uhaul or 200$ for full service and storage at mechanic/dealer and another trip to buffalo. .

etc.

djez, thank you for posting that email.

It is a little bit confusing that Service Port-Buffalo works in one way, and other crossings work in a slightly different way.

Buffalo wants the following: "Procedures include sending an email with your export intentions and vehicle identifications number (VIN) to buffalovinnyoffice@dhs.gov. CBP personnel will confirm the receipt of your email and provide additional instructions"
Source of the quote above: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/ny/0901.xml

By the way, did you have to email the Buffalo customs a scanned image of the title? Or just an email with the VIN?

Detroit has a recorded message explaining that they want a fax stating export intentions and vehicle TITLE (only fax, no emails at all). I called them twice and they confirmed they only need the title faxed to them, no bill of sale.
Blaine, Washington (crossings into BC) uses both fax or email. 'Cause they are closed today I won't be able to talk to them until next week.

So I guess the type of paperwork, and how to get it to USA Customs, varies from place to place.

djez · Mar 17, 2013

Importing a used bike from USA uncooperative seller: how to avoid the 3 days wa

Lesson learned this time, although i did two years ago imported 2 bike before exporting it and was not hassled like last friday.

I only emailed the bike model, year color and VIN number Plus my address and phone number. No need to scan tittle.

Make sure the VIN is accurate, i do ask the seller to send me photo of the VIN on the bike and or the Registration, tittle or insurance slip.

I have rented a storage near the border till april, so if anyone interested to use it just pm me. I wont have any use for it from next week.

cdog · Mar 17, 2013