Seems like the process has been modified / simplified in Lewiston / Barfalo...
Here is what I went through on Feb 25th, 2011 for a 1981 VW Camper (Towed over the border)
Details needed in Advance
....Title
....BOS
....Insurance
....Emailed
[email protected] 3 days in advance - VIN, Make, Model, Year, my Name etc
....Confirmation email recieved from border indicating I can cross anytime after 72 hours
....No faxing or photo copies needed
US Side
....Cargo and Frieght Office is normal sized red door, in customs warehouse on US side
.........this is on the left before the bridge, basically on the OTHER side of the road when returning to Canada
....Showed title and passport (but directions in e-mail below indicated they may want more)
....Officer checked my VIN - sent me to Canada - no paperwork but a stamp on my title
.... 5 minutes tops
Canada Side
....Heavily questioned by initial screener
....5 minutes of questions
....Given Yellow card indicating I owe duties on price of Van
....Proceed to Secondary Inspection Site ... just follow signs
....Fill out form 1 ... show title, BOS
....Questioned again (see below)
....Pay 6% duty and 5% GST
........no RIV as it is old
........no A/C tax as no one could prove it had A/C ... just a blue and red dot on the dash
....20 minutes total in office
....Drive to Canada paying $6.50 in tolls
Points to Note:
....was asked by many officers for a copy of the ORIGINAL AD listing the vehicle, asking price etc
....this is likely to keep people honest on the 'sale price' they show on the forms
....officer checked the Samba for about 15 minutes trying to find the add
....asked sellers name, state, asking price MANY times
....after not finding the ad - they just said 'looks like you got a good price'
....moral of the story, be VERY careful if you are planning to declare a lower price than you paid
e-mail below is the instructions from the buffalo border patrol after I e-mailed them my VIN etc
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From CBPO RHODES
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.
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 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:
1. The vehicle which is to be exported.
2. 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). This requirement varies from state to state. It is your responsibility to determine what that state’s ownership requirements are.
3. 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/
4. 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.
5. 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
[email protected].
Thank you,
Vehicle Export Office
Field Operations
US Customs and Border Protection
1 Lewiston Plaza
Lewiston, NY 14092
Phone: (716) 282-1500 option 3 (emergencies only)
Phone: (716) 843-8359 (information line only)
Fax: (716) 285-3565
[email protected]