Community Forums

EMDF9A · 08-18-2015, 01:15 AM

I'm sure there are several here who can help out with this question.

With the Canadian Dollar at such a low value vs USD I am seeing a lot of quality higher end coaches in the lower BC and Vancouver Island area that are priced significantly lower than similar coaches in the US.

What kind of paperwork etc is needed to import a coach to the US? Approximately what is the cost to do so. I am more than willing to take the train to Vancouver or the ferry to Victoria to save $10000 or more on a coach.

AZGypsie · 08-18-2015, 01:23 PM

You might want to contact a customs broker and find out what if any duties would be payable. Also, you will probably actually need their services (imports over $2500 generally require a broker), so find out what their fees are as well. The windshield will have to comply with federal DOT specifications. There are probably a number of other things, not necessarily cost issues, but certainly will require some coordination on both sides of the border.

jacmat · 08-18-2015, 01:37 PM

99.99% of high end coaches were manufactured in the US, and afterward imported into Canada.

I purchased mine from a San Diego dealer, via internet. Never went to their showroom and spoke 2 or 3 times to the salesman. The rest by internet even down payment using my credit card. I took delivery at Monaco Indiana plant.

As far as importing, did everything myself, without using a broker. I had previously checked on internet what were the requirements as far as paperwork. Everything went very well without a glicht and total cost to me excluding taxes was approcimately $300 for inspection of the vehicle in Canada before completing registration.

I hope you can do the samething on the US side.

BFlinn181 · 08-18-2015, 02:09 PM

There are many websites and resources available on the 'net about what needs to be done to do this. I'd start Googling rather than rely on opinions on the forum. As you've already seen, some say you need a broker, some say you don't. Check and decide yourself.

AZGypsie · 08-18-2015, 06:06 PM

I am a licensed customs broker and do know something of what I am talking about. In buying through a dealer, I am positive that they assumed all responsibility for the import of the equipment they were selling. If a motor home (or anything basically) is manufactured in the U.S., there are usually no duties payable on that item. However, there is a great deal of paperwork work (remember the federal gov't?) that must be accomplished in order to make this a compliant entry. Again, there are actually both export from Canada requirements in addition to the import requirements for the U.S. This is where your need for a broker comes in. Calling and asking a broker questions cost nothing and if your are working with a dealer, please make sure they are covering the costs of this themselves (more than likely have their own brokers). If they aren't covering the cost, ask what it will be. You don't need to be surprised after you have your coach on this side of the border.