Importing Canadian cars

["Cordeiro, Alan" <Alan.Cordeiro@mts.com>]

I called up Audi of America way back to find out. The official
position is that they will give me a letter IF I SHOW PROOF
OF OWNERSHIP.  I explained I was just looking for information
on the differences, which I’m sure they have on file somewhere...
but NO !! they directed me to the NHTSA phone line.
( Hey, why should they care to divulge secret information...)

Through this I discovered the web site, and found out the same
as Derek.

Also, from my conversations withn U.S Customs, the duty is 6% on the first
$1000, and 2.5% on the rest..

Alan

		Original
Message******************************************************

		Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 16:28:17 -0700
		From: "Daily,DerekSJMCG" <DDaily@sjmcb.mitsui.com
<mailto:DDaily@sjmcb.mitsui.com> >
		Subject: CDN Imports (was:$4)

		Stev B and others have listed the exact url (NHTSA), but
I'll answer this
		general question with a general answer...

		A- CDN cars should (in theory) be less tough.
		B- At Customs you will need an official letter from AoA
stating that the car
		meets ALL FMVSS(Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards),
along with current
		registration.
		C- The letter will state that the CDN car does NOT meet
certain criteria.
		(1) Minor labelling and/or (2) Speedo or headlights and/or
(3) FMVSS #208.
		D- Depending on year, this could be fairly tricky.  For
example, a 1992
		Passsat does not meet FVSS #208 "Active and/or Passive
Safety Restraints"
		because it does not have (a) automatic seat belt adjusters
or (b) at least a
		driver's side airbag. NOTE:  NO VWs had either such item
prior to 1993.

		E-(This is interesting)  IF the manufacturer will NOT issue
a letter, you
		may contract with an RI in order to modify the vehicle.  In
other words, if
		you have the dough...you can go.