shipping a motor into the US

wreckedWRX · 09-15-2003, 09:45 AM

Can anyone that may have done this offer any input? I think I might be up the creek. I bought an 02 JDM STI motor from Canada, and was going to have it shipped to Maine. My father works in a shipping department, and found out that it would be less than 100 bucks to truck if it was crated. The seller crated the motor all up for me, and last week my father found out that we needed to have a broker involved to meet at customs. Today, he talked to the broker, and she recommended not doing it. She said they've tried before, and because its a motor, the EPA gets involved and checks for emissions stuff. She said it'll take many weeks to get here if it even makes it. I cant imagine that this motor will pass whatever EPA is checking for.

Driving to canada isn't out of the question, but Im not even sure I could make it back into the US with a motor sitting out back.

If anyone has any advice, Im all ears.

thanks
Eric

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garface · 09-15-2003, 11:26 AM

I drove back from Canada with my EJ25 sitting next to me, my 4EAT in my gf's trunk, STi hood on her roof, 4 doors in her car, trunk, full exhaust, axles, fenders, wing, driveshaft and a ton of other stuff. Oh and a Ver. 8 engine and Ver. 4 tranny in my car that were installed there. They didn't even make a peep. I told them I had brought up the STi engine with me and it was installed there. And I was just taking the old one back. If you make up a story it's not too hard. Just tell them it's an old, broken, worthless engine worth a couple hundred dollars and they might not even charge you. It depends if you get lucky or not. Sometmes they care, sometimes they don't. I got lucky twice.

MACHWRX · 09-15-2003, 11:59 AM

I just got my motor from Canada. It was a pain in the ass. Alot of phone calls had to be made. EPA did get involved. Brokers got involved also. My motor was stuck at customs for about 2 weeks. Basically had to fill out a powers of attorney form, and a EPA form. Rather easy stuff. They just want to know what you are using the motor for. You fill out the forms they send you, then they review it, and decide wheather or not they will allow it to pass customs. You have to pay for broker fees also.
I got my motor from fourstarmotorsports. who did you get yours from?

let me know if you got any other questions?

Anthony

wreckedWRX · 09-15-2003, 01:05 PM

Anthony, I hope you're right. Can you email me at larsonet@mail.ports.navy.mil for more info on the forms you filled out?

I called customs, and they said it just had to pass by EPA. I checked the EPA website, and there is a section for importing vehicles. In the "Non US version" section, there is an exclusion, and its "Engine not in vehicle or chassis." It says they regulate the entire vehicle, not the individual parts. If its not installed, its considered a part.

man, this is stressfull....

mjd85la · 09-21-2005, 06:54 PM

I have been thinking about buying a motor from fourstarmotorsports in Canada but i am worried about dealing with customs and all the BS. Has anyone done this more recently?? anyone know of any changes in shipping?

latinskllz · 09-21-2005, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garface

I drove back from Canada with my EJ25 sitting next to me, my 4EAT in my gf's trunk, STi hood on her roof, 4 doors in her car, trunk, full exhaust, axles, fenders, wing, driveshaft and a ton of other stuff. Oh and a Ver. 8 engine and Ver. 4 tranny in my car that were installed there. They didn't even make a peep. I told them I had brought up the STi engine with me and it was installed there. And I was just taking the old one back. If you make up a story it's not too hard. Just tell them it's an old, broken, worthless engine worth a couple hundred dollars and they might not even charge you. It depends if you get lucky or not. Sometmes they care, sometimes they don't. I got lucky twice.

You have a great girlfriend.

sjl1614 · 09-22-2005, 07:00 AM

I bought heads out of canada and had no problem with them. Only took about a week to get. I did get a tax bill a few days after receiving them

supermoose · 09-22-2005, 01:42 PM

ive done the bring stuff from canada back game, got lucky, had full B16a motor set in the hatchback of a ford probe. way back in the day ~2001. no issues, they didnt even ask.

just declare it at the border.

mjd85la · 09-22-2005, 05:45 PM

sjl1614.. How bad was the tax % ? They told me they could freight down the motor for about 400 bucks. What was the tax value from, the item value or shipping ..?

sjl1614 · 09-22-2005, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjd85la

sjl1614.. How bad was the tax % ? They told me they could freight down the motor for about 400 bucks. What was the tax value from, the item value or shipping ..?

I forget what the "declared" value was....but i only paid about $54 for tax. The shipper states the value of the item....mine declared it lower than what i paid for it.

legacy2003 · 12-01-2005, 03:52 PM

well, i'm now looking to do the same thing. i can get a ver. 7 sti motor from a guy in montreal for a decent price, but i'm wondering whether i should pick it up or get it shipped or not even get it. basically i need it by december 16th because my car does not run right now (blown motor). if i get it shipped, what are the issues in that, who would tax me? motor is $5200. if i went to pick it up, how much of a hassle would it be getting it back?

UTCiv · 12-01-2005, 04:17 PM

When I came back across with a B18c from Montreal, they said "you DO know you can't install this in your car blah, blah, blah" and with a straight face I said "Oh, it's for offroad use only. I have a race car I am putting it in."

I didn't even have to pay tax. I have to tell you though, driving away from the border felt like escaping jail. We were hooting and hollering for an hour afterward.

But the times, they do change.

snowjob · 12-01-2005, 04:39 PM

Be wary of doing that these days, from my perspective(I'm Canadian) as of Jan 1, all canadians will be required to have a valid passport to enter the US. This also applies to US citizens returning from Canada. I only caution you because I read a survey a few weeks ago that said that only 8% of Americans have passports, vs. 75% of Canadians. I think it's because we all like travelling

Just my 2cents

MidnightBlackPearl · 12-01-2005, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowjob

Be wary of doing that these days, from my perspective(I'm Canadian) as of Jan 1, all canadians will be required to have a valid passport to enter the US. This also applies to US citizens returning from Canada. I only caution you because I read a survey a few weeks ago that said that only 8% of Americans have passports, vs. 75% of Canadians. I think it's because we all like travelling

Just my 2cents

Or maybe you just don't like the place you live so you feel the need to get away?

just messin

snowjob · 12-01-2005, 08:07 PM

I think you would want to travel when it got to -40c which is also -40F, We just dig checkin out the rest of the world, I will aslo add that most Canadians who travel and move abroad, usually end up back in Canada....hmmm, no place like home....but I digress,
I've brought 2 motors from the US to canada without much hassle, usuall stuff, for offroad use only, declaired value, etc...not too much trouble...

Kosmic · 12-03-2005, 10:12 PM

I need more infos guys, I need to ship a version 7 engine States side and I want to do it right, without hassle, the first time. Thx

egytian2.5rs · 12-05-2005, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kosmic

I need more infos guys, I need to ship a version 7 engine States side and I want to do it right, without hassle, the first time. Thx

i think you should just drive up there an get it, an tell them you are using it for offroad use only. i think it sounds like our best bet.

kingsubi · 12-05-2005, 10:16 AM

I have shipped a bunch of stuff to the states.

First you need a broker - get this up front. They will be able to help you get all the right papers and numbers.

You need either the company tax number or if shipping to an individual their SIN number.

andy · 12-05-2005, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowjob

I think you would want to travel when it got to -40c which is also -40F, We just dig checkin out the rest of the world, I will aslo add that most Canadians who travel and move abroad, usually end up back in Canada....hmmm, no place like home....but I digress,
I've brought 2 motors from the US to canada without much hassle, usuall stuff, for offroad use only, declaired value, etc...not too much trouble...

what kind of motors and how long did it take, how much tax did you have to pay, how long did you have to wait for them?

09-15-2003, 09:45 AM	#1
wreckedWRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 38419 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maine Vehicle: 2002 WRX Red	shipping a motor into the US Can anyone that may have done this offer any input? I think I might be up the creek. I bought an 02 JDM STI motor from Canada, and was going to have it shipped to Maine. My father works in a shipping department, and found out that it would be less than 100 bucks to truck if it was crated. The seller crated the motor all up for me, and last week my father found out that we needed to have a broker involved to meet at customs. Today, he talked to the broker, and she recommended not doing it. She said they've tried before, and because its a motor, the EPA gets involved and checks for emissions stuff. She said it'll take many weeks to get here if it even makes it. I cant imagine that this motor will pass whatever EPA is checking for. Driving to canada isn't out of the question, but Im not even sure I could make it back into the US with a motor sitting out back. If anyone has any advice, Im all ears. thanks Eric * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

09-15-2003, 01:05 PM	#4
wreckedWRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 38419 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maine Vehicle: 2002 WRX Red	shipping Anthony, I hope you're right. Can you email me at larsonet@mail.ports.navy.mil for more info on the forms you filled out? I called customs, and they said it just had to pass by EPA. I checked the EPA website, and there is a section for importing vehicles. In the "Non US version" section, there is an exclusion, and its "Engine not in vehicle or chassis." It says they regulate the entire vehicle, not the individual parts. If its not installed, its considered a part. man, this is stressfull....

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09-15-2003, 11:26 AM	#2
garface Scooby Guru Member#: 1581 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: yonkers, ny Vehicle: MY00 RS/STi7 MY01 RS Both Silverthorne	I drove back from Canada with my EJ25 sitting next to me, my 4EAT in my gf's trunk, STi hood on her roof, 4 doors in her car, trunk, full exhaust, axles, fenders, wing, driveshaft and a ton of other stuff. Oh and a Ver. 8 engine and Ver. 4 tranny in my car that were installed there. They didn't even make a peep. I told them I had brought up the STi engine with me and it was installed there. And I was just taking the old one back. If you make up a story it's not too hard. Just tell them it's an old, broken, worthless engine worth a couple hundred dollars and they might not even charge you. It depends if you get lucky or not. Sometmes they care, sometimes they don't. I got lucky twice.

09-15-2003, 11:59 AM	#3
MACHWRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 24169 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NY Vehicle: 2002 WRX STI V7 RA-C WR BLUE	I just got my motor from Canada. It was a pain in the ass. Alot of phone calls had to be made. EPA did get involved. Brokers got involved also. My motor was stuck at customs for about 2 weeks. Basically had to fill out a powers of attorney form, and a EPA form. Rather easy stuff. They just want to know what you are using the motor for. You fill out the forms they send you, then they review it, and decide wheather or not they will allow it to pass customs. You have to pay for broker fees also. I got my motor from fourstarmotorsports. who did you get yours from? let me know if you got any other questions? Anthony

09-21-2005, 06:54 PM	#5
mjd85la Scooby Newbie Member#: 35176 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Herndon, VA Vehicle: 1998 2.5 RS Impreza 2000 gray OBX	I have been thinking about buying a motor from fourstarmotorsports in Canada but i am worried about dealing with customs and all the BS. Has anyone done this more recently?? anyone know of any changes in shipping?

09-22-2005, 07:00 AM	#7
sjl1614 Scooby Specialist Member#: 56791 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Charlotte, NC Vehicle: 06 OBS	I bought heads out of canada and had no problem with them. Only took about a week to get. I did get a tax bill a few days after receiving them

09-22-2005, 01:42 PM	#8
supermoose Visiting NASIOC Timeout Member#: 9093 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SF Vehicle: 1995 RHD STi RA Ver2 swap starr	ive done the bring stuff from canada back game, got lucky, had full B16a motor set in the hatchback of a ford probe. way back in the day ~2001. no issues, they didnt even ask. just declare it at the border.

09-22-2005, 05:45 PM	#9
mjd85la Scooby Newbie Member#: 35176 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Herndon, VA Vehicle: 1998 2.5 RS Impreza 2000 gray OBX	sjl1614.. How bad was the tax % ? They told me they could freight down the motor for about 400 bucks. What was the tax value from, the item value or shipping ..?

12-01-2005, 03:52 PM	#11
legacy2003 Scooby Specialist Member#: 38338 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Washington, DC Metro Vehicle: 2003 Outback Sdn H6 Black	well, i'm now looking to do the same thing. i can get a ver. 7 sti motor from a guy in montreal for a decent price, but i'm wondering whether i should pick it up or get it shipped or not even get it. basically i need it by december 16th because my car does not run right now (blown motor). if i get it shipped, what are the issues in that, who would tax me? motor is $5200. if i went to pick it up, how much of a hassle would it be getting it back?

12-01-2005, 04:17 PM	#12
UTCiv Scooby Newbie Member#: 30695 Join Date: Dec 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Does your mother sew? Vehicle: BOOM , Get her to sew THAT!	When I came back across with a B18c from Montreal, they said "you DO know you can't install this in your car blah, blah, blah" and with a straight face I said "Oh, it's for offroad use only. I have a race car I am putting it in." I didn't even have to pay tax. I have to tell you though, driving away from the border felt like escaping jail. We were hooting and hollering for an hour afterward. But the times, they do change.

12-01-2005, 04:39 PM	#13
snowjob Scooby Newbie Member#: 59357 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ottawa, Canada Vehicle: 2004 Forester XT Silver	Be wary of doing that these days, from my perspective(I'm Canadian) as of Jan 1, all canadians will be required to have a valid passport to enter the US. This also applies to US citizens returning from Canada. I only caution you because I read a survey a few weeks ago that said that only 8% of Americans have passports, vs. 75% of Canadians. I think it's because we all like travelling Just my 2cents

12-01-2005, 08:07 PM	#15
snowjob Scooby Newbie Member#: 59357 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ottawa, Canada Vehicle: 2004 Forester XT Silver	I think you would want to travel when it got to -40c which is also -40F, We just dig checkin out the rest of the world, I will aslo add that most Canadians who travel and move abroad, usually end up back in Canada....hmmm, no place like home....but I digress, I've brought 2 motors from the US to canada without much hassle, usuall stuff, for offroad use only, declaired value, etc...not too much trouble...

12-03-2005, 10:12 PM	#16
Kosmic Scooby Specialist Member#: 99140 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Montreal, Canada Vehicle: GD Racing chassis Slowly in construction	I need more infos guys, I need to ship a version 7 engine States side and I want to do it right, without hassle, the first time. Thx

12-05-2005, 10:16 AM	#18
kingsubi Scooby Specialist Member#: 19239 Join Date: May 2002 Chapter/Region: International Location: UK	I have shipped a bunch of stuff to the states. First you need a broker - get this up front. They will be able to help you get all the right papers and numbers. You need either the company tax number or if shipping to an individual their SIN number.