Jul 04
New RIV List is out….sans Bumpers!
and here are the changes, Green = additions, Blur = Deletions and Red =Changes.
diff2008-06-13and2008-07-04.pdf
Next we need to go after Recall letters and a whole bunch of issues being brought to bear… we would like your ideas on the next priority..
July 4th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
If I read this correctly, it means that the manufacturers cannot use the “bumper” excuse anymore? AWESOME job guys!!! Does this mean that M/B and others can’t charge their exorbitant rates for modifications? Can you summarize what this means for the average importer?
July 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
All BMW’s are now listed in the admissible column. It appears the $350 admissibility letter/extortion fee is now gone! Of course expect the cost of modifications which for BMW is replacing your entire instrument cluster to go up $350…
July 6th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I would love to be able to get a vehicle from overseas that’s not older than 15 years old. It would then truly be Cars without borders. Other countries including the UK allow “Grey Imports” To have the entire process simplified to just paying taxes and duties at the border would be a dream come true.
July 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Mark, I would be interested in this challenge - importing from elsewhere than the US as well. Have you researched this a bit? What are the Transport Canada rules. Are the prices much better etc.
You may also use the forum to investigate with other members, you can post - get help etc.
July 7th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I have experience with this as I imported a motorcycle from England 2 years ago. It’s a 1991 CBR400RR. The motorcycle was originally a grey import from Japan. A JDM model that was only produced for Japan, not intended for export. Since the motorcycle is 400cc, it fulfilled a niche in the UK as they have to get multiple licences before being able to ride a full powered motorcycle. Needless to say, it was a popular import in its day.
In British Columbia, motorcycles are insured based on CC level.
Category 1 1-110CC
Category 2 111-400CC
Category 3 401-750CC
Category 4 751-1150CC
Category 5 1150 and over
Based on this, getting a sportbike that was not in the 3rd or 4th category was difficult. There are some 125 and 250 models, but they are not well suited for the highway. The next available sizes would be 500 and 600cc models. In a way, it’s like getting an insurance discount for driving a 4 cylinder car, when all the market produced was 3 and 6 cylinder models.
Since the motorcycle was 15 years old, I did not have to fill out any RIV paperwork. The motorcycle came back on the airplane with me, so customs did a small inspection at the airport, and I got a form 1 and paid my GST. I did not have to do any other inspection, no Canadian Tire. All I needed was a new VIN number that was 17 digits. It cost $30 and was affixed at a designated shop. When I got my licence plate, I paid the PST, and my insurance for the entire year for Vancouver is only $300. I just wish that I could have bought a brand new model. Canada should treat motorcycles differently from cars. They are not produced in Canada in big amounts, so no protectionism is needed. They are built the same for every market, and nowadays come with digital speedometers that can be easily switched with a touch of a button.
As for importing a car from overseas, unless it is over 15 years old, it is unadmissable. Cannot be modified to conform to Canadian standards….
July 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
So basically, I cannot import a diesel MINI cooper from Europe. All MINI’s are produced at Oxford, with the same parts. Now even the same bumpers are used for all markets. A European model would come with a metric speedometer, and have daytime running lights as standard. No modifications needed for import into Canada, but still, it is not admissable….