Importing a D110 from the UK

[yoshibond]

Hi all,

I have been lurking around this form for awhile but finally found a reason to post.

I live in Vancouver and am the owner of a Disco1 that I bought with overheating issues, distroyed CVs, and afew other issues and more or less have it good to go now (just need to get the engine back in). However, I also have always wanted a Defender and have been looking for the past 6-8 months locally and through North America without much luck.

From my research I can get one in the UK and bring it back here without too many challenges as long as all your ducks are in a row. Even if the cost is high to bring it here, at least the selection there will allow me to get one exactly like I want (galvanized frame, right color, manual/diesel, etc) without paying premium Canadian prices (some almost $40k).

Therefore I am wondering if anyone has a good guide to everything I need to do as part of the import process after purchasing and transfering ownership in the UK. I will either go there and buy one or get a friend of mine to take care of that part for me.

Any other tips from someone that has done this would also be great.

Thanks!

[Bill E.]

I'm sure someone who has done this once or twice will dial in to better answer your questions but I thought I'd make mention of a more obvious point; there are more left hand drive Defenders across the channel than in England. Just sayin'

[DBrands]

I just brought one over from the UK last month.

It isn't all that difficult, just time consuming.

Three main parts of the journey as far as I am concerned:

1) Purchase a vehicle and get it to the Port from which it'll be exported.
- buy the best you can afford. Galvanized chassis preferred.
- don't assume you can drive the vehicle to the port... legally. I couldn't figure out a way, and ended up having it towed. You might try a specialist insurer.
- i wouldn't bother transferring ownership. There were no issues in using a bill of sale as proof of ownership through the whole process.
- give yourself time to have the vehicle CLEANED VERY WELL before taking it to the port.
- if you intend to ship the vehicle through the US (it worked out much cheaper for me) you'll need to work with a US broker that'll file an ISF report for you, days prior to the vehicle boarding the vessel.

2) Twiddle your thumbs while it sails over the Atlantic..Caribbean..Pacific, whichever way you so choose to send it.
- not much to do now but hope the ship doesn't sink.

3) Get it from the Port of Arrival to your home.
- all your ducks in a row, as you put it, is exactly how to go about it.
- there ends up being a bit of paperwork that you'll need to tote around when you pick the vehicle up.
- potential for delay and extra cost if your vehicle is dirty. Trust me... I know. Delayed my vehicle two weeks in Tacoma.
- prepare for duty and tax at the Canadian Border.
- binder of insurance from an autoplan broker will allow you to get permits for the vehicle to transport it from port to your home, and from your home to inspection facilities.

[yoshibond]

Thanks for the replies.

For the question of why UK - 1) lots of friends there that can help out with the process, no language barriers, I think abit cheaper as there are more around there and RHD doesn't bother me too much.

I think, as the 2nd post mentioned, I am looking at shipping to Tacoma as well. I also am restricting search to galvanized, sub 100k miles, and top condition.

Afew questions thought:
1) Do you have a list of the many documents I need to obtain, etc? I was trying to track down a checklist of things to consider at each stage of the game.
2) I have heard about the cleaning but not really the details. Is there a special type of cleaning you need to get done before you go? Or, just bring to an auto detailler in the UK?
3) My friends from the UK told me insurance over there is based on the driver and not the vehicle and they reckon if I have registration they can drive on their existing insurance to the port - do you have any information implying this is incorrect?
4) You mentioned use of a broker to get from UK port to Tacoma - did they take care of the whole process and you just needed to pick up your vehicle post customs, etc in Tacoma?
5) What did they charge you?
6) What was the total cost of the import ?
7) After picking up in the US, I understand the UK registration and ICBC binder of insurance will get you home. At the border since >15 years, just pay HST right? No RIV type issues. And then, get a provincial inspection and should be good to go and insure?

Thanks again for the reply.

Cheers.

[DBrands]

Here are a few answers:

1) http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Importing-Europe.html
This explanation was very close to what I encountered. ISF 10+2 is a new requirement.

2) Don't know much about the cleaning, but just make sure there is no dirt visible. A good power wash underneath will be needed.

3) Yeah, as far as I know they are legal to drive the vehicle.

4) The broker was only used for the ISF 10+2 (Importer Security Filing).

5) ISF filing cost me $45 US.

6) Not cheap when you see the quote, but not expensive when you realize how far your vehicle just travelled. I used Wallenius Wilhelmsen out of Southampton.

7) No RIV on vehicles >15 years old. Just duty and GST at the border. PST (hence HST in total) will be recouped when you register at ICBC.

[yoshibond]

Thanks for the link! Very helpful. Also thanks for the other information.

Do you remember what duty rate they charged you (on top of sales tax)? When you import into Tacoma do you get an exemption from US tax by saying that the truck is for export to Canada (obviously need proof)? I assume I would have heard if a D110 was subject to a 25% tax in the US!

Thanks!

Here are a few answers:

1) http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Importing-Europe.html
This explanation was very close to what I encountered. ISF 10+2 is a new requirement.

2) Don't know much about the cleaning, but just make sure there is no dirt visible. A good power wash underneath will be needed.

3) Yeah, as far as I know they are legal to drive the vehicle.

4) The broker was only used for the ISF 10+2 (Importer Security Filing).

5) ISF filing cost me $45 US.

6) Not cheap when you see the quote, but not expensive when you realize how far your vehicle just travelled. I used Wallenius Wilhelmsen out of Southampton.

7) No RIV on vehicles >15 years old. Just duty and GST at the border. PST (hence HST in total) will be recouped when you register at ICBC.

[DBrands]

Duties are listed on the CBSA website. Something like 6% for a vehicle.

I am not exactly sure how you can prove the vehicle is for export. It pretty much comes down to your word, and the CBP officer doing the paperwork making the assumption that it is for export based on your Canadian passport.

[paullo]

Just out of curiosity, how much cheaper is it to ship to Tacoma than to Vancouver? I can't personally see it being worth the extra hassle of getting to Seattle, having to run logistics on insurance/paperwork/etc. and then drive up to the border and possibly have to wait or store the vehicle if some of the paperwork isn't in line or who knows what else.

[sailourboy]

As far as I know Tacoma is the only port, don't come into Canada so vehicle would have to use a car transporter and broker to get here.
Cheers
Ted

[yoshibond]

Just out of curiosity, how much cheaper is it to ship to Tacoma than to Vancouver? I can't personally see it being worth the extra hassle of getting to Seattle, having to run logistics on insurance/paperwork/etc. and then drive up to the border and possibly have to wait or store the vehicle if some of the paperwork isn't in line or who knows what else.

For what it's worth; I imported my RHD-UK Defender in January and am happy to discuss further.

Vancouver does not do roll-on roll-off therefore you would need container. Container, for one car, you are looking at 3-3-4X the cost from what I have read.

The only RORO port in Canada is Halifax and imo the hassle of dealing with US red tape is probably less than the hassle of driving 5000 miles (or the cost of shipping on the train).

You mentioned importing yours? Did you ship to Vancouver? What was the cost? I have been quoted 1600 GBP for RORO to Tacoma.

[paullo]

I wasn't aware that it's not possible to RO-RO into Vancouver; which would make sense to go to Tacoma / Seattle then.

As far as my situation; we container'd as we were living in the UK and moved back a bunch of household stuff as well- which is why RO-RO wasn't an option. I believe the total shipping charge was around £2500 plus destination charges of around $500. That was for half share of a 40-foot container. It went from Portsmouth to Montreal and then trained to Vancouver. Took less than 6 weeks door to door. We used Anglo-Pacific and although I had a few issues with the whole process and minor damage to one item - I would probably recommend them.

Random observation- I have lived in Vancouver most of my life; and before moving to the UK, I saw 3 Defenders in that time. Now, I see at least one a week (often one I've never seen before). Two yesterday!

Good luck with your import; happy to discuss further.

[red90]

And keep in mind Roro is the vehicle only. There can be no spare parts, no anything in the vehicle.

[DBrands]

As Red90 mentioned, vehicle only. Shipping with 2WGlobal, I was given the option of purchasing a pallet for 250GBP that I could stuff "personal effects" onto, which would travel along with the vehicle. No personal affects in the vehicle, and I have heard of even hidden items disappearing during transit.

In my case though, a couple of spare tires in the back of the Rover surprisingly made it all the way here without being confiscated or stolen.

[paullo]

You were able to keep the spare tires once it landed in Canada?

I brought back a 2nd-full set of rims & tires but was told when I picked up my truck that the tires would have to be destroyed - but that I would be able to keep the rims. What we were then told by Customs was that any tire on the vehicle (ie the 4 attached to the truck & the spare either on the bonnet or the rear door) would be allowed; but any others would have to be destroyed. Some weird rule but we had to comply with, sadly. More of an FYI than anything, as it seems somewhat inconsistent based on individual experience.

[sailourboy]

That is because do not meet Transport Canada's regulations and are not DOT approved. Not sure what happens if you are in an accident w/o DOT approved tires?
Cheers
Ted

[John]

AFAIK you are not allowed to bring used tires across the boarder period, DOT or not. You might get away with it, I have, but get the wrong inspector and you'll be turned away with the dilemma of what to do with them now, I have.

[yoshibond]

AFAIK you are not allowed to bring used tires across the boarder period, DOT or not. You might get away with it, I have, but get the wrong inspector and you'll be turned away with the dilemma of what to do with them now, I have.

Good to know....

[DBrands]

Yeah, I was just pointing out the idea that some of the rules don't seem to be enforced. CBSA saw the tires and didn't make any mention of their ineligibility for import. I didn't expect the tires to be shipped with the vehicle, as they were not part of the purchase agreement. The seller was too lazy to remove them I suppose. I was surprised to see them make it to North America, nevermind all the way home.

[ishapiro]

I don't know why you say Vancouver doesn't do RORO. Most of the Japanese imports arrive this way. That's how I shipped my Disco 300tdi.

[red90]

I don't know why you say Vancouver doesn't do RORO. Most of the Japanese imports arrive this way. That's how I shipped my Disco 300tdi.

No RoRo from the UK to Vancouver.

[skeena river rover]

I shipped mine roro to. They said the same thing no spare arts in the car. Well i stuffed that car completely full with parts, rims tree slides, etc etc. No problem. The only problem was they found a little bit of dirt. My 110 was steamed cleaned in Europe and on its way it collected a bit of dust! So i had to pay a steam cleaner again in tacoma! I can tell you that was not cheap!!! But no problems with extra parts. It was a risk i was willing to take. Because if i had to ship tree sliders and rims end more heavy stuff the shipping was killing me.

[BCROVER]

I have shipped 2 this year from the UK to Vancouver, both cost around £1650 each in shipping, Plus about $500 handling in Vancouver
Plus the aforementioned taxes and duties.
Make sure the car is spotless, and I mean spotless, I got nailed for $1500 cleaning in montreal on the 2nd one. It was spotless when it was dropped off at the shipper, but it sat for 12 days and got covered in dust and subsequently pulled for cleaning. It needs to be cleaned properly underneath, there can be no soil or dirt anywhere....
The process is relatively simple and takes about 6 weeks to 2 months door to door. I shipped with a load of spares both new and 2nd hand. No problems just declare with an accurately valued inventory, and expect to pay tax.
Stick new tyres on it in the UK, I think they might be cheaper. I wouldn't bother going through the USA, I don't see the gain. Both mine came through Montreal, then on a train to Vancouver, Shipping time is around 3 weeks, then a week to cross country. Plus associated delays at each port.
I would definitely do it again. The hardest thing is finding a good one in the UK. There are a lot of rotten examples out there. I would try and find one that was properly restored by reputable company in the last 3-5 years. It will have had the depreciation taken out of a newly restored one which can be as much as $40-50k.
I can give plenty more advice if needed,
Just make sure it is over 15 years old!!!
I have always picked numbers matching chassis and engines, I went for the best original chassis i could find rather than a replacement galvanised chassis. It keeps the cost down reduces the risk of problems (if there are any with numbers) and I live in Kelowna and intend to look after it.
I would also recommend getting an exterior roll cage fitted. They are a bugger to ship afterwards.
hope this helps and isn't too repetitive

Will

[BCROVER]

By the way my £1650 for each vehicle was for a container to vancouver not RORO from London UK

[tallergypsy]

Robyn and I shipped the 110 we have been using in Africa on the Liverpool Halifax RORO last year. It was squeaky clean as we had a pressure washer outfit in Morocco work it over for an hour for ten bucks. No hassle with customs in Halifax and a fun drive across the US taking advantage of cheaper diesel. Canadian customs at a remote post near Bonners Ferry Idaho made getting back into Canada worse than getting into Zimbabwe I guess we looked suspicious. The whole trip was done on BC plates which presents a hassle as ICBC expected an AIR Care when the insurance was renewed. We simply changed the address to Kelowna to overcome this.

I can't see the logic of buying a truck in the UK. You will pay a little more in Australia, get a rust free truck and an optional outback experience. Or if you insist on LHD buy rust free in Spain. The number of rust buckets imported from the UK to North America boggles the mind. Ray

[skeena river rover]

It does not matter where the defender is coming from. If you bring it to the west coast of BC it will get its fair share of rain and mud. So a galvanized chassis is the only way to go!
Much cheaper to get a chassis swap in Europe. or any place out side CAnada!
One more thing if you buy a defender, lets say with a new engine etc make sure that the Vins are correct! Also if you swap the chassis. They will check at least 2 places on the car with the original vin.