Importing a Self-Propelled Vehicle from the U. S. into Canada: Complying with the AES Filing Requirement

If you are planning to purchase a vehicle in the United States and import it into Canada, you must file Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES). This should be done no matter the value of the vehicle or its country of origin. This is a mandate you must keep in mind in addition to the 72-hour notice requirements.

What are Used Self-Propelled Vehicles?

Self-propelled vehicles that have been bought and re-sold are considered used. This is true even if the vehicle is just days old. These vehicles include buses, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, automobiles, and motor homes. But, the AES filing requirement does not apply to dealer-to-dealer transactions when the vehicle is new.

How the Filing Works

For U. S. exporters, the regulation makes the export process a bit more complicated than before. They will have to file EEI and report to the U. S. Census through AES to offer information such as the vehicle, shipper, and consignee.

AES filing should be handled by a U. S. domiciled company. They can be done by a customs broker, freight manager, or United States Principal Party in Interest. Thus, you need to let a resident of the U. S. handle AES filings for an International Transaction Number (ITN). You can streamline the process if you prefer to get a Clearit itn number. The number is your proof of filing and must be included in your bills of lading and the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction. You or your broker must provide the ITN on the Vehicle Export Cover Sheet to U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to file 72-hour notice. For your vehicle to legally exit the U. S. Border for export, you need to be able to present proof of ownership of the vehicle and export documents with a valid ITN/AES number at the point of crossing 72 hours prior.

What Happens if You Don’t Comply with the Requirements?

Costly penalties await those who fail to meet the requirements. Violators may be charged up to $10, 000 USD for non-compliance per violation by CBP. Such penalties may be imposed if you fail to file export information in AES, fail to file on time, file false or misleading information, and violated other Foreign Trade Regulations. Compliance with these requirements and regulations is important to avoid having your vehicle held up at the border. Experienced customs brokers can handle AES filings on your behalf and provide full and partial AES filing services for both individual and commercial importers.