Importing a van with spare parts

[steepcreeker]

Hey there,

Looking for someone to clear up the rumor that the vehicles can't have spare parts, such as filters, winter tires, unattached ladders, or roof racks when they arrive at the Vancouver dock. Is this true, or can we import stuff in the van?

Thanks

[after oil]

i have heard that it is not uncommon for stuff to disappear from inside vehicles that are RORO

[loki]

mine had roof racks, basket, extra captains chairs and a spare rear carpet. I'm not 100% that it was shipped like that but I'm pretty sure.

[Green1]

It is perfectly legal to bring in anything you want inside the vehicle, or if container shipping you can bring in anything you want in or packed around the vehicle, provided of course that you declare the parts at customs.

From the stand point of things going missing... in container shipping stuff rarely ever vanishes, however in roll on- roll off shipping it is not uncommon for things to vanish, as long as some dock-worker or sailor thinks that they can sell it there's a chance it will vanish.

If planning to bring anything fancy/expensive over I would recommend container shipping.

[William]

RO/RO shipping does not allow for inner cargo. They changed their policies a few years back now. If it's in container then no problem stuffing it to the roof with spare parts as long as someone can still get it and drive.

[dah_hunter]

RO/RO shipping does not allow for inner cargo. They changed their policies a few years back now. If it's in container then no problem stuffing it to the roof with spare parts as long as someone can still get it and drive.

X 2

[Brave Auto International]

With Ro/Ro you can get away with smaller stuff inside the vehicle. If it is a car and you have a set of spare suspension placed in the boot you will be OK. If it is a Spacegear and you have a spare set of rims at the back….. you will be ok.

But… if you want to help avoid lite fingered port workers then it is best to list the parts on the BOL. However….. if you do that then the shipping line will want them removed before loading so it is kind of a catch 22.

Via container…… you can put whatever you want in there but you must list it on the BOL. If it is small parts like a few filters then you do not have to…… you are meant to but most do not. If it is a spare set of wheels or a ladder then yes…. must list it on the BOL. Customs may decide to x-ray the container (random) and if they can spot something they will want an invoice for customs clearance plus you will get a wrap over the nackels. This will also delay the clearance of the container.

Please note - Spare Wheels - if the tyres are used you must remove them from the rims and dispose of them in Japan. If you import a spare set of rims with used tyres….. customs will remove them and destroy them. Customs will count the number of vehicles and the number of wheels in the container via x-ray and they can tell if the rims have tyres mounted. If there are three vehicles in the container and more than 15 rims (either mounted to the vehicles or on the ground) they will start to ask questions. At this point, because there are more than 15 wheels they will now want to look inside the container. So….if you have a spare set of wheels with "new" tyres fitted….. list them on the BOL (4 x Spare Rims with New Tyres) and also supply an invoice for customs highlighting "new" tyres. This way….. you will find customs will not be too interested in looking in side. If you try and cover up or forget to mention something then customs will not believe you whatever you say from there on.
Customs keep a record of the importer as well as the exporter…… if you have a bad track record…… they will pick on you all the time so it is best to get it right first time around for future clear sailing.

Cheers

MB..