Crossing US/Canadian Border
I live in Washington State and am considering buying an old style C&P press in Canada. It will need a fair amount of TLC to get it operational again. It is possible that I could use it for parts to get another C&P press I already have. I am wondering if anyone has brought a press across the border and is there any advice that might make it go smoothly? Thanks P.S.- I talked to one border agent who wasn’t sure if I could bring it across or if I would have to have an importer do it. Any input appreciated.
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I’m not an expert in this area, but I have transported letterpress equipment across this border twice - both times without problems.
You absolutely must have a signed Bill of Sale which establishes your ownership of the equipment. The total value of the equipment you are bringing in must be under a certain amount. Over that amount automatically triggers the involvement of a Customs Broker. (When I last checked this amount was $2,000. It would be best to doublecheck this.)
You must also be able to demonstrate that it was made in the United States (otherwise it would be subject to duty). “Cleveland, Ohio” cast into the frame might be enough :-) But it wouldn’t hurt to have an illustrated reference book so that you should show the officer what this strange machine was used for.
You should also have a way to show that you are bringing this equipment into the US for your own personal, noncommercial use. If your use is commercial or if you were to bring it in as a dealer to resell it, you’d be under different rules.
You should check to make sure that your vehicle/driving insurance is valid in Canada. If you’re renting a truck, check to make sure that its insurance is valid in Canada. If renting a truck, it would be best to check with the Ministry of Transport in Canada to verify the rules under which you may drive the truck without falling into commercial operating rules (e.g., log-keeping, etc.) When I rented a truck for this back around 2011, given the size truck I was renting it was enough that everything I was carrying was my own personal property.
Finally, try to pick the smallest border crossing you can. At the big ones, the officers are overworked and misunderstandings can happen. At the small border crossings I’ve gone through, the officers were always really nice about everything - thorough, of course, but pleasant and professional.
Regards,
David M.
www.CircuitousRoot.com
As I recall, if it is an old style C&P, that means it was made in or before 1911, which makes it 100+ years old. So, in addition to what David said above,if you tell the border people it is a 100+ year old antique, I would be surprised if you have any trouble. You can download and print out the serial number list as proof….it is readily available if you Google it. The serial number is stamped in the upper part of the bed of the press.
I have lived in the US many years and now live in Canada, and have crossed the border many times.
Southbound, you might have a problem with the flood of U.S. citizen refugees heading North …. or was that fake news?. We hear the strangest things here in the UK!. Moving to Scotland myself …. with me press of course and all the necessary accents!
Southbound, you might have a problem with the flood of U.S. citizen refugees heading North …. or was that fake news?. We hear the strangest things here in the UK!. Moving to Scotland myself …. with me press of course and all the necessary accents!
The magic word is “hobby”. A few years ago I brought Jim Rimmer’s type saw back to Washington and the border agent was plenty confused about what I had, knowing nothing about type or letterpress. As I was trying to describe what I was going to do with it, the agent started to get a glimmer and asked if this were for a hobby. As soon as I said yes, he waved us through.
As Geoffrey recommended, it won’t hurt to say it’s old and I’d add inoperable. They’re really a lot more interested in fresh fruit, weapons, drugs, and commercial sales.