New Import Rule Change - Another scam to stop the import?

[mich308]

Couldn't legal action be taken, if Japan says it's completely safe, and has documented this? If they are failing all (or most) of the cars, then we could prove that it's unfair. This seems to be something that could/should be taken to court. We have enough proof that they are being unfair, plus they must prove that the vehicle is to dirty to be let in. So, they have to give lab samples.

[Green1]

Many options are being investigated, I would recommend you join the discussion at IVOAC to learn more and see what is being done.

[mich308]

I already have.

[Jester]

well, if the facts above are accurate, I'd say it's time to hit up a few newspapers and TV stations.
I'd suggest dealers who are affected should get together and try to get this to the media.
ESPECIALLY if new cars are getting through and JDMs are not.
because it sure sounds like the local dealer mafia is tossing sand in our little gears...
can't see any other reason why they'd target JUST the JDMs.

[mich308]

Keep looking at the IVOAC forum for this topic, it looks like there maybe ways around this.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Whomever is doing this is really not thinking it out. Not long ago there was this issue of "right hand drive" being a bane on society and that they should be banned. Then someone realised that if they did that it would screw up the postal system amongst others.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Somewhere down the line this is going to backfire into the faces of the ones that started this, usually via a domino effect, so we ought to be hearing about it.

Maybe it is a time for us to really learn what our rights are as Canadians. You know ~ read up on the BNA Act, the Constitution Of Canada, the Canadian Bill Of Rights that Diefenbaker put through and the Canadian Charter Of Rights & Freedoms.that Trudeau put through. In history when groups of people have been isolated & persecuted by any society it has ended up in tears. Take Germany after the "Great War to end all wars" ~ completely shunned by the rest of the world and what became of that, I ask you?

Falco.

[konadog]

Geez, when deciding to get a delica I had concerns about parts availability, proximity of a good mechanic, getting used to the rhd, etc., but NEVER considered being "isolated and persecuted" - what the heck?! Maybe we need to organise a JDM "Pride parade"

[The Pinkfingers]

Hey, I love my Delica as much as the next, but part of me thinks, "If only we would get this worked up about poverty or world hunger..."

I'm not belittling the RHD issue at all, I'm just making a social justice comment.

[fishslapper]

From what I know the general rule for CBSA inspections for dirt is that there has to be more than 1/2 a cup on the vehicle as a whole. All soil or dirt from overseas is a major issue always. They just considere it contaminated, sample or not. I haven't heard of any specific targets but I know that when used equipment gets turned away at a land crossing it gets sent back to the US. A few years ago there were stations in Canada that they could take them to for pressure washing but they axed them as a possibility within a few months. If they find dirt it gets sent back, no other options. The letter in the first post was from Calgary, was this a situation of something not arriving from a ship? Maybe shipping clearance is different from somewhere on land and they're making a mistake that an be corrected.

[Todd64]

We have to get our cars sprayed down when leaving Newfoundland...but not leaving Nova Scotia for Newfoundland. Apparently because of contaminated soil. The whole spray thing is a total joke. Point here is maybe we should ban all cars/trucks/vans.

[Green1]

UPDATE: the thread at IVOAC has moved, the official thread is now located here

[JMK]

Whoa guys!

Let's back off a little here and take a deep breath.

First of all, Green1, are all these containers that have been turned back known as fact, or heresay? Where did you get this information you are presenting, please qualify it if possible.

Where were they turned back?

That letter originates in Calgary from the CBSA. (And you may wish to note, Celine Bourgoin is a secondary superintendent with the CBSA).

Mdrive, the news that you have stopped your shipments is being rejoiced by your competitors!

My understanding is that while it may be best to avoid shipping your container of cars through to Calgary on a 'Through Bill Of Lading', it is business as usual for Vancouver. Here is what the CBSA has released:

Importation of Offshore Vehicles and Goods...
Categories:

CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY - OTHER
Article
20 June 2008

Importation of Offshore Vehicles and Goods That May Contain Contaminated Soil

CBSA in Calgary has issued a notice indicating that goods such as used vehicles, equipment, machinery, etc. contaminated with foreign soil will be refused entry. This notice is found on the CSCB web site, at:

http://www.cscb.ca/listinfo/cbsacalgarynotice.pdf

CBSA Headquarters has clarified that there is no change in the national policy regarding requirements for used vehicles, equipment, etc to be free from any soil contamination upon arrival in Canada. In rare cases soiled goods may be allowed to be cleaned. However, Calgary is operationally unable to administer the cleaning provision of the policy without the risk of introducing soil contamination into the environment and has issued the notification to let all importers and exporters know that soiled goods entering via Calgary will be refused entry. On the other hand, there are absolutely no concerns with vehicles, equipment, etc which are found to be clean on arrival.

Questions can be directed to the CSCB at cscb@cscb.ca

[Green1]

Discussions with Celine in Calgary have contradicted that official message, she stated on the phone with one of the IVOAC committee members that this was intended to stop all 15 year imports.

mdrive is not the only importer who has stopped shipping to see how this plays out, many others have followed suit, at the moment anyone importing a vehicle after the 30th is doing so at their own substantial risk.

So far Calgary is originating this, however other cities have stated their intention to follow the same course.

As of yet, no containers have been turned back (as per the letter that won't start until the 30th) however many more than normal are failing inspection both in BC and Alberta (in Calgary it appears to be 100%) and requiring cleaning, an option that will no longer be available 10 days from now.

[JMK]

Note the following:

However, Calgary is operationally unable to administer the cleaning provision of the policy without the risk of introducing soil contamination into the environment and has issued the notification to let all importers and exporters know that soiled goods entering via Calgary will be refused entry. On the other hand, there are absolutely no concerns with vehicles, equipment, etc which are found to be clean on arrival.

Makes it sound like Calgary is the problem spot, and I find it hard to believe that many containers have already been turned back.

many more than normal are failing inspection both in BC and Alberta (in Calgary it appears to be 100%) and requiring cleaning, an option that will no longer be available 10 days from now.

The note as posted by CBSA today clearly states it is Calgary that is unable to clean vehicles, not Vancouver.

Again, Green1, in view of the fact that you previously took me to task in the JDM thread as propagating information 'known' to be false and perpetuating a 'personal vendetta', I think you would have the greatest desire to qualify the information that you have posted here in the interest of fair play, or I may be tempted to accuse you of the same. So I'll look forward to some of this information being qualified if possible please, so we will know it is not speculative hearsay.

[Green1]

The information is from importers and from committee members of IVOAC. including people who have talked directly with the person who wrote the memo.

Nowhere in the memo does it state that this applies only to Calgary. CBSA has confirmed that the memo is being sent to other cities as well and that it is up to each of them as to whether they wish to follow it or not.

If you don't believe me, that's not my problem. please see the IVOAC thread for more information.

Be aware that there is also a LOT going on in the background at IVOAC to try to deal with this.