First off, I'm not sure this is the right section but I've seen import related threads in the 3rd gen section before so it should be alright.
Second- sorry for posting so many new threads lately!

Here's the deal - I'm sending my engine from Canada to the US to get built. The whole shipping process has been a gong-show but I think it is almost sorted out. The last thing is to set up a US account for this shipment with my customs broker. In order to do that, they require all the necessary customs forms. Which I have - except there is a kink with one.

They need a valid EPA form where I meet the criteria of one of the codes. Using some codes will also require an EPA letter of approval along with the EPA form itself. I'm trying to avoid this because who knows how long it will take. The form is EPA import form 3520-1, linked here: http://www.epa.gov/oms/imports/documents/3520-1.pdf.

I'm going for code EE which is basically a Canadian identical model. (Note that it is just the 13B-REW engine that is being shipped. It states that a valid registration is sufficient proof that my car is on the EPA's list of Identical Canadian Models (which all Canadian registered cars from 1988-1995 are). Proof here: http://www.epa.gov/oms/imports/canadian.htm. However, my customs broker is rather insistent that I get a written letter on company letter head from the US manufacturers representative that this engine (short block only) is identical. This seems like a rather daunting task for me. So I pointed out that it clearly states that a valid vehicle registration is sufficient proof, and I was told they could accept that for now but later *may* require the letter from the US manufacturers rep.

So I know that there are people who have imported engines into the states before, even some from more distant countries than Canada, so I'm just wondering, how did you go about this? Did you get the EPA letter of approval or did you get the signed Mazda letterhead from the rep? Should I expect them to request this or not? OR, did you even need to fill out EPA forms at all? It seems odd that I would. YES it's an engine, but it will never ever be run, or even have the capability of running for the week or so that it's in the country.

If someone could shed a little light that would be great as my customs broker doesn't seem to want to look into alternatives to this signed letterhead or EPA letter of approval and I am not very familiar on import/customs processes.

 

Save yourself the hassle and send your engine to Adam at rx7 specialists in Calgary. He does great work.

 

Contact Mazda customer service. Tell them your VIN and explain what you are trying to do. They will probably send you a letter with no hassle to you. This kind of thing happens all the time, albeit for complete car movement to/from Canada.

 

If I were doing it locally I would probably go with Conroy because I've seen his work and we are in contact fairly regularly. However, at this point, I would not even consider backing out of a deal with the current builder. I have quite a few parts ordered through them already and it's already been paid for. Not to mention that they have been exceptionally patient with this whole shipping ordeal.


They actually have this right on their website: http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/...p_exp_form.pdf
Here's the problem:
As an update, I think everything is going okay with the registration only. I contacted the shipping company and my pallet was loaded onto a trailer which will be crossing the border today and is currently in transit. Once it crosses the border, the return to Canada should be hassle free.
Fingers crossed

 

you got by with the epa form using code ee? did you get your engine back yet?

 

Yes, I used code EE I believe and provided a photocopy of the registration.
And yes I got the engine back. Where would you be shipping your engine from? If you PM me I can give you some more details.