Importing a Japanese Car into Manitoba: Step-by-Step Process with Timeline

1. Import & Payment (End of August): Imported the car and completed the associated payment.

2. Receive BOL (End of September): Obtained the necessary BOL documentation three days after shipping.

3. Document Forwarding (October 18): Sent the Arrival notice, pickup instructions, and in bond, which were received from the port agency (WWS), to the shipping agency (Monte Ship).

4. Verify Steamship Release (October 18): Confirmed the receipt of the Steamship release from the shipping agency to the port agency via phone.

5. Prepare Documents (October 18): Got the BOL, Export certification (in English and Japanese), Invoice, and 2 copies of In bond ready.

6. Tax Office Visit (October 18): Visited the tax office and filled out Form 1 with guidance provided on-site.

7. Tax Payment (October 18): Submitted all documents and paid the due tax.

8. Receive In bond Stamp (October 18): Obtained the release stamp on the in bond after the tax payment.

9. Send Documents to Port Agency (October 18): Forwarded the stamped in bond to the port agency and e-transferred the Terminal fee of $225 to WWS.

10. Temporary Plate Generation (Planned for October 19): Will communicate with Autopac over the phone. Designated Autopac as the representative to interact with MPI on my behalf.

11. Request Pickup Schedule (October 18): Requested the final car pickup schedule from the port agency.

12. Confirm Pickup Date (October 18): Received an email confirming the pickup date for October 20.

13. Arrange Towing (October 18): Since direct pickup is not possible, arranged for a towing company to get a quote to tow to the nearest gas station from the port.

Note: The vehicle arrived in Vancouver on the evening of October 17. The process is straightforward and not as complicated as one might think.