2005 North American Solar Challenge
Customs Issues

CARGO

At any border crossing there is always the possibility that the customs agenst will need to inspect all of your cargo. Please be prepared for this.

CANADA

For the border crossing into Canada, each of your vehicles that carry equipment beyond personal luggage will need to carry an itemized equipment list. A copy of the list must be with the vehicle for the border crossing.

The list does not need to itemize every wrench in a tool box, but every tool box needs to be listed. Include serial numbers whenever possible for electronics and high value items.

If you would like to submit a copy early, you may, but you still need to bring a printed copy with you.

USA

TEAMS FROM USA
We recommend that you have every vehicle that is carrying more than personal belongings stop at the US border office PRIOR to entering Canada. This office is on the left side of the road immediately before the Canada port buildings.

You will need to bring a 4455 form (CBP Form 4455 - Certificate of Registration) and an attached itemized list of the cargo (copy of same list as above for Canada Customs). A border agent will complete the 4455 form with you for temporary exporting the equipment. On the form, under "ARTICLES EXPORTED FOR:" select "USE ABROAD". When you re-enter the US, you will need to present this paperwork along with your equipment.

If you don't stop at the US border office, you run the risk of being charged fees for your equipment when you re-enter the US.

We will be giving each team a letter to carry that explains the event and that when the team leaves the US it will be in raycing configuration, but that the team will be in transport mode when it returns. This may help with the re-entry process, but it does not guarantee that you will not have any problems.

When you return to the US, you may want to have all of your vehicles that carry equipment cross together.

TEAMS FROM CANADA
You will need to follow your normal procedure at the US side of the border (some teams have carnets and need to clear paperwork on the US side and then on the Canadian side).

We will be giving each team a letter to carry that explains the event and that when the team leaves the US it will be in raycing configuration, but that the team entered in transport configuration. This may help with the process, but it does not guarantee that you will not have any problems.