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The vanlife => Van Conversion => Topic started by: Taydan on February 19, 2018, 08:50:27 AM

Title: Shipping a van from Germany to Canada
Post by: Taydan on February 19, 2018, 08:50:27 AM
Hey Van Lifer's.

So I was planning on buying a sprinter here in germany, converting her into a beautiful living space and then shipping her to Canada to stay forever. I read that unless the vehicle is over 15 years old (which it will be) then there shouldn't be a issue. The law states that a vehicle younger than 15 years cannot stay there permanently unless it complies with their building specs (which it does not). However, I have just read that vehicles cannot be imported if converted from a cargo van to a camper van. The problem is that there is no clear writing stating if this applies if the vehicle is older than 15 years.

Has anyone else had this problem?

I urgently need some help with this so any knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

I have looked at westfaliadigitalnomads.com, who go into detail about shipping their camper, but their vehicle was originally a camper from what I can tell so the rules would not have applied to them.

Happy Camping

Dan x
Title: Re: Shipping a van from Germany to Canada
Post by: Roman on February 19, 2018, 10:32:22 AM
Hi,
My experience of taking my self-build sprinter (which was already registered in the UK as a motorhome) I wished to register it in Germany (6years ago). I needed a certificate of conformity from a Marc dealership (approx €100) then a TUF German M.O.T. & off to the government department to register it as a German motorhome.
Now if wish to take back to U.K. & I need the certificate of conformity so the U.K.'s DVLA will let me register it back from where it came!
P.S.
I'll obtain a temporary insurance cover from a German insurance broker & @ the said German government department obtain export papers.
I'm not sure if any of this is applicable where Canada is concerned!
Good luck
Title: Re: Shipping a van from Germany to Canada
Post by: Taydan on February 19, 2018, 10:45:21 AM
Thanks Roman. Just to clarify though, my problem specific to importing into canada, and conforming with their MVSA (motor vehicle safety act)