Importing a vehicle from the US

If you’re thinking of buying your next vehicle south of the border, you’ll have to know how to navigate the forms, taxes, fees and any mandatory modifications. Here’s how to make sure it’s done right.

Importing a vehicle into Canada can be complicated. But if you’re willing to spend the time and cover your expenses, you could wheel your own vehicle up from the U.S. That’s true for cars, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers, snowmobiles and ATVs. 

Before you import

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), Transport Canada and the Registrar of Imported Vehicles have requirements that must be met before allowing a vehicle to be imported from the U.S. The process may seem long and detailed, but it’s doable:

• Find out if your vehicle is exempt from regulations. Only vehicles less than 15 years old have to be registered with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) to be imported. But that’s the date it was manufactured, not the model year. Look for the manufacturer’s compliance label (usually found near the doorframe) or call the manufacturer for a letter proving the age of the vehicle.

• Make sure your vehicle is admissible for import. Transport Canada regularly updates its List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States. These are vehicles that can be modified to meet Canadian regulations, which can include things like daytime running lights and French labels for airbags. A full list of required modifications will be issued by the RIV once you bring your car into Canada.

• Get a recall clearance letter. Call the manufacturer or an authorized dealer to obtain recall clearance to prove that the model is not subject to any recalls in Canada. The vehicle must be modified before entering Canada, backed with paperwork and receipts.

• Gather all your documentation. This includes title, registration, sales receipts, recall clearance and proof of the vehicle’s age.

• Notify U.S. Customs. For U.S. export purposes, you have to submit all required paperwork to U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before you plan to cross the border. Check their website for more information.

• Arrange for insurance. The RIV recommends that you arrange this before crossing the border.

• Check with your province. Each province regulates its own emissions and safety requirements, so you may have to make more modifications once you get your vehicle home.

Driving into Canada

When you bring your vehicle across the border to Canada,  you will be asked to present your documentation and go through a vehicle check (including the Vehicle Identification Number [VIN] and compliance label) by the CBSA.

You will be asked to complete Vehicle Import Form — Form 1, available at crossing. Keep this form in the car until it is registered.

You’ll also be hit with a RIV fee of $195 plus tax at the border. 

Once in Canada, you’ll need to go through inspections and, perhaps, make modifications.

• Inspection Form. The RIV will issue an inspection form that outlines all the modifications that must be made within 45 days. You can use your own mechanic, but keep receipts for parts and labour.

• Federal inspection. RIV has contracted Canadian Tire to perform federal inspections on imported vehicles. Once passed, your forms will be stamped and you’ll receive a Canadian Certificate label for your vehicle in about one week. If your vehicle cannot pass an inspection within 45 days it must be returned to the U.S.

• Provincial inspection. Once you pass a federal inspection, you can apply for provincial or territorial licencing, and possibly more testing.

Need help?
More resources are available on these websites for detailed information on importing a vehicle to Canada: 

• Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
• Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) 
• Transport Canada
   

Don’t forget to check out all the helpful safety tips.

Did you like this article? Check out Driving outside Canada? Acquaint yourself with foreign laws.

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