Several government agencies, including those overseeing the import car to Canada process, regulate this intricate procedure, making it potentially challenging, especially for non-professionals.

Whether you are importing a car to Canada or a recreational vehicle from the United States into Canada, we are at your disposal. With our assistance, you can smoothly navigate the process, preventing entry refusals, border delays, and potential penalties with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Canada Car Shipping: The Breakdown

Our responsibility is to inform you of the import requirements and what you should expect to pay when importing a car to Canada. While we’ve tried to cover the whole process here, feel free to contact our car importers if you have any questions, need assistance, or just want to chat about anything related to importing a car to Canada.

Our customer support team is here for you. Call us today for assistance and a seamless experience in importing your dream car.

Vehicle Admissibility

In the Canada car shipping checklist, the first and most crucial step is to determine if your vehicle aligns with the regulations for importing cars to Canada. The country maintains stringent safety standards that must be adhered to for successful imports. However, no need to worry – as professional Canada car shipping company, we are well-versed in the intricacies of these regulations.

An image of a man and woman sitting at a table, with a car visible behind them

CBSA works closely with Transport Canada to ensure that all vehicles imported into Canada, including those for import car to Canada, meet safety standards and comply with applicable import regulations. We will ensure that your vehicle will be accepted into Canada before shipment to avoid a denial of entry and storage and disposal fees.

Although the CBSA and Transport Canada prohibit the importation of vehicles not designed for sale in Canada or the United States, there are circumstances under which vehicles designed for other foreign markets can be privately imported. These include:

  • Where it is 15 years old or more.

  • If it is a bus manufactured before January 1, 1971.

  • When it is not of a regulated class (e.g., mobile homes designed to tow or motorcycle sidecars).

  • If it is a returning Canadian vehicle being re-imported into Canada (You will need evidence to prove this)

  • If it is a returning U.S. compliant vehicle originally owned in the U.S.

Vehicles Less than 15 Years Old

Except for vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States, Transport Canada prohibits the importation of foreign cars that are less than 15 years old. Although vehicles manufactured in the U.S. may be eligible for import car to Canada, there are strict regulations governing their importation. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) clarifies the admissibility of U.S. manufactured vehicles. RIV administers the regulations for the importation of U.S. vehicles into Canada.

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WHAT ABOUT MODIFICATIONS?

Although U.S. manufactured vehicles can be imported into Canada, modifications may be required to meet RIV requirements. Importing a car to Canada can be a complex process, and modifications can be expensive. Therefore, we strongly recommend that before shipping your vehicle to Canada, you get help from an experienced Canada car importer to verify whether it can be imported and understand what modifications may be needed.

Explore the Vehicle Import Compatibility (Admissibility) list of U.S. vehicles assessed to be admissible into Canada under the RIV program.

Vehicles over 15 Years Old

Vehicles older than 15 years may qualify for exemption from the RIV program if the importer can satisfactorily prove the age of the vehicle, for example, by providing a copy of the vehicle license document (V5). In some cases, vehicles older than 15 years may be permitted entry into Canada. However, there are rules governing registration that should be considered.

Registration requirements differ in each province, so it is best to work with the best car shipping company in Canada.

What We Can Do For You

We offer the following for auto import to Canada:

  • AES filing worksheet before giving the notice

  • U.S. Customs 72 hour Export Prior Notice Title Submission service
  • Any needed recall clearance letter for your vehicle

  • Preparation of mandatory licensing
  • Delivery of your documents to Customs for getting pre-clearance

  • Presenting your vehicle for inspection and remitting various fees and taxes to Customs
  • Undertake any modifications(if needed)

  • Canada Customs Brokerage Release and Entry Service

  • Safe and insured transportation of your car into Canada
  • Preparation, Submission, and Processing of Canada RIV(Registrar of Imported Vehicles) Form

  • Comprehensive Auto Export/Import Consultation and Document services

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Documentation Services We Offer

You will be glad to know that Border 123 make the process of import easy and stress free by taking the responsibility of preparing the required documents for the importer. We make it simple.

For importing a car to Canada, we offer the following documentation services:

  • Form 1

  • AES filing

  • Assistance with Provincial Inspection facilities

  • Transportation

  • Border Clearance with our team of experts.

To learn more or to get assistance in auto-import to Canada, call Border 123. We are a licensed Canada car importer, who can handle your next vehicle import and make it as simple as possible for you. Call now and get a free quote!