How do I bring my car to Canada?

Bringing a car to Canada involves 8 key steps: 1) Verify vehicle eligibility for importation. 2) Obtain an Automated Export System/Internal Transaction Number (AES/ITN). 3) Ensure the vehicle meets all safety requirements. 4) Comply with other government agency regulations. 5) Complete AES Filing with U.S. Customs. 6) Prepare import documentation. 7) Prepare for a vehicle inspection. 8) Pay the necessary duties and taxes.

Importing a car into Canada is a process that involves several critical steps to ensure compliance with regulations. This includes verifying if your vehicle is eligible for importation, obtaining an AES/ITN, ensuring the car meets all Canadian safety and government agency requirements, completing an AES Filing with U.S. Customs, preparing your import documentation, getting your vehicle ready for inspection, and finally, paying the required duties and taxes. Each step is integral to a successful import and demands careful attention to detail.

Eligibility Criteria for Vehicle Importation

Before considering the importation of a vehicle into Canada, it’s pivotal to ensure that it meets the regulatory standards set by the Canadian government. Importantly, these regulations are administered and enforced primarily by two government bodies: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). The former is responsible for assessing and collecting the necessary duties and taxes, whereas the latter specifically handles the import process and ensures vehicles conform to Canadian safety and emission requirements.

Topping the checklist for vehicle eligibility, the critical factor is the vehicle’s country of origin. Under normal circumstances, cars manufactured specifically for the U.S. market are eligible for importation into Canada, provided they are not on the list of inadmissible vehicles. However, exceptions exist for vehicles from other parts of the world, particularly those that do not conform to the North American vehicle safety standards. Furthermore, it’s pertinent to note that certain classes of vehicles, such as buses, trailers, or off-road vehicles, are governed by specific regulations and may have different eligibility criteria. Potential importers can leverage the comprehensive guide provided on the RIV’s website to navigate through these intricacies.

Preparing Necessary Documentation for Car Importation

When bringing a foreign car into Canada, thoroughly preparing the necessary documents is a vital step in the process. This includes obtaining and completing Form 1 – Vehicle Import Form from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). This form requires detailed information about the vehicle you intend to import, such as the make, model, VIN, current mileage and country of current registration. It is vital that you provide accurate information to avoid any complications during the importation process.

In addition to Form 1, prepare documents proving you are the legitimate owner of the car, known typically as a title document in the United States. Be prepared with proof of insurance and registration from the country of origin and the bill of sale if you have recently purchased the vehicle. An original or a copy of your Recall Clearance Letter, which confirms any recalls have been addressed, is also required. Honesty in providing accurate and prompt information can significantly speed up the importation process.

Frequently Asked Questions