by: Robert C.C. Lamb
It is not difficult to import a new car into Canada by yourself. In the process you should save yourself a fair chunk of money. The steps are fairly simple and straightforward. It simply comes down to following the rules as laid down by the Canadian government agency – the Riv, which is the (Canadian Registrar of Foreign Motor Vehicles). The Riv publishes a list of “Motor Vehicles Admissible from the United States”. Follow this list, and in addition ensure that you have completed any additional requirements from your local Canadian province or territory (For example Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut). It’s no more complex than this procedure. It should be noted that to import a new car without the use of a professional auto import broker is relatively easy and straightforward. If you have a more exotic or challenging case then you may wish the services of an established, professional automotive broker and / or importer.
If you are importing a used car, then it may not be as simple a matter of importing a new car, where everything is relatively new and standards and procedure have all been set and established by the government agencies. In such a case as well you should consider the services of a broker. In the end it may be an easier and less expensive route.
The main webpage of the Registrar can be found at the website: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
The specific list of vehicles admissible to Canada can be found at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impusae.htm
The list is available in simpler html format at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/menu.htm
And a more elaborate html format at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/menu.htm
Basically the list is composed of a few columns. Admissible vehicles, inadmissible vehicles and a column for “notes”. Simply put ensure that your vehicle that you wish to purchase and import is listed in the “admissible” section , not listed ( pay special and specific attention to year of manufacture) in the “inadmissible section” and lastly that there are no special notes referring to your vehicle of choice, in the area marked “notes”. If you are unsure or need clarification, it is always better in these situations to be safe rather than sorry. Call or email the registrar to confirm and clarify. A car stranded on the “other side” of the border is of no use to you. You will be left with no car to drive in Canada and a car that must be sold to a person residing in the United States. In such a case you will to go through the trouble and expense of having to sell the car to a willing American buyer – perhaps for ease of sale sold on eBay. Again the key is to do your homework as well as taking the time to check and verify. By doing so you should be able to easily import your new car, at less cost than you would pay otherwise, with little trouble and fuss.
If your vehicle that you plan to import into Canada is less than 15 years of age you will have to find out if it qualifies for importation under Transport Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The RIV’s program is set up to ensure that qualifying models imported into Canada are modified , inspected and certified to meet Canadian standards, You can most easily visit the Riv site online at http://www.riv.ca/. Alternatively you can phone the toll free number, email or snail mail.
The key question to have answered on the Riv site or in direct communication with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles that your car, truck or S.U.V. is admissible for importation into Canada according to the gold standard - “Transport Canada’s List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States. Next it is essential totally that your vehicle is NOT on the Inadmissible List. This Transport Canada list is your bible for importation of your vehicle into Canada without a broker. Lastly ensure in the third column marked “notes” that there are no overriding further restriction in regards to your vehicle and that any modifications noted and insisted on in the column can be completed as well as accomplished within a cost factor within your choice and budget.
Assuming that you have accomplished all the above. Before your vehicle can leave the United Sates it must be cleared for export by U.S. Customs. Fax the bill of sale, title and relevant documents to the appropriate U.S. Customs office at least 72 hours prior to your arrival at U.S. / Canadian Border.
Your next process will be to clear Canadian authorities. Again if you have prepared the proper documentation – Bill of Sale , title , clearance letter from the U.S. Customs office and a recall clearance letter on official letterhead from the dealer or manufacturer of the vehicle stating that all recalls have been performed on the vehicle. You will be asked to pay approx $ 300 Riv fees at that time, GST (General Sales Tax) on the price of the vehicle. If your vehicle was manufactured in the NAFTA (North America Free Trade) areas of the United States, Canada or Mexico you will not pay additional import duties and taxes on the vehicle, which are generally about 6 %. Depending on your geography and jurisdiction you may or may not have to pay provincial sales tax at the time point or later when the car is registered and licensed. Lastly if your car has air conditioning installed you will be asked to pay an excise fee of $ 100.
You can now cross the border. You are almost home free. Riv has appointed the national automotive chain Canadian Tire to conduct the final inspection of your vehicle and perform any modifications required. The fee of inspection is included in the Riv fee at the border. Any modifications or work necessary is at your expense. In the case of some luxury brands inspection, modification and certification can only be done at factory authorized retailer. You can only be given the essential recall clearance letter until this authorized dealership route is completed.
The Riv has appointed the national automotive chain Canadian Tire to conduct the final inspection of your vehicle and perform any modifications required. The fee of inspection is included in the Riv fee at the border. Any modifications or work necessary is at your expense. In the case of some luxury brands inspection, modification and certification can only be done at factory authorized retailer. You can only be given the essential recall clearance letter until this authorized dealership route is completed.
You are now cleared, almost at the successful completion of importing your new car into Canada, without a broker. The final step is to register and license your new vehicle in your local provincial or territorial area. You have imported your new vehicle – all without a professional import car broker. It is all a process, which is carefully outlined. Follow the steps. If you are unsure – call or email. In the process you will have your new vehicle and saved a lot of your hard earned money.
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