For Canadian residents, read about the importing process if you are a Canadian buying a foreign vehicle to bring to Canada, moving to Canada from another country and bringing a vehicle to Canada with you, or returning to Canada with a vehicle purchased outside Canada. In the world, Canada has some of the most detailed and strictly enforced vehicle import rules. To prepare helps one avoid fines, delays and refusal of entry.
Whether you are coming from the US, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere, knowing the rules for importing a car into Canada will make the process easier, faster, and more reliable for you. This article is meant as a guide that all Canadians should follow when importing a car, with information about regulations, customs, paperwork and taxes. We’ll also explain how a trusted source like ShippingCars.org can help ease the process.
Who Can Import a Vehicle Into Canada?
Canadian residents, temporary residents, returning citizens, Canadian businesses, and certain foreign workers may also import vehicles. For this group the rules differ somewhat, and relate to:
- Vehicle age
- Safety compliance
- Emissions standards
- Ownership documentation
- Transport method
Understanding of these requirements can also help you find out whether your car is already eligible.
Key Importing Regulations for Canadian Residents
Several Canadian agencies have regulations for vehicles from other countries.
- Transport Canada
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
Each is involved in verifying safety, compliance, and environmental standards.
The following are the main regulations that Canadians must adhere to when importing a vehicle.
Vehicle Eligibility and the 15-Year Rule
One of the best-known import laws in Canada is the 15-year rule which states:
✔ Vehicles 15 years old or older
can be imported without meeting modern Canadian safety standards.
✔ Vehicles younger than 15 years
must conform with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
Why this rule exists:
It protects consumers from unsafe, unregulated, or incompatible models.
Special exceptions apply for:
- Military relocations
- Temporary foreign workers
- Vehicles temporarily imported for events
- Special-purpose vehicles (construction, farming, etc.)
To begin the auto transport process, ShippingCars.org recommends checking vehicle eligibility.
Import Regulations for Cars From the United States
The U.S. has been the primary source for vehicle imports into Canada, which is relatively straightforward if the correct regulations are followed.
Requirements include:
Vehicle must appear on Transport Canada’s RIV admissibility list
- Valid U.S. title
- EPA emissions compliance
- Recall clearance letter
- ITN/AES export filing (U.S. requirement)
- 72-hour notice to U.S. Customs before export
- RIV fee payment upon entering Canada
Additional charges may include:
- GST/HST
- Duty (if vehicle wasn’t manufactured in North America)
- Air conditioning excise tax
- Green levy (for high-emission vehicles)
People who do not document correctly may experience delays or denials to enter.
Importing From Overseas Countries
Cars imported from Europe, Asia, or South America undergo a long process. Residents of Canada must:
- The vehicle meets CMVSS if under 15 years old
- The origin country provides export clearance
- An ocean shipping carrier is selected (RoRo or container)
- Proper customs declarations are filed
- The vehicle undergoes inspection upon arrival
Important:
- Numerous foreign vehicles are prohibited from importation due to their non-compliance with Canadian vehicle safety standards.
- org offers customers guidance on approved vehicles, preventing costly import errors.
Required Documents for Canadian Residents
To import a vehicle legally, gather the following:
- Mandatory Documents
- Original title or ownership certificate
- Bill of sale
- Passport or Canadian ID
- Import Form 1 (completed at border)
- Recall clearance letter
- Bill of lading (if shipped by sea)
- Insurance documents
- Payment proof for duties and taxes
For U.S. imports:
- 72-hour export request
- S. Customs clearance
- AES filing for ITN number
- For overseas shipments:
- Export certificates
- Translation of foreign documents
- Compliance certificates
Missing paperwork is the most common cause of import delays.
Taxes and Duties Canadian Residents Must Pay
Taxes depend on the vehicle’s origin and province of entry.
Federal taxes:
- GST (5%) on all imported vehicles
- Duty (6.1%) on non-NAFTA/North American vehicles
- A/C tax ($100) if equipped
- Green levy on high-emission vehicles
Provincial taxes:
- HST (Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, P.E.I., New Brunswick)
- PST/QST in other provinces
ShippingCars.org can help calculate taxes in advance, so there are no nasty surprises when you reach the border.
RIV Inspection and Compliance
Most imports also need to pass through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program after entering Canada.
The RIV process includes:
- Paying the RIV fee
- Submitting documents online
- Completing an inspection at Canadian Tire
- Installing any required modifications
Common modifications include:
- Daytime running lights
- Immobilizers
- Metric speedometer labels
- Child safety restraint tether points
You have 45 days to complete the RIV inspection.Customs Clearance at the Canadian Border
When you arrive in Canada, CBSA:
- Documents
- Vehicle condition
- Taxes owed
- Compliance with import laws
Customs officers may require:
- Odometer readings
- VIN verification
- Inspection reports
- Confirmation of export clearance from the origin country
Most shipments that come by sea must be cleared through the port before use.
Shipping Options for Canadian Vehicle Imports
Vehicles may be imported by Canadian residents from:
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
Low cost and reliable for vehicles.
Container Shipping
Best suited for luxury, classic, or non-running vehicles.
Ground Transport for U.S. Imports
- Ideal for vehicles purchased in neighboring states.
- org connects you with top international carriers in every transport method.
Tips for Canadian Residents Importing a Car
Here are some expert tips of help to you avoid delays and costs:
✔ Check the RIV admissibility list before buying
✔ Verify the vehicle’s title status
✔ File U.S. export request early (if applicable)
✔ Keep original documents safe
✔ Clean the vehicle to meet inspection standards
✔ Work with experienced import specialists
✔ Confirm all taxes and duties ahead of time
Preparation makes the process considerably smoother.
Final Thoughts: Importing Regulations for Canadian Residents
The first step to a successful and problem-free import process is to understand the rules for importing a vehicle to Canada for Canadian residents. This entails understanding the needs surrounding eligibility, documentation, clearing customs, and paying taxes and duties as well as meeting safety and emissions standards.
Working with a trustworthy company like ShippingCars.org can help you with a wealth of information, great shipping services and help all the way. Knowing what rules and regulations you will need to comply with when shipping from the U.S. or another country can save you time and preventing your cargo from being delayed.
With the proper preparation and a little professional assistance, importing a vehicle to Canada can be a straightforward process.
