exporting car from usa to canada

If you’re planning to ship a car from the USA to Canada, you’re not alone. Thousands of individuals each year make this cross-border move—whether they’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or bringing in a new import. The process might sound complex, but with the right guidance, it can be smooth and surprisingly straightforward.

At Shipping Cars, we specialize in cross-border vehicle transportation and know the ins and outs of every step involved. This guide will walk you through how to ship a car from the USA to Canada the right way.

Determine Eligibility and Compliance

Before anything else, confirm that your vehicle can be legally imported into Canada. Transport Canada has strict rules on what cars are admissible, especially in terms of safety standards, emissions, and recalls.

Key Points to Check:

Vehicle must be 15 years or newer (or meet specific exceptions).
Must comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
Any outstanding recalls must be resolved.

You can use the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) website to check eligibility.

Expert Tip: Before you commit to shipping, request the VIN check report and compliance statement from the vehicle manufacturer. This will save you a potential rejection at the border.

Gather All Required Documents

Documentation plays a critical role in ensuring your shipment clears U.S. and Canadian customs. Here’s what you’ll need:

Title and Registration of the vehicle (must be in your name or signed over if purchased).
Bill of Sale or proof of purchase.
Recall Clearance Letter from the manufacturer.
Photo ID (passport or driver’s license).
NAFTA/USMCA Certificate of Origin (to possibly waive import duties).

At Shipping Cars, we offer document review assistance to ensure every piece of paperwork is correct before you ship.

Notify U.S. Customs in Advance

U.S. Customs requires a 72-hour notice before the vehicle can be exported from the U.S. You must send the following to the border crossing where the vehicle will exit:

Copy of the vehicle’s title.
Export declaration form (if required).
Shipping details and contact info.

Once submitted, you must also present the vehicle at the port before it can be released.

Real-World Insight: One of our customers almost missed their shipment deadline because they didn’t know about the 72-hour requirement. We stepped in, sent their paperwork, and booked a new appointment in time—saving the day.

Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company

Working with an experienced and licensed transporter makes a world of difference. Whether you’re looking for enclosed shipping for a luxury car or open transport for a daily driver, it’s important to pick a company that knows the U.S.–Canada shipping route.

What to look for in a carrier:

Experience in cross-border shipping
DOT and FMCSA registration
Insurance coverage included
Assistance with customs and RIV registration

Shipping Cars offers flexible options tailored to your budget and delivery timeline. We handle customs coordination and help you avoid costly mistakes during your cross-border move.

Understanding Canadian Border and Import Requirements

Once your vehicle reaches Canada, it has to go through Canadian Customs and the RIV program. Here’s what to expect:

Pay import taxes: You’ll be responsible for GST, and possibly provincial taxes, depending on where you register.
Complete RIV inspection: After customs clearance, you must pass the RIV inspection within 45 days.
Register and insure: Once approved, you can officially register your car in Canada.

Helpful Reminder: If your car was purchased recently, ensure the Bill of Sale clearly states the purchase price to avoid disputes over tax valuation.

Bonus Tip: Let the Pros Handle the Stress

Shipping a car across international borders is more than just booking a truck. Between customs paperwork, safety standards, and coordination with multiple agencies, it’s easy to miss a critical detail.

That’s where Shipping Cars comes in.

We offer:

Personalized support from start to finish
Customs document preparation and compliance guidance
Pick-up and delivery at your convenience

Our team has helped hundreds of customers move vehicles from the U.S. to Canada smoothly and without surprise costs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to ship a car from the USA to Canada is all about preparation, compliance, and choosing the right partners. Start by confirming your car’s eligibility, gather your documents, and partner with a trusted shipper like Shipping Cars to make the journey stress-free.

Get in touch today to receive a customized quote and start your cross-border vehicle shipment with confidence!

Are you considering exporting a car from the USA to Canada? Whether it’s for personal reasons or business purposes, there are a few things you need to know before taking the plunge. From customs requirements and documentation to shipping options and costs, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about exporting a car from the USA to Canada. So buckle up and get ready for an informative ride!

How much does it cost to transfer a car from US to Canada?

If you’re thinking of exporting a car from the United States to Canada, there are a few things you need to know first. The process of transferring a car from one country to another can be expensive, and there are a few logistics to take into account. Here’s what you need to know about exporting a car from the USA to Canada:

The Process . To export a car from the United States, you’ll first need to file an application with the appropriate government body. This may be the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state, or it may be the customs office at the border. Once your application is approved, you’ll need to contact the transportation company that will be transporting your car across the border. The cost of transferring a car varies depending on its size and type, but expect to pay anywhere from $200-$2,000 per vehicle.

. To export a car from the United States, you’ll first need to file an application with the appropriate government body. This may be the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state, or it may be the customs office at the border. Once your application is approved, you’ll need to contact the transportation company that will be transporting your car across the border. The cost of transferring a car varies depending on its size and type, but expect to pay anywhere from $200-$2,000 per vehicle. The Logistics . Before exporting a car from America, make

How much is import tax on a car from USA to Canada?

If you are planning on exporting a car from the USA to Canada, there are a few things that you need to know. The Canadian government imposes an import duty of 20% on vehicles, and this amount is calculated on the value of the vehicle, not its price when it was imported into Canada. So, if your car costs $20,000 when you bring it into Canada, the duty would be $2,000.

You should also aware that there may also be other taxes that apply to your car when it crosses the border. For example, American states may have sales taxes or tax rates for specific types of vehicles. If your car has a value above a certain threshold ($51,835 for 2015), then you will likely have to pay federal goods and services tax (GST).

If you are importing a used car into Canada, make sure that the vehicle meets all Canadian safety and emissions requirements before importing it. You may also have to obtain a Certificate of Origin before exporting your car.

Is it worth buying a car in the US and bringing to Canada?

Bringing a car from the US to Canada can be a hassle, but it’s not impossible. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure your car is in good condition. You may have to pay import duties, and your car might not be allowed into Canada if it’s not in perfect condition.

2. Get a Canadian title for your car. This will help you avoid any taxes or fees when you bring the car into Canada.

3. Register the car with the Canadian government. This will make sure the vehicle is properly insured and licensed when you arrive in Canada.

4. Prepare your vehicle for transport. Make sure all of the fluids are topped off, and that the air conditioning and other electronics work properly.

5. Check with your insurance company before leaving the US to make sure you’re covered while driving in Canada without having to re-activate your policy (most companies will honour policies from other countries).

What do I need to export a car from the US?

To export a car from the USA to Canada, you will need:

-A vehicle title

-A bill of sale

-Proof of insurance for the vehicle

-The Canadian car importation permit ( Form EMC )

-The US International Trade Commission’s Automotive Data Report (ADR) or an equivalent estimate of your car’s value. This report can be ordered from the ITC website . The ADR is a tariff database that reflects current value changes for new cars imported into the US. You must include this information with your export application.

-The appropriate paperwork and fees to register your vehicle in Canada. This information can be found on the Government of Canada website .

-An international shipping company that will transport your car to Canada.

How much does it cost to export a car from USA?

If you’re thinking about exporting your car from the United States to Canada, there are a few things you need to know. The cost of exporting a car varies depending on the type of vehicle, the port of export, and the shipping company. Here are some basics:

The cost of exporting a car from the USA to Canada can range from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on the type of vehicle, the port of export, and the shipping company. Some common costs include:

-Duties and taxes (this can range from $200-$2,000)

-Licensing fees (if your car has emissions that must be tested in Canada)

-Transportation costs (depending on your location, this could include gas mileage costs, parking fees, and tolls)

-Removal/delivery charges (if you’re dropping off your car or picking it up in Canada)

There are also some optional costs you may want to consider including:

-Visa requirements if your vehicle is from a country other than America or Canada (this varies by country)

-Importing insurance if your vehicle is worth more than $300,000 CAD ($250K USD)

Pros:

• Exporting a car from the United States to Canada can be a very cost-effective option.

• The process of exporting a car from the United States to Canada is straightforward and can be done quickly.

• Car exports from the United States to Canada are regularly inspected and certified by Canadian authorities, ensuring that the vehicle arrives in Canada in good condition.

• The Canadian border crossing process for exporting a car from the United States to Canada is relatively simple and straightforward.

• There are a number of shipping companies that offer export services for cars from the United States to Canada, so finding an appropriate provider is easy.

Cons:

• Because exporting a car from the United States to Canada involves crossing the Canadian border, there is a chance that the vehicle could be seized by Canadian authorities if it is not properly registered or if it contains illegal items.

• It can be difficult to find an reputable exporter of cars from the United States to Canada, as there are many unscrupulous operators out there.

• Car exports from the United States to Canada are subject to various taxes and fees, which can add up over time.

• It can take several weeks for a car exported from the United

FAQs:

1. What documents do I need to export a car from the US to Canada?

Answer: You will need your proof of ownership, title, registration and insurance papers, as well as your passport and any other relevant documentation.

2. How do I know if my vehicle is allowed to be imported into Canada?

Answer: You can check with Transport Canada for detailed information about what vehicles are or are not allowed to be imported into Canada.

3. Is there a duty or tax when importing a car from the US to Canada?

Answer: Yes, you may be subject to taxes and duties when importing a car from the US to Canada. The amount of duty and taxes you will pay depends on the type of vehicle and its value.

4. How long does it take to export a car from the US to Canada?

Answer: It usually takes up to 4 weeks to export a car from the US to Canada, depending on the paperwork involved.

5. Are there any restrictions on the age of the car I can export?

Answer: Yes, cars that are 15 years old or older are not allowed to be imported into Canada, so they cannot be exported from the US either.

Features:

1. Ability to export cars from the USA to Canada

2. Expertise in handling all paperwork and paperwork associated with exporting cars

3. Knowledge of the appropriate regulations and laws for the shipment of cars across borders

4. Experience in coordinating customs clearance and all associated paperwork

5. Understanding of the value of each car and the applicable taxes and duties

6. Expertise in finding the most efficient and cost-effective shipping route

7. Ability to arrange for insurance that covers the car during transit

8. Expertise in making sure the car meets all applicable safety and environmental requirements for importing into Canada

9. Ability to advise on any quarantine or other requirements

10. Knowledge of the different ports and shipping lanes available for the export of cars