Blog post

Importing a car from the United States to Canada can feel like a big task, but with the right information, it’s a manageable process. Whether you’re an American living in Canada wanting to bring your vehicle across the border or a Canadian looking for a specific car model, this guide provides a detailed, step-by-step roadmap. We’ll cover everything from checking if your vehicle is eligible to getting it registered in your province, ensuring you have all the details to navigate the process smoothly. Let’s dive into the steps!

Why Import a Car?

For many, importing a car from the US has historically been appealing due to lower prices, favourable exchange rates, or access to models not available in Canada. However, the process involves complying with strict Canadian regulations, including safety and emissions standards, as well as handling customs paperwork and taxes. With the current 25% retaliatory surtax on US-origin vehicles in effect, the financial advantage of importing has been significantly reduced or eliminated in many cases. By following this guide, you’ll understand each step, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions. Always research costs upfront, as taxes, duties, surtaxes, and modifications can add up quickly.

Step 1: Confirm Your Vehicle’s Eligibility for Import

The first step is to ensure your vehicle can be legally imported into Canada. Not all vehicles meet Canadian standards, so checking eligibility is critical to avoid complications.

• Check the Admissibility List: Visit the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) vehicle admissibility list to confirm if your vehicle’s make, model, and year are admissible. This list, maintained by Transport Canada, outlines vehicles that meet or can be modified to meet Canadian safety standards.
• Understand Modifications: If your vehicle is listed, note any required modifications, such as installing daytime running lights, child seat tether anchors, or a metric speedometer label. Modifications can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle, so factor these into your budget.
• Non-Admissible Vehicles: If your vehicle isn’t on the list, contact the manufacturer or Transport Canada to request a “no objection” letter. Some vehicles, like those modified for racing or non-standard use, may be ineligible.
• Special Cases: Vehicles over 15 years old or classic cars may be exempt from certain standards but still require RIV registration. Vehicles over 25 years old are currently exempt from the retaliatory surtax. Buses or large vehicles may have additional requirements.

Tip: Use the vehicle’s VIN to verify details with the manufacturer, as the RIV list is compiled voluntarily and may not be exhaustive.

Step 2: Verify the Vehicle’s Condition and Recall Status

Before exporting, ensure your vehicle is in its original condition and free of outstanding safety recalls, as these can block importation.

• Check for Recalls: Use the Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database or the US NHTSA recall database. Enter the VIN to check for open recalls. Contact a dealership to resolve any issues and obtain a recall clearance letter, which you’ll need later.
• Original Condition: The vehicle must match its original certification label (found on the driver’s side door or under the hood). Modifications like lift kits, aftermarket wheels, or motorhome conversions can void this certification, making the vehicle inadmissible under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
• Maintenance Records: Gather maintenance records to prove the vehicle is in good condition, as CBSA officers may request them.

Tip: Address recalls in the US before exporting, as Canadian dealerships may not service US vehicles without additional costs.

Step 3: Prepare US Export Documentation

To export the vehicle from the US, you must comply with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements. This involves filing export information electronically and submitting specific documents at least 72 hours before crossing the border.

• Gather Documents: You’ll need the original certificate of title (front and back) or a certified bill of sale including the VIN, purchase price, date, and buyer/seller details. If the title is electronic, request a paper copy from your state’s DMV.
• Lien Clearance: If there’s a lien on the vehicle, obtain a letter from the lienholder (on official letterhead) granting permission to export, along with the title and registration.
• File in the Automated Export System (AES): US regulations require you to file Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) at least 72 hours prior to export. Once accepted, AES will issue an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), which you’ll need at the border. You can file yourself or hire a customs broker or freight forwarder to file on your behalf.
• Submit Documents to Your Port: Contact the US Customs port you’ll use (find ports at US Customs and Border Protection) and submit your ITN and supporting documents at least 72 hours in advance. The vehicle must remain in the US during this waiting period.
• Verify Requirements: Call the port to confirm their specific process, as requirements vary significantly. For example, some ports accept emailed documents, while others require in-person submission or fax. Some process exports only on weekdays during limited hours.

Tip: Keep copies of all documents, as you’ll need to present originals at the port of export. Note that the 72-hour clock starts only when CBP accepts the AES filing, which can take up to 24 hours — so plan for at least 4 business days in total.

Step 4: Complete the Vehicle Import Form

Canada requires you to declare the vehicle using a specific form, which registers it with the RIV program for compliance tracking.

• Access the Form: Download the Vehicle Import Form (Form 1) from the RIV website. If importing for parts only, use Form 3.
• Fill Out Details: Provide accurate information, including the VIN, vehicle make, model, year, and your contact details. Double-check for errors, as mistakes can cause delays.
• Print and Bring: The form cannot be submitted online. Print all pages (usually 4) and bring them to the border for CBSA processing.

Tip: Complete the form in advance to save time at the border, and have a digital copy saved for reference.

Step 5: Cross the Canadian Border and Pay Taxes/Duties

When you arrive at the Canadian border, you’ll declare the vehicle and pay applicable taxes, duties, and surtaxes. This step involves interaction with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

• Present Documents: Show your Vehicle Import Form, US title or bill of sale, recall clearance letter, and proof of US Customs export approval (if required by the port).
• Pay Taxes, Duties, and Surtaxes:
  • 25% Retaliatory Surtax (currently in effect): A 25% surtax applies to motor vehicles originating in the United States. For CUSMA-compliant vehicles, the surtax applies to approximately 85% of the vehicle’s value for duty (the remaining 15% is assumed to be Canadian/Mexican content, unless you provide documentation of a higher percentage). For non-CUSMA-compliant vehicles, the surtax applies to the full value for duty. This surtax is subject to change as trade negotiations continue — always verify current rates with CBSA Customs Notice 25-15 before importing.
  • GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax is applied to the vehicle’s value in Canadian dollars, based on the purchase price or an appraisal if you’ve owned the vehicle for a while.
  • Duty: Vehicles made in the US, Canada, or Mexico are typically duty-free under the CUSMA agreement. Vehicles from other countries may incur a 6.1% duty.
  • Excise Tax: A $100 tax applies if the vehicle has air conditioning.
  • Green Levy: A $1,000–$4,000 levy applies to vehicles with fuel consumption of 13+ liters per 100 km. Check CRA’s excise tax rates page for details.
  • Luxury Tax: Vehicles valued over $100,000 CAD (post-2018) may incur a luxury tax, with exemptions for certain vehicles like ambulances.
• RIV Fee: Pay the RIV fee (approximately $325 plus applicable taxes; verify at the RIV website) at the border or online via credit card.
• CBSA Processing: The CBSA will stamp your Vehicle Import Form and provide instructions for the RIV inspection. Keep all receipts and documents.

Tip: Use the CBSA Duty and Taxes Estimator to estimate standard costs, but note that the estimator does not currently factor in the 25% retaliatory surtax — you’ll need to calculate that separately. Be prepared for variations based on exchange rates or appraisals.

Step 6: Arrange for RIV Inspection

Within 45 days of crossing the border (or 1 year for salvage vehicles), your vehicle must pass an RIV inspection to confirm it meets Canadian safety and emissions standards.

• Submit Recall Clearance: Send your recall clearance letter to RIV via their online portal or by mail, proving all recalls are resolved.
• Receive Inspection Form: RIV will send you a form listing required modifications, such as:
  • Daytime running lights (often a simple reprogramming or installation, costing $100–$500).
  • Child seat tether anchors (required for vehicles with rear seating, costing $200–$800).
  • Metric speedometer label (a sticker converting mph to km/h, costing $50–$150).
• Schedule Inspection: Book an appointment at an RIV-authorized inspection center, such as Canadian Tire or other certified mechanics. Inspection fees vary ($50–$200).
• Make Modifications: Have modifications completed by a qualified mechanic before the inspection. Keep receipts, as RIV may request proof.
• Pass the Inspection: If the vehicle passes, you’ll receive a Canadian certification label for registration. If it fails, you’ll need to address issues or export the vehicle, risking fines under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Tip: Contact the inspection center in advance to confirm they can handle your vehicle type and required modifications.

Step 7: Register Your Vehicle in Canada

After passing the RIV inspection, you can register the vehicle with your provincial or territorial licensing authority.

• Gather Documents: You’ll typically need:
  • Stamped Vehicle Import Form (Form 1).
  • Canadian certification label from the RIV inspection.
  • Proof of insurance valid in Canada.
  • A safety standards certificate (required in some provinces, like Ontario).
  • Emissions test results (e.g., Ontario’s Drive Clean program).
• Pay Provincial Taxes: Provinces like Ontario, Nova Scotia, or British Columbia may charge Provincial Sales Tax (PST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) during registration, based on the vehicle’s value.
• Visit the Registry: Contact your local registry (e.g., ServiceOntario, ICBC, or Access Nova Scotia) for specific requirements. Some provinces require an additional safety inspection.
• Obtain Plates and Registration: Once approved, you’ll receive Canadian license plates and a registration document.

Tip: Check your province’s requirements early, as some, like British Columbia, have unique insurance rules through ICBC.

Step 8: Budget for All Costs

Importing a car involves several costs, so budgeting is essential to avoid surprises. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:

• 25% Retaliatory Surtax (currently in effect): Approximately 25% of 85% of the vehicle’s value for CUSMA-compliant vehicles (e.g., ~$6,375 on a $30,000 CAD vehicle). This is currently the single largest cost of importing a US vehicle. Verify current rates before purchasing, as trade negotiations may change this.
• RIV Fee: Approximately $325 plus GST/PST or HST (check RIV website for current rates).
• Taxes and Duties: 5% GST, potential 6.1% duty (if not CUSMA-eligible), $100 air conditioning tax, Green Levy ($1,000–$4,000), and Luxury Tax (for vehicles over $100,000 CAD).
• Modification Costs: Daytime running lights ($100–$500), child tether anchors ($200–$800), metric labels ($50–$150), or other modifications (up to $2,000+ for complex cases).
• Inspection Fees: $50–$200 per inspection, depending on the center.
• Transportation Costs: If not driving, budget for shipping ($500–$2,000, depending on distance).
• Provincial Taxes: PST or HST (7–15%, depending on province).
• Additional Fees: Safety inspections ($50–$150), emissions tests ($30–$100), and registration fees ($50–$200).

Tip: Compare the total cost of importing versus buying a similar vehicle in Canada to ensure it’s worth the effort, especially given the current surtax environment.

Tips to Make the Process Easier

Here are additional pointers to streamline your import experience:

• Plan Ahead: Start the process 4–6 weeks before you plan to cross the border to account for document processing and potential delays.
• Check Tariff Status First: Before committing to any purchase, verify the current surtax situation at the Government of Canada’s tariff response page. Trade negotiations between Canada and the US are ongoing, and the 25% auto surtax could be modified, reduced, or removed as part of a broader trade agreement or the 2026 CUSMA joint review.
• Exchange Rates: Monitor the US-CAD exchange rate, as a weaker Canadian dollar can increase costs when converting the vehicle’s value.
• Customs Brokers: If the paperwork feels overwhelming, hire a licensed customs broker specializing in vehicle imports. Fees range from $200–$500 but can save time and help ensure you’re paying the correct tariffs.
• Provincial Differences: Research your province’s requirements early. For example, Ontario requires an emissions test, while Alberta may not.
• Community Support: Join online forums or groups, like those for Americans in Canada, to learn from others’ experiences.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Watch out for these issues to prevent delays or extra costs:

• Not Accounting for the Surtax: The 25% retaliatory surtax on US-origin vehicles is currently the most common and costly surprise for importers. Always verify current tariff rates before purchasing a vehicle.
• Incomplete Documentation: Missing titles, recall letters, or export approvals can halt the process at the border.
• Skipping the AES Filing: Failing to file Electronic Export Information in the Automated Export System at least 72 hours before export can result in penalties and being turned away at the border.
• Non-Admissible Vehicles: Importing a vehicle not on the RIV list without a “no objection” letter will result in rejection.
• Modification Errors: Making changes before receiving the RIV inspection form can lead to non-compliant modifications.
• Underestimating Costs: Failing to budget for taxes, duties, surtaxes, or modifications can make importing far more expensive than expected.

Conclusion

Importing a car from the US to Canada requires careful planning, but by following these detailed steps, you can navigate the process with confidence. From checking eligibility to registering your vehicle, each step ensures compliance with Canadian regulations while helping you avoid costly mistakes. Given the current trade environment — including the 25% retaliatory surtax on US-origin vehicles — it is more important than ever to run the full cost calculation before committing to a purchase. Trade negotiations between Canada and the US are ongoing, and the tariff landscape may change. Always verify current rates with CBSA before proceeding. Take your time, gather all necessary documents, and budget thoroughly to make the experience as smooth as possible. Safe travels and enjoy your newly imported vehicle!

Additional Resources

• Transport Canada – Importing a Vehicle
• Canada Border Services Agency – Importing Vehicles
• Registrar of Imported Vehicles
• US Customs and Border Protection – Exporting a Motor Vehicle
• Transport Canada – Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database
• Government of Canada – Response to US Tariffs
• CBSA Customs Notice 25-15 – Motor Vehicle Surtax
• CBSA – How Tariffs Apply at the Border