Canada Import Regulations

Year Restriction

• • Only vehicles 15 years or older (from the date of manufacture) can be imported.

Destination Ports

• • Halifax and Vancouver.

Shipping Details

• • Method: RORO.
• • Transit time: 9-14 days.
• • Schedule: Fortnightly.
• • Inspection: Not required before shipping.

Drive Orientation

• • Left-hand drive permitted; vehicles drive on the right-hand side in Canada.

Before Importing

• • Verify vehicle eligibility with Transport Canada or the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).
• • Certain newer Japanese cars may not meet Canadian safety standards.

Import Duties & Taxes

• • Import duty: 6.1% for non-NAFTA vehicles; NAFTA vehicles exempt.
• • GST: 5% (paid at border).
• • Provincial Sales Tax (PST): Varies by province, payable at registration.
• • Air conditioning tax: $100 if vehicle has A/C.
• • Excess weight tax: Applied to vehicles over 2,007 kg / 4,425 lbs.
• • Gas guzzler tax: Vehicles with fuel consumption of at least 13 L/100 km, usually $1,000-$4,000 depending on consumption.
• • RIV fee: $195 + GST (Quebec adds QST).
• • Provincial safety & emissions inspection fees: Vary by province.

Temporary Imports

• • Visitors, tourists, temporary residents, and Canadian residents with short-term rentals can temporarily import vehicles.

Documentation Required

• • Original title / manufacturer's statement of origin / certificate of origin.
• • Bill of sale.
• • Export certificate and invoices.
• • Manufacturer's statement of compliance affixed to vehicle.
• • EPA label affixed to vehicle.

Non-Regulated Vehicles & Important Notes

• • Vehicles 15 years or older, certain buses, off-road vehicles, and competition vehicles may be exempt from full compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
• • Import procedure involves verification of non-regulated status, ownership documents, and collection of applicable taxes.
• • Vehicles newer than 1990 may require retrofitting for Canadian Daytime Running Lights (to be inspected within 45 days of import).
• • All duties, taxes, and compliance requirements must be satisfied before the vehicle is legally used in Canada.