Importing a new car into Canada is a detailed process governed by strict regulations from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The primary requirement is that the vehicle must originally be made for the U.S. market to be admissible. The process involves three main stages: ensuring U.S. compliance, clearing Canadian customs, and passing a federal inspection. Key considerations include potential warranty implications and significant costs like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Vehicles not built for the U.S. or Canada are generally prohibited.
The first step is confirming your car's eligibility. It must be a U.S.-specification vehicle that was manufactured to comply with U.S. standards. You can verify this by checking the vehicle's certification label, typically found on the driver's door jamb, which should state it conforms to all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Most European or Asian-spec models are inadmissible.
Before you even approach the border, you need to prepare specific documents. Essential paperwork includes the original vehicle title, a bill of sale, and a letter from the manufacturer confirming the car's admissibility to Canada. This letter is crucial and should state there are no outstanding recalls. You must notify the U.S. manufacturer at least 72 hours before export, as required by U.S. law.
Upon arrival at the Canadian border, you will present your documents to the CBSA. You'll need to complete Form E29B, the Vehicle Import Form. At this point, you will pay applicable duties and taxes. For most new cars from the U.S., the duty is 0% due to free trade agreements, but you must still pay the GST/HST on the vehicle's declared value. The CBSA will provide you with a completed Form 1, which is your ticket to the next step.
Within 45 days of importation, the car must undergo a federal inspection at a certified RIV inspection center. This inspection verifies that critical components like odometer, lights, and safety systems comply with Canadian standards. The inspector will also check for any required modifications, such as adding daytime running lights or French-language labels. Once the car passes, you'll receive a RIV Inspection Form (Form 2), which you then take to your provincial licensing office to register the vehicle and get Canadian license plates.
| Step | Key Action | Responsible Agency | Key Document/Cost | Timeline |
|---|
| 1. Pre-Export Verification | Confirm U.S.-spec compliance & get admissibility letter. | Vehicle Manufacturer | Manufacturer Admissibility Letter | Weeks before export |
| 2. U.S. Export Notification | Inform manufacturer of intent to export. | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | Electronic Export Information (EEI) | At least 72 hours before |
| 3. Canadian Customs | Declare vehicle, present documents, pay taxes. | Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) | Form 1, Payment of GST/HST | At the border |
| 4. Federal Inspection | Verify compliance with Canadian standards. | Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) | RIV Inspection Form (Form 2) | Within 45 days of import |
| 5. Provincial Registration | License the vehicle in your province. | Provincial Ministry of Transport | Canadian License Plates & Registration | After passing inspection |
