Are you interested in importing a car to Canada? Whether you’re a Canadian importer or a U.S. exporter looking to ship vehicles across the border, it’s important to understand the requirements and procedures involved in the process. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps and considerations to successfully import cars to Canada.
1. Vehicle Admissibility into Canada
Before you can import a vehicle into Canada, it must meet the guidelines set by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Transport Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Ensuring the vehicle’s admissibility is the first crucial step in the import process.
To determine if a vehicle is admissible, it is recommended to contact the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). This nationwide program, contracted by Transport Canada, ensures that all imported vehicles comply with Canada’s safety standards. Visit the RIV website atwww.riv.ca for more information and to check the admissibility of your vehicle.
It’s important to note that if a vehicle is not admissible, it cannot be imported into Canada, even if you have already purchased it. Therefore, verifying the vehicle’s admissibility is a critical step before proceeding with the import process.
2. Clearance Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation is essential when importing a vehicle to Canada. It is crucial to ensure that your paperwork meets the guidelines of both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and CBSA. Here is a checklist of the documents that must be accounted for and presented to CBP at the time of export:
- Original Title, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, or Certificate of Origin (front and back). If your vehicle does not require one of these documents, a Certificate of No Title must be provided.
- Bill of Sale
- Recall clearance letter (for U.S. vehicles only)
- NAFTA, if applicable (for commercial U.S. imports only)
- Copies of the Export Certificate and Invoices (in English or French) if the export location is other than the U.S.
Ensuring that your documentation is complete and accurate will facilitate the clearance process and prevent any delays or complications.
3. Filing AES and Export Notice
The U.S. Census Bureau requires a 72-hour notice for filing the Automated Export System (AES) since October 2nd, 2014. This notice must be given before exporting the vehicle to Canada. The following information must be included in the AES filing:
- Duns, EIN, and IRS numbers from the seller
- Properly attached worksheets
The AES filing is typically handled by a U.S. domiciled company, such as a United States Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), a customs broker, or a freight forwarder. Once the AES declaration is submitted and approved, an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) will be issued. This ITN is required to start the 72-hour notice with CBP.
Complying with the AES filing and export notice requirements is essential to ensure a smooth export process.
4. Submitting Documents to CBP
After obtaining the necessary documentation, it is crucial to submit the required documents to CBP at least 72 hours prior to export. This step ensures that CBP can conduct the necessary checks promptly. Always ensure that the U.S. port you are using accepts exported vehicles.
When submitting the documents, the vehicle owner or agent must be present and provide the vehicle and original paperwork in person at the time of exit from the U.S. This step is important to verify the authenticity of the documents and the vehicle.
5. Meeting CFIA Requirements
In addition to the CBSA guidelines, it is important to meet the requirements of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). When importing a vehicle, regardless of its origin, it must be free of any sand, earth, plant residue, manure, or soil that could potentially introduce harmful plant pests to Canada. Ensuring the cleanliness of the vehicle is crucial to comply with CFIA regulations.
6. Importing Cars from Other Countries
While the previous sections focused on importing cars from the United States, it’s important to note that the process may differ when importing vehicles from countries other than the U.S. Special considerations and requirements may apply depending on the country of origin.
If you are considering importing a vehicle from a country other than the U.S., it is recommended to consult the guidelines provided by the CBSA and Transport Canada. These guidelines will outline the specific requirements and procedures for importing vehicles from various countries.
7. Temporary Importation of Vehicles
There are specific provisions for temporary importation of vehicles to Canada. This applies to visitors, students, temporary residents, and Canadians with short-term U.S. rentals. If you fall into one of these categories and plan to temporarily import a vehicle, it is important to understand the regulations and requirements set by the CBSA and Transport Canada.
8. Importing Car Kits
In addition to fully assembled vehicles, it is also possible to import car kits to Canada. Car kits consist of unassembled vehicle parts that are intended to be assembled into a complete vehicle. The import process for car kits and completed kit cars may have specific requirements and procedures that must be followed. It is important to consult the guidelines provided by the CBSA and Transport Canada for importing car kits.
9. Import Costs and Taxes
When importing a vehicle to Canada, it’s crucial to consider the associated import costs and taxes. These costs can include duties, excise taxes, GST, transportation fees, insurance, and provincial sales tax. The specific costs and taxes may vary depending on the value of the vehicle and its compliance with Canadian safety standards.
To calculate the import costs, you will need to determine the duty, excise tax, and GST based on the Canadian purchase price or dealer book value. Additionally, there may be other fees such as the Transport Canada RIV fee and excise tax on fuel-inefficient vehicles. It is important to consult the CBSA guidelines and work with a reputable customs broker to accurately calculate the import costs and taxes.
10. Partnering with a Reliable Shipping Company
When importing a vehicle to Canada, it is essential to work with a reliable shipping company that specializes in vehicle transportation. Cargoux Shipping Inc is a trusted shipping company that offers comprehensive services for importing vehicles to Canada. They have extensive experience in handling the logistics and paperwork involved in the import process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for their clients.
Partnering with a shipping company like Cargoux Shipping Inc can provide peace of mind and ensure that your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently.
In conclusion, importing cars to Canada involves several steps and considerations. From ensuring the vehicle’s admissibility to meeting the documentation requirements and complying with CFIA regulations, each stage of the process requires careful attention. By following the guidelines provided by the CBSA, Transport Canada, and CFIA, and working with a reputable shipping company like Cargoux Shipping Inc, you can successfully import a vehicle to Canada and enjoy the benefits of owning a car from abroad.
