When you ship a car into Canada, you need to be familiar with the rules that let cars in Canada. It is mandatory to ensure entry of a vehicle in Canada meets the basic safety standards containing adequate labelling. When you’re importing a vehicle learning some rules to avoid delays and import the vehicle legally and safely helps.
We will discuss the import rules for car entering Canada in the post.
Requirements to be Eligible to Import Cars to Canada
In order to bring a vehicle into Canada, you must first make sure that it meets the requirements. Based on safety, emissions, and manufacturing standards, Canada has strict regulations regarding the types of vehicles that imported.
Safety Guidelines
In Canada, Motor Vehicle Safety Act makes requirement for eligibility for import a vehicle must comply with these standards. In other words, this automobile must have no major defects and satisfy Canadian safety standards.
If a vehicle has received a safety recall in the country of origin of the vehicle it cleared. Prior to shipping your car, you may want check any recalls on it via the manufacturer or a government agency.
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
The vehicle should be in accordance with Canada’s emissions standards. Vehicles not fulfilling these standards – especially non-compliant engines or fuel system vehicles may face denial of entry along with expensive alterations too before they can drive оn section.
Canada’s import shipment vehicle has age restrictions. In Canada, all vehicles over 15 years old generally imported unless they’re part of the RIV program. Older cars may require changes to ensure they fulfil safety and environmental standards.
At Car Shipping Instant Quotes, we provide support to ship vehicles that conform to the requirements of Canada, so you can rest assured that your vehicle will not face any problems in the country.
Documents required for importing cars into Canada
In order to import a car into Canada, you will have to produce specific documents to Canadian custom, etc. If you do not have the right documentation, it may delay the importing process or even cause your car refused.

A document that proves ownership of a vehicle
A bill of sale is important to show that you purchased the vehicle legally. The details of the seller, the buyer, the vehicle’s make and model, the VIN, and the price contained in this document.
You’ll need to show that you are the owner if the vehicle is used. This might refer to the title, registration, or similar document from the country of origin.
RIV Registration
RIV (Registrar Of Imported Vehicles): The RIV program tracks and verifies vehicles imported into Canada. All vehicles that are less than 15 years old registered with the RIV before they can be driven legally in Canada.
Once the car arrives in Canada, it inspected by an approved RIV facility to meet Canadian standards.
Customs Submission and Duty Paperwork
You need to make a declaration about the vehicle to CBSA. It is to fill out the Customs Declaration B3-3 form and give it to customs when you arrive.
Duties and Taxes: You will have to pay import duties and taxes when you import this vehicle, including GST and possibly other provincial taxes. The country of origin and the value of the vehicle determines the rate of duty.
How to import a car in Canada
The process of a successful import of a car in Canada is comprised of many steps. Here is a general overview of the process.
Study and Preparation
Before starting the process of shipping, you should consider doing some research on whether the vehicle imported into Canada or not. Be certain that it meets all the necessary safety and emissions standards. Also, prepare all the documents like the bill of sale, proof of ownership, and more.
Transporting the car
After all documents are done, the next step is shipping the car to Canada. Depending on your preferences and location, you can ship the vehicle by ocean freight, air freight, or land transport option.
At Car Shipping Instant Quotes, we specialize in shipping cars to Canada among other options. We offer international car shipping and other options for the transport of a vehicle to Canada.
Clearance and delivery of customs
Upon reaching Canada, the car required to undergo customs clearance. The customs declaration submitted and any relevant taxes and duties must be paid. Your vehicle delivered to an address after the clearing of customs.
Vehicle inspection and registration
Vehicles that are less than 15 years old registered with the RIV program and undergo an inspection to confirm compliance with Canada standards. Once you pass the inspections, you can register the vehicle with the province or territory’s licensing authority and obtain a Canadian license plate.
Other Important Issues Related to Car Import
When you import a car into Canada, there are further things to know.
Modifications to take compliance into account
In some cases, you might have to modify your vehicle if it does not comply with Canadian standards for safety or emissions. Potential alterations may involve the lighting system, speedo in kilometers as well as the exhaust system, to meet environmental standards. These changes can be expensive so do consider them in your budget.
Arrivals That Are Temporarily Imported
If you won’t be living in Canada for a long time, you can apply for a temporary import permit. You can bring your vehicle to this destination without meeting all the requirements that apply to permanent imports. Non-resident visitors to Canada for under a year can typically utilise the temporary importation option.
Registration of Vehicles in Canada
Once the automobile has passed customs and his inspections, you will need to register with the appropriate provincial or territorial licensing body. Here you will pay the registration fee, get insurance, and receive your Canadian license plates.
Make Sure That Your Car Imports Smoothly
Importing a vehicle into Canada is not that tough if you know all the rules related to importing the vehicle along with its steps. To avoid unnecessary delays and complications, ensure the vehicle eligibility is researched, prepare documents, and choose a transport method that works best.
At Canada Instant Quotes Car Shipping, we are an expert in car shipping to Canada and we help you through the import process. We guarantee that your vehicle will be compliant with all Canadian regulations upon reaching its destination safely and on-time. Reach out to us now for a complimentary estimate to assist you in shipping your vehicle to Canada today!
