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Importing car

Danielle Reade

Star Member
Jul 9, 2017
128
41
Has anyone imported their car to canada?
I have a 2006 Nissan Maurano, and I am wondering what exactly I need to do.
If anyone can help guide the way of where to start.
 

tx-to-ca

Full Member
Mar 15, 2018
31
7
I haven't done it yet, so I can't speak from experience, but I've done some research and talked to CBSA/RIV agents and this is what I've gathered. Please don't take my word as any kind of authority, but hopefully it gives you a concise idea. I encourage you to check out the RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) website for more information.

1) First check to make sure your car is admissible to Canada. Your model is admissible according to Transport Canada but may need some modifications upon import if it doesn't have certain things such as daytime running lights. If so, wait until you are in Canada before doing these to ensure that they are done to Canadian specifications. Also check to see if there are any open recalls and make sure to get those taken care of before importing as well.

2) I am assuming from the American flag in your picture that you are importing from the US. If that's the case, you will need to export it from the US when you cross the border. This involves some paperwork and you have to notify the specific border crossing at least 72 hours in advance. You will need to provide proof of ownership of the car. Note that if you are financing the car in the US, you will need specific permission from the lender to export it to Canada permanently.

3) If you are a first-time settler in Canada, you can import your car duty-free as long as you claim it as one of your personal effects. However, if you are a returning Canadian resident, there are different rules on duties. In either case, you would still need to pay a fee of roughly $300 to the RIV + the tax on that fee depending on the province you enter. I believe you do this at the border along with submitting a form to the RIV, but it seems there are other ways to pay this.

4) Following the crossing, you will still need to have your vehicle undergo an inspection to be sure it conforms to Canadian regulations. This needs to be done within 45 days and I think they do these mostly through Canadian Tire shops. The RIV will give you a list of the needed modifications specific to your vehicle. These are required for your vehicle to pass this inspection.

5) Be aware that these are all only federal requirements. Registration, licensing, and insurance is handled on a provincial basis and will be different for each.
 

KBH

Champion Member
Sep 13, 2017
1,454
763
Toronto, ON
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Mississauga
App. Filed.......
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