1-800-265-3200
79
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
vehicle registration in your home province/territory. In provinces which operate a harmonized sales
tax (HST) the provincial portion of the tax will be paid when the vehicle is registered.
As soil and related matter can carry pests that could be harmful to Canadian agriculture, the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires that all imported vehicles are thoroughly washed of
any sand, soil, earth and plant residue, including the undercarriage, upon importation.
Items that need to be investigated and/or obtained prior to importing a vehicle to Canada include:
•
•
Obtaining a vehicle ownership report on the automobile from such sources as CarFax® to
ascertain if it has been involved in any past collisions that resulted in an insurance claim.
•
•
Contacting the original equipment manufacturer or authorized dealer to obtain a recall
clearance letter.
•
•
Obtaining information from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer concerning the costs and
availability of parts that may be needed for required modifications; some modifications may
need to be performed by an authorized dealer that their own facility/shop.
•
•
Estimating the cost of applicable Canadian import fees, duty and taxes, obtained separately
from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).
•
•
Obtaining ownership documentation including a Certificate of Title (if the vehicle is used) or a
Certificate of Origin (if the vehicle is brand new), registration, sales receipts, etc.
•
•
Determining possible additional provincial/territorial licensing requirements such as vehicle
safety inspections and emission tests.
•
•
Obtaining vehicle insurance costs and coverage limitations for the province/territory where the
vehicle will be registered/licensed in Canada.
A vehicle being permanently exported from the United States must also need to be reported to a
local U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office, specifically where the vehicle will cross into
Canada, a minimum of 72-hours in advance of crossing.
Remember, if your vehicle cannot be legally imported into Canada, it must be immediately exported
or destroyed (under CBSA supervision) with you being responsible for all related costs. Any duty or
GST paid will not be refunded. Always contact RIV and CBSA before purchasing a vehicle that you
intent to bring to Canada.
Further information can be obtained from:
Registrar of Imported Vehicles
Telephone
1-888-848-8240
www.riv.ca
Canada Revenue Agency
In Canada 1-800-461-9999 (English)
1-800-959-2036 (French)
Outside Canada (506) 636-5064 or (204) 983-3500 (English)
(506) 636-5067 or (204) 983-3700 (French)
Transport Canada
In Canada
1-800-333-0371
Outside Canada (613) 998-8616