Guide on How To Import Vehicles Into Canada

It's not uncommon for Canadians to import goods and products from other countries, but did you know that in some cases, you can import vehicles from the US, Mexico and (under certain circumstances) other foreign countries?

But, before committing to a vehicle import in Canada, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the process. Taking the time to learn how to import vehicles properly will help you complete the process correctly and avoid potential issues along the way.

Continue reading to get started.

After learning how to import a car, you can compare auto insurance quotes with your Surex insurance advisor.

Vehicle import in Canada 101 — An expert guide

Importing a car into Canada is doable, but the process can be quite extensive and time-consuming.

To make things easier to understand, we'll break the process down into two separate sections: importing a vehicle from the US or Mexico and importing a vehicle from a foreign country (that's not the US or Mexico).

How to import a car to Canada from the US or Mexico

If you're planning on importing a vehicle from the US or Mexico, the first thing that you should do is check out the Registrar of Imported Vehicles Compatibility List.

The Registrar of Imported Vehicles Compatibility List is a detailed directory of vehicles that Canadians can import into Canada. 

Be aware that the Registrar of Imported Vehicles Compatibility List can change at any time and without notice, so you should reference it before you import a car to Canada from the US or Mexico.

The Registrar of Imported Vehicles Compatibility List can also help you find other important information regarding pricing and updates that may need to be made prior to the import.

So, if you're curious about the cost of importing a car to Canada, you can find all the information that you need in the Registrar of Imported Vehicles Compatibility List.

6 important factors that you should know about importing a car from the US or Mexico

Do you intend to import a car from the US or Mexico? If so, you need to make sure that you're prepared!

Here are some important factors that you should take note of if you're planning on importing a car from the US or Mexico:

• You need to pay taxes/duties in order to pass through Canadian customs
• In some cases, you'll need to notify the US or Mexican customs office
• The vehicle must be clear of recalls
• The vehicle must pass the Registrar of Imported Vehicles inspection to be considered "imported". This must be done within 45 days of the import (or one year for salvage vehicles)
  • Vehicles that don't pass the Registrar of Imported Vehicles inspection can't stay in Canada
• Modified vehicles cannot be imported into Canada
• Vehicles that were assembled or built by multiple manufacturers need to meet additional requirements

Be sure to keep these things in mind if you plan on importing a car into Canada.

What is a Canada vehicle import form?

A vehicle import form (also referred to as a Form-1) is an important document that you need to complete in order to import a vehicle (from the US or Mexico) into Canada. You can complete the vehicle import form in-person or online; however, you cannot submit the vehicle import form online.

You need to declare the vehicle import form in order to pass the Canadian border.

If you plan on importing a salvage vehicle from the US or Mexico, you'll need to complete a Form-3 instead.

How to import a car into Canada from other foreign countries

Unfortunately, drivers cannot complete a vehicle import in Canada if the vehicle was built and certified to meet the vehicle standards of a different country.

That being said, it's possible for Canadians to import a vehicle from a different country under certain circumstances.

Here's some important information that you should know if you're thinking about importing a vehicle from a foreign country (that's not the US or Mexico):

• The vehicle is classified as "non-regulated" at importation
• The vehicle is 15 years old (or more) and isn't a bus
• Busses made before January 1st, 1971, can be imported in Canada
• The vehicle is new, meets all federal standards and was pre-authorized by Transport Canada
• Vehicles that were originally owned in Canada and still meet the necessary requirements/standards can be imported into Canada
• The vehicle met US safety standards and was purchased as "new" in the US prior to being shipped to the country you wish to import it from. In this situation, the vehicle still needs to meet the standards set by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles
• The vehicle was originally purchased in the US before being used and shipped abroad. In this situation, the used vehicle still needs to meet the standards set by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles

Getting insurance for your imported car

If you need help getting car insurance quotes for your imported vehicle, don't hesitate to contact an online insurance brokerage like Surex.

For those who don't know, insurance brokerages work with policyholders and insurance companies. Instead of calling each auto insurance provider individually, you can get multiple quotes at once by teaming up with an online insurance brokerage.

Online insurance brokerages make it easier for drivers to find the best auto insurance quotes in Canada.

Want to experience the difference? Contact one of our team members at Surex to get started!

Save as much as 25% when you bundle multiple insurance policies with Surex

Teaming up with Surex gives policyholders like you, the ability to find and compare insurance quotes faster than ever before. 

Our talented team members can provide you with the best insurance quotes in ten minutes or less. Instead of spending your day calling various insurance companies, we can help you find and save on insurance in the same amount of time it takes to walk around your neighbourhood.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you save up to 25% when you bundle multiple policies with one of our partners.