The Registrar for Imported Vehicles has made some minor updates. Please feel free to follow along. All should be linked appropriately.
If you are thinking about importing a vehicle from the United States, you should understand the following three main steps of the process:
1. Before you Import
- Before purchasing and importing a vehicle, find out about the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program, vehicle admissibility, RIV exemptions, recall clearance documentation, vehicle modification requirements and vehicle branding history.
Before you import a vehicle from the United States, you should understand each step of the importing process, including:
Vehicle Admissibility
Determine if the vehicle you would like to purchase can be imported into Canada.
Vehicle Branding History
A brand is a record of a prior accident serious enough to result in an insurance write-off (salvage) or even non-repairable status. A brand remains part of the vehicle’s permanent history and may affect the ability to license the vehicle in Canada. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) makes U.S. brands available to Canadian provinces and territories. You are strongly advised to verify the vehicle’s branding history through available commercial VIN search engines before you purchase any vehicle in the U.S. or attempt to import it into Canada.
Modification and inspection requirements
Some vehicles may require modifications in order to comply with Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Determine what modifications your vehicle may require before you import it.
Recall Clearance
Recall clearance is a requirement for all vehicles being imported into Canada. Find out what documentation is required and how to obtain the recall clearance letter for your vehicle.
RIV Exemptions
Find out about specific exemption criteria and if they apply to your vehicle.
Cost Considerations
Determine any possible duties, provincial and federal sales taxes, trip permits, temporary insurance and provincial licensing requirements before you import your vehicle.
Importer Checklist
2. At the Border
- Understand your obligations for reporting to U.S. Customs, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and registration into the RIV program.
Find out more about requirements and reporting to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) by visiting:
U.S. Customs Export Requirements
- Requires three business days (72 hours) notice of all self-propelled vehicles leaving the country.
CBSA Entry Requirements
- CBSA confirms vehicle admissibility, assesses duties and taxes, and initiates the RIV registration process.
3. After Vehicle Entry
- Complete vehicle modifications, the RIV inspection process and contact your provincial/territorial licensing jurisdictions for information about licensing your vehicle.
Use the Importer Checklist tool to help you build and print a checklist for reference throughout the importing process.
Once the vehicle has entered Canada, it is the importer’s responsibility to have required modifications, if any, completed and the vehicle inspected at an authorized Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) inspection centre.
You must meet the following conditions:
- The vehicle has crossed the border and a Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 has been completed and submitted to RIV through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
- The RIV Registration Fee has been paid.
- RIV has received confirmation that there are no outstanding recalls on the vehicle. Find out more aboutRecall Clearance.
RIV will then issue an RIV inspection form which identifies modification and inspection requirements specific to your vehicle. The vehicle must pass the RIV inspection process before being licensed through a provincial/territorial licensing jurisdiction.
For more information:
Vehicle Modifications
- It is important that you do not proceed with any modifications on your vehicle until you receive the RIV inspection form.
RIV Inspection
- The RIV inspection can only be completed by an authorized RIV inspection centre.
Provincial Licensing
- When your vehicle has passed the RIV inspection, contact your provincial or territorial licensing authority to find out how to license your vehicle.
