Shipping a vehicle from the United States to Canada is not easy to navigate despite the good tidings, high traffic flow and business interdependence between these two friendly neighbours. Vehicles need to be cleared for transport to satisfy the entrance requirements of the destination country, and eligibility and necessary documentation for import into Canada can pose some onerous and costly challenges.
Does My Car Qualify to be Shipped from US to Canada?
It is not a given that your vehicle will be automatically approved to be shipped into Canada from the US. In fact, approval is a two-sided affair as US customs will need to authorize your vehicle export. The Canadian side will also need you to have checked several boxes. Below are some considerations:
- The List – First things first, there is an actual list governing which cars you can import into Canada from the US. Check your make and model and admissibility requirements to get the ball rolling. If it’s a classic car you are looking to import, you may be exempt as the regulations typically span the last 15 years.
- Clearing the Path – Bringing your vehicle through Canadian customs requires that you ensure that your car is clear of any recalls and that applicable import taxes are paid. Your vehicle then needs to pass an inspection by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) in Canada before it can be officially considered imported. Failure to pass this inspection will prevent the import even if duties have been paid.
- Modifications – Have you modified or retrofitted your van, car or motorcycle from its original form? If the answer is yes, you will not likely be able to import and ship your car from the US to Canada. Ensure your documentation is compliant as, for example, you cannot import a car with a salvage or rebuilt title. Conversely, if your car is does not meet Canadian requirements, you may be required to install metric odometers and add daytime running lights.
- Assembly – Cars or vehicles assembled by more than one manufacturer also need to jump through a few extra hoops. Examples of this include vocational vans, motorhomes, buses or limousines.
Forms Required to Ship Your Car From US to Canada
If you’ve successfully met all of the criteria to import and ship your car from the US to Canada, you will need to complete the Vehicle Import Form known as Form-1 and make a declaration at the border. This requirement by Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will then clear the way for your vehicle to be imported across the border.
The Final Crossing
The Canadian Border Services Agency at the point of entry is the final authority that processes the import of your vehicle into Canada. The CBSA assists Transport Canada by executing the required documents in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, which are aimed at mitigating the risk of death, injury, and damage to property and the environment. CBSA officers will check compliance with the steps discussed above including:
- Admissibility
- Documentation – examples are title documents, registration, or proof of ownership.
- Form-1
- RIV-Fee – this is a non-refundable payment.
Crossing over again is not a one-way affair. You need to advise the exact US border crossing you will be using at least 72 hours before you show up with a car to be exported. You will need to send them two things:
- A digital scan of the front and back of the title
- Your Internal Transit Number (ITN)
Trust the Professionals at SAC for USA to Canada Car Shipping
Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd. (SAC) can help you ship your vehicle from the United States to Canada by helping you navigate cross-border documentation to meet clearance and complex compliance requirements. SAC works with reputable brokers on both sides of the border to complete documentation and expedite the shipping process, removing added stress for our clients. Contact us today to find out more about our services, and to receive your personalized quote.