.svg)
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
Simplify your customs today
Calculate duties and taxes
.avif)
.avif)
.svg)
Streamlining customs clearance
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
import into canada
Import into the USA
© 2024 Borderbuddy, All rights reserved.
Designed by SupaStellar
.svg)
With over 15 years of expertise and tens of thousands of cars imported, BorderBuddy is unrivaled in importing vehicles into Canada and the United States. Our service is not just about importing cars; it’s about delivering an unmatched level of premium, hassle-free experience for our clients.
.svg)
US car prices – both new and used – are usually well below Canadian prices, so saving hundreds off the sticker price makes buying across the border an attractive proposition.
The United States offers a broad selection of vehicles at prices typically lower than in Canada. When considering importing a used vehicle from the U.S., it’s important to evaluate several key factors to determine if it’s the most advantageous choice for you. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
The value of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar significantly influences the cost. If the Canadian dollar is weak, what seems like a great deal might end up being more expensive than anticipated.
The expenses for bringing a vehicle across the border are not uniform. They can vary greatly depending on the vehicle’s make and model, so it’s crucial to research these costs beforehand.
Canada has stringent safety regulations for vehicles. Ensure the car you’re considering meets these standards. If not, you may need to invest additional funds in modifications, increasing the overall cost.
Vehicles shipping from the USA, that are not manufactured in North America, are subject to a 6.1% import duty.
A $100 fee is charged for vehicles equipped with air conditioning.
Vehicles with a weighted average fuel consumption rating of 13 or more litres per 100 kilometres may be subject to extra fees ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
Applicable to new or used cars, SUVs, and pickups, that are model 2019 or later, with a value that exceeds $100,000 CAD. Some exceptions apply.
This is charged at 5% on the sum of (vehicle + additional import taxes).
The Internal Transaction Number is the required filing process with US Customs to export the vehicle.
PST rates vary from province to province. PST is not collected by BorderBuddy, as the importer will pay it at the time of registration in Canada.
This fee is applicable to vehicles that are less than 15 years of age from their date of manufacture. The inspection takes place in Canada, post import, and you will pay your inspection fee directly to the RIV. The RIV fee is typically $325 CAD plus tax.
For an immediate estimate of the cost to import a car to Canada, please use our Free Quote Calculator.
Importing a vehicle into Canada from the U.S. also requires an export with U.S. Customs. Before a vehicle can leave the U.S., it must first be exported, by obtaining an ITN (Internal Transaction Number). U.S. Customs will almost always recommend that you work with a customs broker to obtain this, as self-navigating this process can be tricky. As for the import portion, most importers opt to work with a customs broker for their expertise in regulations and compliance. Furthermore, they are provided with streamlined paperwork, avoiding penalties and delays, as well as the peace of mind, knowing they will have a smooth experience at the border.
You can self-import and self-declare a vehicle into Canada without a customs broker under these circumstances:
If you’re importing the vehicle for personal use, rather than commercial purposes.
If you’re comfortable with and understand the importation process, including completing required paperwork and paying applicable duties and taxes.
You must ensure the vehicle meets all Canadian safety and environmental standards.
Have all necessary documents ready, such as proof of ownership, export documents from the originating country, and a bill of sale.
Be prepared to meet all requirements set by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), including inspections and payment of fees.
If the import doesn’t involve complex legal situations like liens or inheritances.
While a customs broker can simplify the process, especially for first-time importers or complex cases, self-importing is feasible if you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the process.
Tax exemption eligibility: Individuals may be eligible for tax exemption up to $10,000 if they are a Permanent Resident importing a vehicle for the first time, or a Canadian Citizen returning from an extended stay in the U.S., contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at 1-800-461-9999 to verify your eligibility. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be required to self-declare your vehicle at the Canadian border.
Here is a breakdown of steps you need to take before importing.
Always confirm with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) to ensure a vehicle is admissible. The RIV website has a comprehensive list of what can, and cannot, be imported into Canada. Any vehicle with post-production modifications must be checked with Transport Canada to ensure compliance. For recalls, always ensure you check the manufacturer’s website for the most recent recall notices, and ensure they are satisfied before import.
Bureaucrats are sticklers for paperwork so you have to make sure all your documentation is in order. It’s not enough to just have a bill of sale; your vehicle must come with documents detailing:
A vehicle export and import is not something that can be done in one day. Customs brokers require copies of the previously noted documents at least 4 business days in advance of your desired crossing date. The main reason for this is because the export process, the ITN, must be filed by your broker and accepted by U.S. Customs, at least 72 hours before arriving at the border. We ask for the extra 24 hours because it can sometimes take customs up to 24 hours to accept the filing. Only once it has been accepted, can the 72 hours start counting down.
Avoid the disappointment of investing in a vehicle that fails to meet Canadian safety standards. Before proceeding, gather all of the vehicles specifications, and directly contact The Registrar of Imported Vehicles at 1-888-848-8240. For vehicles that have modifications, you will also need to check with Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371.
Collaborate closely with the seller as they are required to sign the original title and provide a recall clearance letter along with a bill of sale. Be aware, any unresolved recalls on the vehicle might complicate or even halt your import plans. BorderBuddy will need copies of your documents so we can file for both your export and your import.
The Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is the export portion required with U.S. Customs. Once BorderBuddy knows your exit port, date of desired crossing, and has obtained copies of your documents, we can file for the ITN. Once the ITN is accepted (which can take up to 24 hours), a 72-hour waiting period must then commence before the vehicle can arrive at the border.
During this process, BorderBuddy will complete and file all necessary documents to ensure a smooth entry at Canada Customs. This process also includes the collection of any applicable taxes on the vehicle.
Timing is crucial in this step. With BorderBuddy’s guidance, you’ll know exactly when to cross the border. At this juncture, you need to present the original title, bill of sale, and a printed copy of your ITN (prepared by BorderBuddy) to the US Customs officer at the time of exit from the U.S.
After clearing U.S. Customs, your next step is to present your import documents (prepared by BorderBuddy) to Canadian Customs. Stay focused – you’re nearing the completion of your import process.
After your vehicle has been imported, you are required to get an RIV inspection, before registration. Keep in mind, that this rule only applies to vehicles that are less than 15 years of age. Some provinces may require additional inspections before registration, depending on vehicle type and age. Within 24 hours of importing your vehicle, the RIV will email you a paperless copy of a document called a Form 1. With this email, you are directed to schedule your RIV inspection, which can typically be done at a Canadian Tire location. Once your vehicle has passed inspection, you can proceed to getting your vehicle registered. *It is important to note that if BorderBuddy is not handling your import for you, and you plan on self-declaring your vehicle at Canada Customs, then you are required to go on to the RIV website, complete a form 1, print 3 copies, and bring them with you to present to Canada Customs on your day of import. When BorderBuddy does your import, we automate that process for you.
Exploring? Get a free quote by visiting our online import quote calculator.
Our experience and expertise make importing a vehicle into Canada a seamless, premium experience. Trust us to handle every detail, ensuring your import meets all regulations and standards. Start your journey with BorderBuddy today and experience the ease of premium vehicle import services.
Ready to import? Call us at 1 (866) 441-2161 or email us at vehicles@borderbuddy.com to get started!
Always confirm with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) to ensure a vehicle is admissible. The RIV website has a comprehensive list of what can, and cannot, be imported into Canada. Any vehicle with post-production modifications must be checked with Transport Canada to ensure compliance. For recalls, always ensure you check the manufacturer’s website for the most recent recall notices, and ensure they are satisfied before import.
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) is an agency responsible for ensuring that all vehicles imported into Canada meet the country’s safety and environmental standards. It operates under the authority of Transport Canada], and it plays a critical role in the importation process. When a vehicle is imported, RIV oversees the inspection and modification processes to ensure compliance with national standards. This includes managing paperwork, coordinating inspections, and providing guidance to importers on necessary modifications and steps. The RIV ensures that all imported vehicles are safe and legal to drive on national roads, protecting both the vehicle owners and other road users.
The process of paying the RIV registration fee involves several steps. Be sure to check if your vehicle qualifies for any exemptions on the fee.
Yes! The year of your car being imported from the States does matter. Federal inspection is required on vehicles less than 15 years old, to ensure that the car meets Canada’s safety and legal requirement requirements. For more information, see Transportation Canada and Registrar of Imported Vehicles
Proper documentation is critical. This goes beyond having a bill of sale. Required documents include:
Yes! Visitors, tourists and temporary residents can import vehicles temporarily into Canada, as well as Canadians who rented a US vehicle and brought it across the border. Vehicles that don’t satisfy Canada’s safety measures can be temporarily imported by completing a special import declaration. Vehicles that are imported temporarily are also exempt from needing an RIV inspection, so long as it’s used by temporary residents, diplomats or Canadian or US armed forces.
Yes! Once you’ve imported a vehicle into Canada, and have gone through all the required proceedings, then you’re free to do as you wish with the vehicle – including selling it.
It is important to note that a foreign vehicle cannot be sold or gifted on Canadian soil unless it has been properly imported first.
Looking to start a car importing and selling business? BorderBuddy can help, contact our sales team to find out more about becoming a partner!
There is only one port in Canada that permits vehicles to remain in Canada during the import/export process. All other ports of entry require the vehicle to be taken back to the United States for exporting/ importing purposes.
Unfortunately no. Only the owner/ purchaser of the vehicle can take the vehicle through customs. The only other alternative is using a registered cross-border trucking company. If you are using a trucking company, you cannot meet them at the border to self-declare with Canada Customs. If you are using a trucking company, you will need to use BorderBuddy for both the export and import process and we will communicate with the carrier directly, once you have hired their services. Your personal tax exemptions will not be applied when using a carrier. Personal tax exemptions are only applicable in some cases, when an importer is doing their own import (self-declaring).
Gifted vehicles are subject to all of the same applicable taxes that non-gifted vehicles are.
Provincial Sales Tax (PST) will be exempted at the time of registration, provided a gift letter is presented to the agent.
Value for taxes is based on the fair market value of the vehicle, The fair market value can be found on Kelly Blue Book (KBB). The value for taxes is based on the fair market value of the vehicle. The fair market value can be found on Kelly Blue Book (KBB). Please ensure you are using the Canadian website for KBB.
This is a common situation for many buyers importing vehicles from the U.S. to Canada. The process typically involves these steps:
It’s always advisable to plan your trip and vehicle pickup considering this 72-hour export requirement to avoid any last-minute complications.
When purchasing a vehicle in the U.S. as a Canadian resident, it’s important to understand the restrictions on carrying cash across borders. You’re correct that there is a limit to the amount of cash you can bring into the U.S. without declaring it; the limit is $10,000 USD. To comply with this and still complete your vehicle purchase, consider the following payment options:
Before selecting a payment method, discuss with the seller what they prefer or are willing to accept. Additionally, always ensure that any payment method used provides sufficient documentation for the purchase, as this will be important for vehicle importation and registration processes.
Exploring? Get a free quote by visiting our online import quote calculator.
Ready to import? Call us at 1.866.441.2161 or email us at vehicles@borderbuddy.com to get started!
When moving to Canada or returning to Canada and importing a vehicle you’ve owned for several years, the requirement for the original bill of sale can vary. Here are the key points to consider:
Remember, regulations can change, so it’s always best to verify the latest requirements with the appropriate Canadian authorities.
If the seller of a vehicle does not have the vehicle title, it’s important to proceed with caution, as the title is a critical document proving ownership of the vehicle. Here are the steps you can take in this situation:
Remember, the title is a key document in proving vehicle ownership and legality. Proceeding without it can lead to complications in ownership, registration, and legality of the vehicle.
In the case of a private vehicle sale, an invoice or bill of sale is indeed a crucial document. Here’s what you should know about it:
Yes, the title of the vehicle needs to be transferred to the exporter’s name before it can be legally exported from the United States. Here are the key points you should know:
Transferring the title before exportation is a crucial step in the legal export of a vehicle from the U.S., ensuring compliance with both export and import regulations.
Driving a vehicle from the U.S. to Canada requires an in-transit license or tag and appropriate insurance. Here’s how to manage this:
Securing an in-transit license or tag and appropriate insurance coverage is crucial for legally and safely driving a vehicle from the U.S. to Canada. Always check the latest requirements from the relevant DMV and insurance providers.
Once the export papers have been filed and the mandatory 72-hour waiting period has elapsed, the following guidelines typically apply:
It’s important to plan your export in accordance with these timeframes to ensure a smooth process and to avoid any legal issues.
The 72-hour rule for exporting a vehicle from the U.S. specifically refers to a minimum requirement. Here’s what this means:
This rule is in place to allow U.S. Customs the necessary time to perform any checks and avoid illegal exports. Compliance with this regulation is crucial for a lawful and hassle-free vehicle export process.
BorderBuddy accepts payments through various methods
Once your paperwork is processed by BorderBuddy, you will receive an invoice with payment instructions via your preferred method. You can expect to receive the invoice at least three days before your scheduled crossing date. Payment must be made prior to importing or exporting your vehicle.