Importing & Exporting Cars to Canada, : eBay Guides

Since 2001, Xborder Transportation Services has specialized in the business of transporting freight including vehicles between Canada and the United States.  Importing a Car to Canada from "south of the 49th" can be either a pandoras box of legislation, taxes, and other hurtles, time consuming and costly, or a relatively straightforward transaction.  The real key is research and making all the correct inquiries ahead of time.  I personally see very few vehicles currently moving from Canada to the United States, and each state has slightly different rules, too complex to really dicuss here.  But for Canadians buying vehicles in the US, and importing / registering vehicles in Canada, the procedure is relatively straightforward.  First, vehicles under 15 years must qualify for import and be on the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)approved list (riv.ca). The list also indicates expected modifications required to register the vehicle.  Expect daytime running lights and child safety seat anchors at a minimum.  Avoid cars requiring bumper modifications and Mercedes Benz vehicles in this regard specifically as only the dealer ($$$$) can modify the vehicle to comply with RIV.  Kit cars under 15 years are not admissible.  Good news: vehicles ( except buses) over 15 years ( based on month /year of manufacture ) all are admissible without requiring RIV inpections.  Cars over 25 years are antiques, no duty applies.  Motorcycles, trucks (light and heavy ) and SUVS are all admissible.  Having found an admissible vehicle, the title for any "self propelled land vehicle" must be faxed to US Customs at the border crossing for approval: each port has slightly different hours and rules.  Some border crossings do not process vehicles.  Three full business days later, the vehicle with original title can cross and be stamped by US Customs.  The vehicle must then be admitted by Canada Customs.  Expect to pay 6% GST, $100 air conditioning excise tax, $206 RIV fee ( under 15 years old ) and possible duty if not made in North America. Example: German vehicles 6%.  If importing for a business use or resale, you need a customs broker but individuals importing for personal use can have the trucker clear the vehicle, or you can meet the trucker, or some carriers will "bond" the vehicle to a location closer to your home where you can clear it yourself.  I always fax the RIV form 1 myself to RIV, the next day call them and they will email you form 2, listing what has to be modified.  If you do not call, form 2 will be mailed in about 10 days.    After completing modifications, you take form 1 &2, the vehicle and a letter from the manufacturer stating " no outstanding recalls" to Canadian Tire for inspection, they stamp the forms and you can go to a licence office, pay the PST ( on actual price paid, not book value ), turn in the US ownership, and obtain a Canadian title to the vehicle.  As always, you need a safety inpection and possibly an emission test.  Be warned no original US title in hand and the vehicle cannot cross into Canada.  Expect to pay $500- $2000 for truck transportation depending on distance plus loading expenses.  Most vehicles we move come from the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida : salt free moderate climates.  Be sure to hire a transportation service with vehicle importing / handling experience to make importing your purchase as easy as possible. 

I can be reached at xborder @ aol.com to assist with vehicles, parts, or general freight transportation requirements.  We only service export trade, and freight movement within Canada.