The Ultimate Guide To Shipping A Car To Canada

There are many things to consider when shipping a car to an other country. Some countries have import/export agreements that allow for the easy and affordable passage of vehicles across borders, but that is not always the case. Laws, regulations, and taxes can all vary from one country to another, which makes it important to have a good grasp on the process so you know what you're getting in to.

This article will cover everything you need to know about shipping a vehicle to Canada--whether it's a car, jeep, motorcycle, truck, or SUV. Though the process isn't entirely different for other types of vehicles, there are some details that are particular to each.

Have general questions about the laws and regulations that affect shipping a car to Canada? Visit http://www.riv.ca/importingavehicle.aspx from the Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles can answer a lot of your questions. Cars imported to Canada must be inspected and certified by the CRIV under most circumstances.

Required Vehicle Documents & Paperwork

The original title or a certified copy must be sent to the proper border authority within 72 hours of exporting the vehicle. For transporting a vehicle from the U.S. to Canada, this means contacting U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Some of the other paperwork you'll want to have handy includes the following:

• Vehicle title or certified copy
• Customs paperwork from Canada Customs
• Passport or copy of driver's license AND birth certificate
• Statement that the vehicle meets Canadian emissions regulations
• Modified and custom vehicles may not be eligible

Importing Vehicles Manufactured In Other Countries

For U.S. vehicle imports to Canada, there are some special requirements you'll need to be mindful of, though they are not unlike laws that other countries have regarding vehicle imports and exports. In most cases, an exemption from the CRIV is required if the vehicle you're importing is less than 15 years old, or if it's a van made before 1971. There are exceptions to this rule, of course

The United States and Canada have fairly similar standards when it comes to automobile importing and exporting, which makes the process somewhat easier and a little more efficient than shipping to some other countries.

Still have questions about transporting a car to Canada? Visit the http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048-eng.html web page to view more information on the subject from the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Taxes & Canadian Import Duty For Automobiles

Providing your car is eligible to be brought into Canada, there are some taxes and duties that will apply. They exact percentages vary slightly by province, but these are the other fees you can expect to pay:

• Import duty
• Excise tax
• Goods & services tax
• Territorial sales tax

Autos imported for personal use from the U.S. and Mexico don't typically require a duty, but those form other countries likely will. It should be noted that when a duty is applied, it is computed based on the total of any funds collected by the vendor--this could include warranties, and sales tax. This amount also includes any trade-in value built into the purchase price of the vehicle.