How to Import a Car Into Canada

With the United States just across the border from Canada, it is not surprising that many Canadians will occasionally purchase a car from a dealer in the United States. However, Canada has its own sets or rules and regulations when it comes to matters like emissions and driver safety. For this reason, you must execute several actions to import a car made for the U.S. market into Canada.

Instructions

1

Check to see if the car is one that can be imported into Canada. Some can be imported as is, some will need modification and others cannot be imported at all.

2

Get insurance for your new car from a Canadian company. The coverage should be in force when you get the car in the U.S. and drive it north.

3

Purchase the car from the dealer. He will give you a temporary plate for the car that will be good both in the U.S. and in Canada. Also, get a "Proof of Recall Clearance" letter from the car manufacturer.

4

Fax a copy of the title to the U.S. Customs station where you will be crossing. Do this several days in advance, since they need time to process the paperwork.

5

Drive to the border and have the U.S. Custom office stamp your title with authorization for export. Then dive across to the Canadian Customs office and pay the current taxes and import fees. You will be given a form to take to your Provincial Licensing Office.

6

Return home. You will receive a second form in the mail in a couple of weeks. Fill out this form and the previous one.

7

Deliver both forms, as well as the "Proof of Recall Clearance" letter to a federal inspection center. Assuming the car passes inspection, the inspector will stamp form 1.

8

Deliver form 1, your bill of sale, the car title, and insurance certificate to your Provincial License Office (the documents may vary in other provinces). In a week or so, you will get a Canadian Certification sticker you must place on your car.