How to Import Japanese Cars to Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulates the importing of cars into Canada. It has strict requirements, and applies duties and taxes. Several sellers of Japanese used cars might be able to help you deal with the import rules, and you can hire an import broker if the process seems too complicated. However, you can do it yourself.

Instructions

1

Contact the CBSA and Transport Canada to determine the eligibility requirements for Japanese cars to enter Canada. If a Japanese car has not been built to comply with U.S. or Canadian safety standards, you cannot alter it to comply and you cannot import it to Canada unless it is at least 15 years old, a bus manufactured before Jan. 1, 1971, or entering Canada temporarily. (See References 1 and 3)

2

Find a Japanese used-car exporter, and choose a Japanese car that meets the CBSA requirements. Japanese used-car dealers often market cars 15 years or older to Canadians. According to JapaneseUsedCars.Com, older used Japanese cars are good value because they are cheaper and generally maintained better than other makes of similar age. (See References 2)

3

Contact the exporter and make a purchase agreement with it. Usually, it sends an invoice by fax, which you have to sign and send back to Japan. (See References 4)

4

Send the payment to the exporter by bank transfer. It will ship the car and send you the proof of shipping. (See References 4)

5

Complete the Vehicle Import Form--Form 1--that you receive when the car arrives in Canada.

6

Pay import assessments, including duty, excise tax and goods and services tax (GST). These payments are based on the price you paid for the car. (See References 1)

7

Go through provincial or territorial safety inspection and pay provincial or territorial taxes when you license your vehicle. (See References 1)