• Before you import
  • Vehicle admissibility
  • Vehicle branding history
  • Modification and inspection requirements
  • Recall clearance
  • RIV exemptions
  • Cost considerations
  • Importer checklist
• At the border
  • U.S. Customs entry requirements
  • CBSA entry requirements
• After vehicle entry
  • Vehicle modifications
  • RIV inspection
  • Provincial licensing

CBSA entry requirements

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office at the point of entry will process the import of your vehicle into Canada.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) assists Transport Canada with the administration of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations by administering and enforcing the conditions under which new and used vehicles may be imported at CBSA points of entry. The Motor Vehicle Safety Act regulates the importation of vehicles to reduce the risk of death, injury, and damage to property and the environment.

CBSA officers will:

• Check documentation.

Ensure you have the required documents including title documents, registration or proof of ownership.

Please Note: If the importer of a leased or financed vehicle cannot obtain the original Certificate of Title or a certified copy of the Certificate of Title, he/she must present a copy of the Certificate of Title with an original statement/letter from the financing/leasing company authorizing that the vehicle be exported from the United States and permanently imported into Canada. The statement/letter should identify the vehicle and include the VIN number.

All Transport Canada requirements for documentation and the process at the border are contained in Customs D-19-12-1 memorandum.

• Provide Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 (or Vehicle Imported for Parts Form - Form 3 for parts-only vehicles)

It is your responsibility to complete it. Retain this form as it is required by your province or territory to licence the vehicle

• Verify Admissibility.

CBSA will check your vehicle against Transport Canada's List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States, verify the VIN and manufacturer's Statement of Compliance (SOC) label.

• Facilitate Payment.

CBSA may facilitate payment of the non-refundable RIV Fee.

Payment for the RIV fee may be paid:

• With a major credit card at the border through CBSA,
• On-line through the RIV.ca secure web site using Visa, MasterCard or American Express
• By mailing a cheque or money order to RIV’s head office
• In person at RIV Toronto office, by cash, debit, cheque or credit card
• In person at RIV Pacific Highway office, by debit or credit card
• In person at a Livingston International Inc. office, by cash, cheque or credit card

NOTE: Personal cheques will be held for 10 business days for bank clearance before RIV will release an RIV inspection form for the vehicle. This will use up a portion of the 45-day period (or 1 year for salvage vehicles) in which modifications and the RIV inspection must be completed.

Please note that payment of fees and receipt of Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 does not guarantee that your vehicle will conform with applicable federal and provincial or territorial requirements.