Important notices
Note: For additional information about importing a vehicle, visit the Transport Canada and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) web sites.
NEW: Effective August 1, 2020, the RIV Vehicle import fee will be $325 and Parts fee will be $100
Jun. 15, 2020
Vehicle Imports
| Province | GST rate | HST rate | RIV fee | GST/HST amt. | QST | total fee |
|---|
| AB | 5% | n/a | $ 325.00 | $ 16.25 | $ 0.00 | $ 341.25 |
| BC | 5% | n/a | $ 325.00 | $ 16.25 | $ 0.00 | $ 341.25 |
| MB | 5% | n/a | $ 325.00 | $ 16.25 | $ 0.00 | $ 341.25 |
| NB | n/a | 15% | $ 325.00 | $ 48.75 | $ 0.00 | $ 373.75 |
| NL | n/a | 15% | $ 325.00 | $ 48.75 | $ 0.00 | $ 373.75 |
| NS | n/a | 15% | $ 325.00 | $ 48.75 | $ 0.00 | $ 373.75 |
| ON | n/a | 13% | $ 325.00 | $ 42.25 | $ 0.00 | $ 367.25 |
| PE | n/a | 15% | $ 325.00 | $ 48.75 | $ 0.00 | $ 373.75 |
| QC | 5% | n/a | $ 325.00 | $ 16.25 | $ 32.42 | $ 373.67 |
| SK | 5% | n/a | $ 325.00 | $ 16.25 | $ 0.00 | $ 341.25 |
| YT | 5% | n/a | $ 325.00 | $ 16.25 | $ 0.00 | $ 341.25 |
Parts Imports
| Province | GST rate | HST rate | RIV fee | GST/HST amt. | QST | total fee |
|---|
| AB | 5% | n/a | $ 100.00 | $ 5.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 105.00 |
| BC | 5% | n/a | $ 100.00 | $ 5.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 105.00 |
| MB | 5% | n/a | $ 100.00 | $ 5.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 105.00 |
| NB | n/a | 15% | $ 100.00 | $ 15.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 115.00 |
| NL | n/a | 15% | $ 100.00 | $ 15.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 115.00 |
| NS | n/a | 15% | $ 100.00 | $ 15.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 115.00 |
| ON | n/a | 13% | $ 100.00 | $ 13.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 113.00 |
| PE | n/a | 15% | $ 100.00 | $ 15.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 115.00 |
| QC | 5% | n/a | $ 100.00 | $ 5.00 | $ 9.98 | $ 114.98 |
| SK | 5% | n/a | $ 100.00 | $ 5.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 105.00 |
| YT | 5% | n/a | $ 100.00 | $ 5.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 105.00 |
For more information about what the RIV fee please see our FAQ "What does the RIV Import fee cover"
Alert: Beware of vehicles being sold in the US that may be flood damaged
September 7, 2017
Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act administered by Transport Canada, vehicles imported from the United States are processed through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The RIV captures the branding shown on the US vehicle titles and makes this information available to all provincial/territorial licensing jurisdictions in Canada. All flood vehicles have been assigned a “non-repairable” brand, since early 2008. Vehicles with a “non-repairable” brand or status, do not qualify for on-road licensing and use in Canada.
RIV recommends that importers conduct a complete title history search on a vehicle before purchase in order to see all brands assigned to the vehicle by U.S. licensing jurisdictions.
Carfax, Carproof, or Autocheck are some private companies that can provide title histories for a fee.
PAVING THE ROAD TO PAPERLESS VEHICLE IMPORTS!
July 17, 2015
Get Ready for Paperless Vehicle Imports!
In the very near future, Canadian Customs Brokers will be following the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) paperless initiative where paper Vehicle Import Forms for commercial entries will be on their way to elimination.
How does it work?
The Customs Broker will enter all commercial vehicle information typically contained on a Vehicle Import Form into their systems and transmit the data electronically to the CBSA.
CBSA will then transmit the data electronically to The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).
In turn, RIV will share vehicle import data and status with the Interprovincial Records Exchange (IRE).
Provincial and territorial licensing offices across Canada will access the IRE using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for verification of import and vehicle status prior to registering and licensing.
What does that mean to you?
Commercial vehicle importers will automatically receive an email communication from RIV advising that the vehicle has been imported to Canada for RIV entry, RIV exempt and RIV Parts vehicle imports.
The email will serve as notification that the VIN and vehicle data is available via the IRE. If all import requirements have been met, the vehicle can be registered and licensed.
Exclusions:
- Schedule VII temporary vehicle imports
- Personal vehicle importations
Above imports will still have paper vehicle import forms.
Mandatory AES filing for exports of used self-propelled vehicles required as of Oct 2nd, 2014
April 5, 2014
The U.S. Census Bureau, in concurrence with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has agreed to provide exporters an additional 180 days to come into compliance with the new Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) requirements. The period of "informed compliance" will take place from the revised FTR effective date of April 5, 2014, through October 2, 2014.
Mandatory AES filing for exports of used self-propelled vehicles required as of April 5th, 2014
March 28, 2014
The U.S. Census Bureau (Census) has posted a final rule amending its regulations to reflect new export reporting requirements. These new requirements include the mandatory filing of electronic export information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) or AESDirect for all exports of used self-propelled vehicles.
Beginning April 5th, 2014, all exports of used self-propelled vehicles, regardless of value, will be required to file EEI though AES.
How to File Electronic Export Information through the Automated Export System:
To learn about filing EEI visit the U.S. Customs webpage 'About AES' and the Census AESDirect website for self-serve option to file EEI free of charge.
A Customs Brokers or an Automated Export System service providers can also assist you in the declaration.
Flood damaged Vehicles may enter the Canadian Marketplace
December 11, 2012
“Beware of vehicles being sold from the US and imported into Canada that may be flood damaged vehicles from the recent natural disaster in the north eastern US” warn CCMTA, Canada's road safety administrators. The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), an organization comprising federal, provincial and territorial governments responsible for road safety in Canada, cautions consumers on purchasing used cars with origins along the US areas affected by hurricane Sandy, that may be flood damaged vehicles.
According to a recent article from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Transport Administrators (AAMVA), “tens of thousands of flood cars that have been submerged in salt water, and contaminated by bacteria and various toxins, will soon start to appear all over the country, even in states far from the center of the storm. AAMVA members should be aware that these vehicles may show up in their jurisdictions.”
Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act administered by Transport Canada, vehicles imported from the United States are processed through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The RIV captures the branding shown on the US vehicle titles and makes this information available to all provincial/territorial licensing jurisdictions in Canada. All flood vehicles have been assigned a “non-repairable” brand, since early 2008. Vehicles with a “non-repairable” brand or status, do not qualify for on-road licensing and use in Canada.
The general public is advised to check with their provincial or territorial licensing office before purchasing a flood damaged vehicle in or from the U.S.
RIV recommends that importers conduct a complete title history search on a vehicle before purchase in order to see all brands assigned to the vehicle by U.S. licensing jurisdictions.
Carfax, Carproof, or Autocheck are some private companies that can provide title histories for a fee.
Harley Davidson Rear Light Configuration to Meet CMVSS 108
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles has updated the Federal Inspection process for Harley Davidson motorcycles requiring the rear light configuration as determined by Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108.
Section 4 of the Vehicle Inspection Form will now require a signature by both the inspector and importer confirming the rear lights have been modified to meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108.
Importing New Canadian Specification Vehicles Into Canada
- A vehicle is considered “NEW” when it is purchased directly from a manufacturer. Acquisition documents must clearly indicate a purchase at the manufacturing level. Vehicles purchased at the retail level in the United States are not considered “NEW”.
- A “Canadian specification vehicle” is defined as a vehicle built to Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and bearing a Canadian Statement of Compliance to that effect.
For more information please refer to http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn12-003-eng.html
NEW RIV Canadian Certification Label
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles is pleased to announce its newly enhanced Canadian Certification label. Our new label uses the latest in print and tamper resistant technology and has been resized for an easier fit next to its U.S. counterpart. Made of reflective material, the label is easily read in low light conditions and is now in circulation.
Toyota Sienna Spare Tire Cable recall update
Toyota Canada has provided us with an update in regards to the Spare Tire cable recall.
They have now indicated that once an authorized Toyota dealer inspects the cable they are satisfied that the following three possible outcomes will address the defect and will allow them to clear the recall:
Scenario A) The cable is not corroded at all. In this case the dealerships apply a rubberized coating to the cable to prevent corrosion.
Scenario B) The cable has minimal corrosion. If the cable has only a small amount of corrosion the corroded portion can be cut, the cable will be crimped and the remainder will be sprayed with a rubberized coating.
Scenario C) The cable has extensive corrosion. In this case the cable will be replaced and the new cable will also have the rubberized coating applied.
Replacement cables are currently available in Canadian dealerships for 1998- 2006 models. Toyota Canada has stated they are hopeful the cables for 2007 and newer models will be available by November 30th.
Toyota accelerator pedal recall and spare tire cable recalls
Individuals purchasing a Toyota vehicle in the US should be aware that the vehicle may be subject to NHTSA recall 90L - Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall or A0E-Severe Corrosion of Spare Tire Carrier. Toyota is currently in the process of finalizing the recall remedy for the affected vehicles, and will be contacting owners of these vehicles by first class mail as soon as the dealers are prepared to have this important remedy performed.
Recall clearance is a requirement to complete the RIV program successfully, and consistent with our policy, no RIV inspection forms will be released for Toyota vehicles unless proof that either the vehicle is not affected by any recall, or if it is, that the defect has been remedied.
The RIV has been in daily contact with Toyota Canada throughout the various campaigns to determine which Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) imported through our program are affected by which recalls; if there is a remedy available; and, if so, whether or not the remedy has been applied.
For information about whether or not your vehicle is affected, and when a remedy will be available, please call 1-888-TOYOTA-8 or 1-888-869-6828 to register with Toyota.
If you have not yet purchased a Toyota vehicle in the U.S. and want to find out more about the recall status on makes and models, please visit http://www.toyota.ca for updated information on recalls.