• 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 export requirements
  • CBSA entry requirements
• After vehicle entry
  • Vehicle modifications
  • RIV inspection
  • Provincial licensing
• News Alert

Importing a vehicle

If you are thinking about importing a vehicle from the United States, you should understand the following three main steps of the process:

1. Before you import

• Before purchasing and importing a vehicle, find out about the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program, vehicle admissibility, RIV exemptions, recall clearance documentation, vehicle modification requirements, vehicle branding history and Environment Canada requirements.

2. At the border

• Understand your obligations for reporting to U.S. Customs, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and registration into the RIV program.

3. After vehicle entry

• Complete vehicle modifications, the RIV inspection process and contact your provincial/territorial licensing jurisdictions for information about licensing your vehicle.

Use the Importer Checklist tool to help you build and print a checklist for reference throughout the importing process.