Importing a vehicle to Canada is more complex than importing other personal effects. It involves four separate regulatory bodies: the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for customs clearance, Transport Canada for safety and emissions admissibility, the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) for compliance inspection, and your province or territory for registration and insurance. This guide explains each step and what you need to know about costs, timelines, and which vehicles can — and cannot — be imported.
RIV — Registrar of Imported Vehicles
The RIV administers Transport Canada's vehicle import program. Their website at riv.ca lists eligible vehicles, required modifications, and the inspection process. The RIV fee is currently $295 + applicable taxes for US vehicles.
Visit riv.caWho Can Import a Vehicle Duty-Free?
Under Customs Tariff item 9807.00.00 (settler's effects), new permanent residents and returning Canadian residents may import a vehicle duty-free if they meet the following conditions published by the CBSA:
- ✓You are establishing or re-establishing residency in Canada (new PR, returning citizen, or qualifying settler)
- ✓The vehicle was owned and registered in your name for at least 6 months before your date of entry into Canada
- ✓The vehicle is listed on your BSF186 (Form B4) personal effects declaration at the time of your first entry
- ✓The vehicle is imported within one year of your first entry into Canada as a settler
- ✓The vehicle is admissible under Transport Canada regulations (see sections below)
Duty exemption vs. RIV fees: The duty-free exemption applies to customs duties only. Even if your vehicle qualifies for duty-free import under settler's effects, you still must pay the RIV program fee, any required modification costs, provincial inspection fees, and provincial registration fees. These are separate from customs duties.
Vehicles That CANNOT Be Imported — The 15-Year Rule
Not all vehicles are admissible to Canada. Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Transport Canada regulations, vehicles manufactured to US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that are less than 15 years old must be modified to meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) before they can be permanently imported and registered.
Some US-spec vehicles are eligible and have known modification pathways. Others are on Transport Canada's list of ineligible vehicles and cannot be imported at all, regardless of age (until they reach the 15-year exemption). These are typically vehicles where the manufacturer has confirmed that modifications to meet Canadian standards are not feasible.
15+ Year Old Vehicles
Vehicles that are 15 or more years old are generally exempt from the RIV program and CMVSS modification requirements. They still must pass provincial safety inspection before registration. The 15-year age is calculated from the model year, not the manufacture date.
Under-15-Year US-Spec Vehicles
Must go through the RIV program. Some are straightforward (minor modifications). Others are on the ineligible list. Check riv.ca to see if your vehicle make, model, and year is eligible before attempting to import it.
Ineligible Vehicles (Under 15 Years)
These cannot be permanently imported to Canada regardless of settler status. If you attempt to bring an ineligible vehicle across the border, it may be turned back or detained. Always verify eligibility at riv.ca before your move.
The RIV Process — Step by Step
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) is a Transport Canada-authorized program that manages the inspection and certification of imported vehicles. For US-spec vehicles under 15 years old, here is how the process works:
- 1CBSA Customs Clearance: Present your vehicle, Form B3 (customs declaration), US title, registration, bill of sale (or proof of ownership), and BSF186 at the port of entry. CBSA will assess duty (or confirm duty-free status) and issue a Form 1 (RIV inspection form) for eligible vehicles.
- 2Pay the RIV Fee: The current RIV program fee is $295 CAD + applicable GST/HST for US-originating vehicles. This fee is paid to the RIV directly (online or at point of registration). It covers administration of your vehicle's inspection and compliance pathway.
- 3Obtain a Recall Clearance Letter: You must obtain a letter from the vehicle's manufacturer confirming there are no outstanding safety recalls affecting your VIN, or that all applicable recalls have been completed. Contact the manufacturer's Canadian customer service department. This is a Transport Canada requirement.
- 4Make Required Modifications: For eligible under-15-year vehicles, Transport Canada publishes the required modifications for each make and model. Common modifications include: daytime running lights (if not already present), metric speedometer markings, bilingual safety labels, shoulder belt height adjusters, and side marker lights. A certified mechanic must perform these modifications.
- 5RIV Inspection: Within 45 days of CBSA clearance (or within the timeframe specified on your Form 1), bring your vehicle to an RIV-authorized inspection facility. The inspector verifies all required modifications are complete and issues a Pass/Fail result. If you fail, you can have modifications corrected and re-inspected.
- 6Provincial Safety Inspection and Registration: After passing the RIV inspection, you must complete a provincial safety inspection (required by every province) and then register the vehicle in your province. Requirements, fees, and inspection standards vary by province.
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When you bring your vehicle to a Canadian port of entry, have the following documents ready:
Vehicle Title
The original US title (or equivalent ownership document for other countries) in your name. If the vehicle is financed, you may need a letter from the lender permitting export.
Current Registration
Valid vehicle registration in your name from the country of origin.
BSF186 (Form B4)
Your personal effects declaration listing the vehicle, completed and signed at your first entry as a settler.
Proof of 6-Month Ownership
Documents showing you have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months (purchase receipts, dated title, insurance records showing continuous ownership).
CBSA Form B3
The customs accounting document. For settlers claiming duty-free status, this will reference your BSF186. A customs broker can assist with Form B3 preparation.
Recall Clearance Letter
Manufacturer confirmation that all applicable safety recalls on your VIN are complete or do not apply to your vehicle.
Costs Breakdown — Vehicle Import to Canada
The total cost of importing a vehicle to Canada goes well beyond the RIV fee. Here is an overview of the cost categories to expect (amounts in CAD, approximate — verify current fees with the relevant authority):
Duty-free if you qualify under Customs Tariff 9807
Even duty-free vehicles are subject to GST based on market value
Plus applicable GST/HST; paid to the RIV
Can range from $100 for label replacements to $1,000+ for daytime running lights, speedometer changes, etc.
Usually free from manufacturer; recall repairs free if applicable
Varies by inspection facility and province
Varies by province and vehicle type
Varies significantly by province
Varies enormously by province, driver record, and vehicle type
Electric Vehicles — Special Considerations
Electric vehicles (EVs) follow the same general import process as conventional vehicles, but have some additional considerations:
- ✓The same 15-year rule and RIV eligibility requirements apply to EVs
- ✓Some US-spec EV models (e.g., certain Tesla configurations) are pre-approved for Canadian import through the RIV program with known modification lists
- ✓Federal iZEV rebates (up to $5,000 CAD) are available for new EVs purchased in Canada — they do not apply to imported used EVs
- ✓Charging infrastructure compatibility: US EVs use the same SAE J1772 (Level 2) and CCS1 (DC fast charge) standards as Canada, so charging compatibility is generally not an issue
- ✓Provincial EV incentives may or may not apply to imported EVs — check your province's rules
Frequently Asked Questions
I have owned my car for 4 months. Can I still import it when I move to Canada?+
Not duty-free under settler's effects — that exemption requires 6 months of ownership. You could still import the vehicle, but you would pay customs duty on its value (currently 6.1% for US-made vehicles under CUSMA/USMCA for eligible vehicles, or the standard tariff rate otherwise). The RIV process, Transport Canada admissibility, and provincial registration requirements still apply regardless of duty status.
How long do I have to complete the RIV inspection after crossing the border?+
The RIV program Form 1 issued by CBSA at import specifies the deadline. For most vehicles, you have 45 days from the date of CBSA clearance to present the vehicle to an RIV-authorized inspection facility with all required modifications completed. If you miss this deadline, you may face penalties or be required to export the vehicle.
My car has an outstanding US recall. Can I still import it?+
You need a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer confirming either that the recall does not apply to your VIN, or that the recall work has been completed. If there is an outstanding recall, you should have the recall work completed (free of charge at a dealer) before attempting to import. Transport Canada requires this clearance as part of the RIV process.
Do I need auto insurance before I can drive my imported vehicle in Canada?+
Yes. You must have valid Canadian auto insurance before driving your vehicle on Canadian roads. Your US auto insurance policy does not provide coverage in Canada (though some US policies may offer short-term visitor coverage — check with your insurer). Obtain Canadian insurance from a provincial insurer before driving after import.
Can I import a motorcycle or RV the same way?+
Yes. The same general process — CBSA customs clearance, Transport Canada admissibility, RIV program (for under-15-year vehicles), and provincial inspection/registration — applies to motorcycles, motor homes, and other motor vehicles. Some vehicle categories have specific Transport Canada requirements. Check riv.ca for your vehicle type.
Important: Vehicle import rules are governed by the Customs Act, Customs Tariff, and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. RIV fees, modification requirements, and eligible vehicle lists change — verify with riv.ca and cbsa-asfc.gc.ca before importing. Not legal advice.
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