Shipping a Car to Canada
People living in Canada are increasingly becoming aware of the fact that they can actually save on purchase of a car if they import it from the neighbouring USA. Typically a car that is purchased in USA works out cheaper, even after paying taxes, shipping costs etc. The average saving you can manage is about 25% and in some cases can even work out 50% cheaper.
That being said, importing a vehicle into Canada can be hard work, and stressful unless you know the rules and have someone to guide you through the process. Fortunately there are shipping companies that know their business and have professionals who can walk you through it.
Every country has its own rules, both about exporting a car and importing it. For Canada, you need to know about the import regulations of Canada Customs, Transport, Food Inspection and related agencies like licensing, sales tax etc. Over and above that, if you are exporting the vehicle from USA, you have to meet the US requirements too. You have to check with the country of origin for the country specific requirements for Car Shipping to Canada and comply with them.
Documentation requirements are always very stringent for shipping car to Canada. You need to have the registration of the car, bill of sale that specifies the age, make, model number etc along with the price and the details of the seller and buyer of the car. So it is always advisable to keep a specific file for your relevant car papers. Your shipping company will also give you papers which have to be kept along with the other car papers. These are necessary for the paperwork to be done at the Customs to get your car cleared.
Some things you need to know before shipping your car to Canada
That being said, importing a vehicle into Canada can be hard work, and stressful unless you know the rules and have someone to guide you through the process. Fortunately there are shipping companies that know their business and have professionals who can walk you through it.
Every country has its own rules, both about exporting a car and importing it. For Canada, you need to know about the import regulations of Canada Customs, Transport, Food Inspection and related agencies like licensing, sales tax etc. Over and above that, if you are exporting the vehicle from USA, you have to meet the US requirements too. You have to check with the country of origin for the country specific requirements for Car Shipping to Canada and comply with them.
Documentation requirements are always very stringent for shipping car to Canada. You need to have the registration of the car, bill of sale that specifies the age, make, model number etc along with the price and the details of the seller and buyer of the car. So it is always advisable to keep a specific file for your relevant car papers. Your shipping company will also give you papers which have to be kept along with the other car papers. These are necessary for the paperwork to be done at the Customs to get your car cleared.
Some things you need to know before shipping your car to Canada
- Car shipping to Canada can not be done unless the car is 15 years old. If your car is less than 15 years old, you would have to check if it qualifies for the exceptions under CCRA.
- The car must be thoroughly cleaned and must have no soil or plant material stuck to the underside. The car will be inspected at your cost, and if found wanting it will be cleaned at your expense and you will have to pay for a second inspection.
- Your car will be subject to customs duty, unless your car was made in the US and is imported from US. If it is a British car, then it will be subject to customs duty of 6%.
- Once the customs clearance is given your car will have to be registered. The fee is $197 in Quebec and higher in other provinces.
- Prior to registration the car will have to be modified for qualifying for registration within 45 days of car shipping to Canada to meet with the laws of Transport Canada.
- If you have purchased a collectors car and it has air conditioning excise tax of $100 will be levied on it. Moreover if it weighs more than 4425 pounds there will be more taxes.
- If your car does not meet with the approval and safety standards, you may never get to see it again. It will be destroyed or you would have to export it back. Moreover there is no refund of the duties you have paid.
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