Importing Vehicles Across The Border
Transport Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) is a national program allowing Canadians to import vehicles purchased at retail from the U.S. into Canada. Upon import, vehicles are registered, inspected and certified for compliance with requirements under Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations.
Types of vehicles subject to RIV Inspection include, but are not limited to:
- Trailers
- Restricted-Use Motorcycles
- ATVs,
- Snowmobiles
- Low-speed vehicles
Before You Buy
When thinking about purchasing and importing a vehicle from the U.S. into Canada, the first step is for you to ensure it is admissible to Canada. We recommend reviewing the RIV Program requirements, including eligibility, exemptions, fees, documentation, and licensing upon entry into Canada. An Importer Checklist is available to assist in determining requirements specific to the type, make, and model to be imported.
You should also be aware of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations applicable to the export of vehicles from the U.S.:
- Exports of vehicles require the filing of export information to CBP through the Automated Export System (AES) a minimum of 72 hours prior to export. To ensure compliance we recommend using a commercial carrier that is familiar with export filing to export your vehicle on your behalf.
- If you wish to transport the vehicle without using a commercial transport carrier (i.e. drive the vehicle across the border yourself), CBP regulations require a U.S. authorized agent file the export information.
- Upon acceptance of your AES filing, a 15-digit file reference number, called an International Transaction Number (ITN), will be issued. The vehicle title and ITN must be submitted to CBP at the U.S. Port of Exit no less than 72 hours prior to export. Dependent upon the Port of Exit, the original title may be required.
RIV Program Fees
Current fees for registering a U.S. imported vehicle under the RIV program are:
| Vehicles entering the RIV Program with a Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 | |
| Vehicles entering through any border crossing with the exception of Quebec | $325.00 + GST/HST |
| Vehicles entering through border crossings in Quebec | $325.00 + GST & QST |
| Vehicles entering the RIV Program with a Vehicle Imported for Parts – Form 3 | |
| Vehicles entering through any border crossing with the exception of Quebec | $100.00 + GST/HST |
| Vehicles entering through border crossings in Quebec | $100.00 + GST & QST |
Note: The import fee may be facilitated by Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon declaration of the vehicle into Canada. Furthermore, these fees are subject to change and the import fee is non-refundable.
For more information on the regulations and fees associated with importing vehicles into Canada, please reference the Registrar of Imported Vehicles and the Government of Canada’s requirements for Importing a Vehicle.
We’re Here to Help!
If you require further assistance with importing a vehicle or other import/export needs, please contact us
