Immigration | Bringing your car to Canada

Dear Miss Powell,

Can I take my vehicle with me when moving to Canada?

C.G.

Dear CG,

You may be able to bring your car, but this could prove challenging depending on the country from which you are travelling. Qualifying settlers can bring a personal vehicle without customs duties and taxes, but the vehicle must meet Canada’s import requirements.

You have not provided the make, model, age or country from which you will ship it. These details, together with the manufactured safety standards, will determine whether you can bring it.

CHECK BEFORE SHIPPING

Transport Canada generally does not allow the permanent importation of cars built for foreign markets other than the United States and Mexico. Cars cannot simply be modified after arrival to meet Canadian safety standards.

If you would like to bring a car from Jamaica, you will need to look at factors such as the age of the vehicle. A car that is at least 15 years old may be imported, subject to other requirements. The age is calculated from the month and year of manufacture, not just the model year.

Was your vehicle originally from United States or Mexico? If so, it may be imported through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles Program which will need to pass their inspection. You will need to find out the rules applicable to your particular vehicle from Transport Canada.

RIGHT-HAND-DRIVE VEHICLES

Permission to import a car does not guarantee that you can register it where you plan to live. Provinces and territories have their own registration and inspection requirements, including restrictions affecting some right-hand-drive vehicles.

Before shipping, contact the licensing authority in your destination province and obtain an insurance quotation for the exact vehicle. You should know whether it can be registered and insured before paying transport costs.

COMPARE THE COSTS

Transporting a vehicle could be challenging if you are not travelling from the USA. You should evaluate the cost for shipping, insurance, port charges, inspections, registration, any required modifications and any applicable taxes. Compare the total with the cost of buying a suitable car in Canada.

Have a mechanic assess what the vehicle needs for winter driving, including tyres, battery condition and coolant protection. Do not assume that every vehicle will need the same work.

CLAIMING THE CUSTOMS EXEMPTION

To claim the settlers’ effects exemption for your car, you must meet the customs eligibility rules. The vehicle must have been owned, possessed and used abroad before your move, with registration and insurance in your name. Leased and company-owned vehicles do not qualify under this exemption.

If the car will arrive later, declare it as goods to follow when you arrive to settle. Include its make, model, and vehicle identification number. Keep your customs documents, registration, insurance records and proof of purchase.

I suggest confirming eligibility with Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency before deciding whether to bring your car.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and author in Canada. Contact her via www.deidrepowell.com or WhatsApp 613-695-8777.