Introduction
For instance, importing a car from Europe to Canada or anywhere else is economically reasonable and fun to get a new car. However, it involves several steps that should be implemented by Canadian legislation. Here we discuss in detail how one can import a car from Europe to Canada.
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Check eligibility and compliance between the enterprise and the clients.
Before you even begin importing the vehicle, you must check the requirements to determine whether the car you wish to import meets Canadian standards. In addition, the car should provide compliance with some requirements of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBA). This is a safety and emission guideline. Certain vehicles, especially the old ones, might not be allowed to be imported, especially when they do not meet these standards.
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Import Duty & Taxes Information
Like any other country, some costs have been associated with importing vehicles into Canada, including import duty, taxes, and other fees. The duty is approximately 6.1 percent of the vehicle’s value, but there might be deviations from this percentage. Further, you will be obliged to make the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and, possibly, the Provincial Sales Tax (PST). However, checking the actual costs for your province and the reconditioned vehicle before proceeding is advisable.
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Purchase and Prepare the Car
If you verify the abovementioned factors before you should Import a car from Europe to Canada. Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, ensure you get the following documents for the vehicle:
- Original invoice
- Proof of ownership
- European registration
- Odometer statement
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Arrange for Shipping
To move your car from Europe to Canada, choose the shipping company with full services to transport the car internationally. You have two main options:
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is the most common and cheapest option since the car is driven directly into the shipping vessel and off when it reaches Canada.
Container shipping: This is slightly more secure but highly costly. The car is embarked in a container and transported to Canada.
Remember to compare shipping prices from different companies to determine better prices and delivery times. Depending on the destination and type of shipping used, it takes about 4- 6 weeks to get shipped.
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File the import declaration with the CBSA
After the import of a car from Europe to Canada, it must be prepared for import by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This declaration also concerns the vehicle, and you must present it at the country’s port of entry. To import and register the car, you will need the car’s initial documents and affirmation of conformity with Canadian norms.
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Pay Duties and Taxes
But before one can step off the plane, they have to pay import duties, taxes, and fees. Remember that you must pay these fees before they release the car. They will also inspect the vehicle here to determine if it meets the requirements of the Canadian market.
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Alter the Car (If Needed)
If you transport your car from Europe and it fails to comply with Canadian standards, you may need to alter it. Some modifications include replacing the speedometer with km/h and adjusting the headlights to meet Canadian standards. Qualified people dealing with imported cars, such as car dealerships, can do these modifications.
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Register the Vehicle
Usually, after completing the inspection and making the required changes, you must register the car through the motor vehicle department of the respective province or territory of Canada. To clear it, you must produce the documents for the vehicle, insurance, and receipts of tax and duties paid.
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Obtain Canadian Insurance
Thus, to be legally compliant, you must organize Canadian auto insurance before operating the automobile. Car insurance costs differ by the automobile model, age, and violation history.
Conclusion
Importing a car from Europe to Canada is quite complex, but one can import a European vehicle following the following steps? Ensure you understand all the regulations, follow Canadian standards, document yourself correctly, and pay the right fees to legally use your vehicle on Canadian roads.
Looking to simplify the process of importing a car from Europe to Canada? Stay informed and make confident decisions every step of the way! For more tips, updates, and personalized guidance, visit and follow our Facebook Page. Let’s make your car import journey smooth and stress-free!
