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When importing Japanese use to Canada, it should be older than 15 years. Vehicles younger than 15 years cannot be imported. Car age is determined by the month and the year it was produced.
There is an exception to age restriction if the imported vehicle is a competition vehicle. The importer should show a letter issued by the manufacturer stating that the car is for competition only and the type of competition it is listed for.
The importation of left-hand drive vehicles is permitted in the Canadian country.
Vancouver, New Westminster
At the time of vehicle arrival, Canada Border Services Agency performs a soil inspection. The vehicle must be thoroughly washed prior to leaving the exporting country as a soil exam will be performed by the Canada Border Services Agency once the vehicle arrives in Canada. Additional charges will result if the vehicle is found dirty and must be moved to a specialized cleaning facility.
DOT-approved tires
Most tires from Japan although perfectly fine and safe to use, are not legal for use in Canada because they lack the DOT markings and load ratings on the sidewalls. Because of this, unfortunately, even if you have a brand new set of tires, you will have to replace them with DOT-approved tires purchased from your local tire dealer.
DOT approved headlights (most cars do not come with DOT headlights from Japan)
All vehicles imported from overseas will need to go through a provincial (OOP) inspection before registration can take place. OOP will check your suspension, steering, and other safety issues such as the defog, heaters, etc.
RIV inspection
It is the importer’s responsibility to complete the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) inspection within 45 days (or 1 year for salvage vehicles) from the date of import. All required modifications must be completed prior to the RIV inspection. If you are having trouble completing the RIV inspection within 45 days (or 1 year for salvage vehicles) it is important to contact RIV Agency
Failure to pass the RIV inspection process within the specified time will make the vehicle non-compliant. The importer will receive written notification, outlining fines and penalties under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and dictating that the vehicle must be removed from Canada.
Contact the Inspection Centre facility ahead of time in order to arrange for an appointment, some locations have designated time slots for Federal Inspections.
Bill of Sale
Bill Of Lading
Deregistration Certificate
Export Certificate
English Translation of Export Certificate
Cargo Control Abstract
Request for Release Approval form
Soil/agricultural inspection release provided by the Canada Border Services Agency
Excise Tax: CAD 100 for Vehicles weighing more than 4,425 pounds
GST: 5 - 7% of the CIF Value (may vary according to states)
Import tax: 6.1% of the CIF value
Once your vehicle arrives you would go about registering it much the same way you would with any other vehicle. You must show a valid safety certification and an insurance policy and then you can hit the pavement. We provide you with the safety certification at no extra cost as well as all the proper importation documents that accompany your vehicle should you need to present it at your local DMV. These documents will include things like:
Japanese de-registration
Translated vehicle title
Soil exams
Customs release form
EPA emissions exemption form
Bill of lading
Bill of sale
Mechanical inspection
The first thing you need to do is find out whether the car you're importing is even importable into Canada. Transport Canada has an agreement with a private firm, Livingston International, which is now operating as the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. If you call them and give them a year, make, and model of vehicle, they will tell you whether the car is legally allowed to be imported into Canada.
Also note that if the car is newer than the 1990 model year, you will be expected to have the car retrofitted with the equivalent of the Canadian Daytime Running Light system. This procedure can be done after the car is in Canada, but you must have it completed and inspected within 45 days of importation.
Step 1
Forming a request to buy a car
Step 2
Selection of car at Japanese automobile auctions and stocks
Step 3
Making a deposit to participate in the auction
Step 4
The process of buying a car at a Japanese auction
Step 5
Car delivery from Japan
Japan office +81-4-4874-0772
German office +49-177-5792807