Car Shipping Restrictions in Canada

Vehicle Compliance and Canadian Regulations

First Base Freight have been successfully car shipping to Canada for many years, we believe that the restrictions put in place by Canada should be advised up front so as to avoid any problems importing your vehicle.

Before deciding to ship your vehicle to Canada – there are some things you will need to make sure of so to ensure a smooth process. The main thing to consider is, will your vehicle be accepted once it reaches Canada? Or will it be refused entry if it does not meet with Canadian regulations?

What are the Canadian vehicle shipping regulations?

The Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Regulations in Canada require that all vehicles being imported in to Canada must first comply at the time of its importation with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; this is checked by the date in which your vehicle was manufactured. To make this check you must make sure that your vehicle has the statement of compliance label, this is affixed by the original manufacturer. You have to make sure that this has not been altered in any way at all.

Vehicles that were manufactured for sale outside of Canada and the U.S do not allow modifications to be made so that they meet the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, unless:

• The vehicle is 15 years old or older
• A bus was manufactured before January 1, 1971
• Or if you are only entering Canada temporarily

Shipping old cars to Canada

If the vehicle that you want to take over to Canada is less than 15 years old, then you will be required to prove that your vehicle qualifies for one of the above exemptions by providing sales receipt or registration documents.

If you are only visiting Canada as a temporary resident, you are allowed to bring one vehicle into the country for your own personal use, “Under section 7(1) (b) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA)” a motor vehicle may be brought into Canada temporarily without complying with the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations if it is used exclusively by the person entering Canada as a visitor or just passing through Canada. People who are entering Canada under a work permit or via a student visa are also considered visitors for the application of this of the MSVA.

What paperwork is needed to ship a car to Canada?

Once you know that your vehicle is permitted to be shipped into Canada you will need to get all of your required documentation ready before you start your booking, you will be required to provide copies of:

• The vehicles V5C (registration document)
• The photo page of your passport
• The photo page of your Consignee’s passport (if you are having the vehicle picked up at the port of destination)
• The vehicles MOT certificate (If you are having us collect the vehicle for you)

For further information on shipping your vehicle to Canada, call one of our experienced members of staff today.