Car Shipping from the UK to Canada — Halifax

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Canada via RoRo to Halifax and container shipping to Saint John. Fortnightly sailings take approximately 6–7 days transit . RoRo starts from £1,105 for a standard car. The RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) programme is mandatory for vehicles under 25 years old. Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from RIV compliance. We handle all UK export documentation.

What Are Car Shipping Methods

At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (Ro Ro) which is highly cost effective and container shipping including Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.

Learn More: Discover the advantages and process of shipping your car in a dedicated container by visiting our Container Shipping Page.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles:

Electric vehicles can be shipped to Canada by dedicated container (FCL) — they are not permitted on RoRo services due to maritime battery safety regulations. A hazard surcharge of approximately £295 applies. The battery must be below 40–50% charge at loading. EVs still require RIV compliance if under 25 years old. Your Canadian customs broker and an RIV-approved inspection centre will assess compliance requirements for your specific EV model. Standard hybrid (non-plug-in) vehicles are accepted on RoRo without restriction.

What Is the 15-Year Exemption Rule for Importing Cars to Canada?

Canada has two important age-based exemptions that affect how vehicles are imported:

25-Year Rule (RIV Exemption):

Vehicles 25 years old or older are exempt from RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) inspection and CMVSS compliance requirements. They are classified as vintage or antique vehicles and can be imported without modification. This makes Canada an attractive destination for UK classic car owners.

15-Year Rule:

Vehicles 15 years old or older are no longer subject to certain CBSA import restrictions that apply to newer vehicles, and may qualify for simplified admissibility under certain categories. However, they are still subject to RIV if under 25 years, and provincial safety inspections still apply.

Verify your specific vehicle’s eligibility with a Canadian customs broker before booking shipment, as these rules can be subject to interpretation and annual review by the CBSA.

What Duty and Tax Will I Pay When Importing a Car to Canada?

The total tax and duty burden when importing a vehicle into Canada depends on the vehicle’s origin, value, and the province of registration.

Federal Customs Duty:

• Under the CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) between Canada and the EU, EU-origin vehicles may benefit from reduced duty rates

• UK-origin vehicles post-Brexit are no longer covered by CETA — verify the current UK-Canada trade position and applicable duty rates with your CBSA customs broker before importing

• When duty applies, the rate for passenger vehicles is typically 6.1% of the customs value (verify current CBSA tariff)

GST (Goods and Services Tax): 5% federal tax applied on the customs value plus duty

Provincial Sales Tax (varies by province):

• Ontario (HST): 13% combined federal/provincial

• British Columbia (PST): 7% provincial in addition to 5% GST

• Alberta: GST only (no provincial sales tax) — Alberta is one of the most cost-effective provinces for vehicle import

• Quebec (QST): 9.975% provincial

Tax rates are subject to change. Confirm current rates with a Canadian customs broker at the time of import.

Destination Rules, Inspections, and Permits for Canada for Shipping Vehicles

Canada has stringent regulations for importing vehicles to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards and to manage customs duties.

Key Authorities and Websites:

• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): This is the primary authority responsible for customs, border security, and the admissibility of goods, including vehicles.

  • Importing a Vehicle into Canada

  • Canada’s Vehicle Import Regulations Transport Canada: Oversees vehicle safety and emissions standards.

  • Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Inspection and Permit Requirements:

1. RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles):

   • Requirement: All imported vehicles must be inspected and modified to comply with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) and Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) emissions standards. This process is managed by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).

   • RIV Inspection Certificate: You will need to obtain an RIV inspection certificate. This involves presenting your vehicle at an RIV-authorised inspection centre in Canada.

   • Pre-Approval: Some vehicles may require pre-approval from Transport Canada before import. Check the RIV website for specific vehicle categories.

   • Website: https://www.riv.ca/

2. Customs Declaration: A declaration stating the vehicle’s compliance with Canadian standards must be submitted to the CBSA upon arrival.

3. Age Exemption: Vehicles that are 25 years old or older are exempt from the RIV inspection and compliance requirements. They are considered ” RORO exempt” or “Classic Cars.”

• Essential UK’s Car Shipping Rules You Need To Know

Paperwork Required: UK and Canada

Accurate and complete documentation is essential for a smooth customs and import process.

In the UK (Origin):

•       Accurate UK Documents are needed when shipping vehicles. 

In Canada (Destination – Ports like Halifax, Saint John):

1. Bill of Lading (BOL): The original or electronic version provided by the shipping line.

2. Customs Declaration Form (e.g., BSF179 – Form Used to Declare Goods for Personal Exemption): Completed for submission to CBSA.

3. Proof of Ownership: Original UK V5C, Bill of Sale.

4. Bill of Sale: Detailing the purchase price of the vehicle.

5. Shipping Invoice: Detailing the cost of the vehicle and shipping.

6. RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) Release Form: Proof of RIV compliance or exemption.

7. Personal Declaration: If claiming personal effects or using a personal exemption.

8. Import Duty and Tax Payment Receipts: Proof of payment to CBSA.

9. Identification: Proof of identity for the importer.

10. Vehicle Condition Report: From the UK.

Note: It is highly recommended to engage a customs broker in Canada to assist with the complex import process, especially regarding RIV compliance and duty/tax calculations.

Ports, Prices, Transit Times, and Frequency

Ship Cars Ltd provides services to key Canadian ports, offering competitive pricing and reliable schedules.

Ports We Ship To:

• Halifax, Nova Scotia: A major East Coast port, frequently used for RoRo services.

• Saint John, New Brunswick: Another significant East Coast port, often used for container services.

• Other ports may be available depending on specific routes and vessel schedules; please enquire for alternatives.

Indicative Pricing, Transit Time, and Frequency:

Below is an indicative guide. For precise, up-to-the-minute quotes based on your specific vehicle and travel dates, please contact us directly.

*Container frequency can vary; please confirm with our team.

Vancouver, British Columbia (West Coast):

For customers moving to British Columbia, Alberta, or other western Canadian provinces, Ship Cars Ltd can arrange container shipping to the Port of Vancouver. Transit time from the UK to Vancouver is significantly longer than to Halifax — typically 25–35 days via the Panama Canal or 30–40 days via Suez routing. Contact our team for current West Coast Canada pricing and scheduling, as services and routes vary based on vessel availability.

Cost Breakdown: Factors Contributing to Your Auto Shipping Cost

The total cost o included in our service? better understanding of price break down.

• Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options.

• Marine Insurance
  Marine insurance is strongly recommended for all UK to Canada shipments. Ship Cars Ltd offers two levels of cover:

  • Total Loss Cover: 1% of the declared vehicle value. Covers total loss from fire or major vessel damage
  • Comprehensive Cover: 1.5% of the declared vehicle value. Covers cosmetic damage in addition to total loss. Available for vehicles under 10 years old. Requires a pre-shipment condition report (free if we collect; £35 if self-delivered)

  Vehicles shipped without marine insurance travel at the owner’s own risk.

1. UK Export Administration: Fees for processing export documentation.

2. RIV Fees (Registrar of Imported Vehicles): Applicable fees for the RIV process, inspection, and compliance. These are paid in Canada.

3. Canadian Customs Brokerage: Fees charged by a broker to manage import declarations and customs clearance.

4. Canadian Port Fees: Terminal handling, customs processing, and other charges levied by the Canadian port authority.

5. Import Duty and Taxes (GST/PST/HST, Federal Duty): Calculated based on the vehicle’s value, origin, and province of import. Specific rates depend on the vehicle and the province.

6. Potential Modifications: Costs associated with modifying the vehicle to meet Canadian safety and emissions standards if it’s under 25 years old and not already compliant.

You may like to know What is Included in Car Shipping Price 

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Canada?

RoRo shipping from the UK to Halifax starts from £1,105 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf) approximately £1,066 for a large vehicle (e.g. Range Rover). These prices cover UK port to Canadian port sea freight only. Canadian customs duty, GST/HST, RIV fees, provincial taxes, and customs broker fees are all additional.

How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Canada?

Transit from the UK to Halifax takes approximately 6–7 days via RoRo, with fortnightly sailings. Container shipping to Saint John takes a similar transit time. Including UK collection, port-in processing, and Canadian customs clearance, allow 4–6 weeks total from booking to having your vehicle available in Canada.

What is the RIV programme and does my car need to comply?

The RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) programme ensures imported vehicles meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) and emissions requirements. Most vehicles under 25 years old must go through RIV inspection at an approved Canadian inspection centre after arrival. The RIV process involves a physical inspection, confirmation of compliance, and payment of an RIV fee (currently CAD $295 plus applicable taxes). Vehicles 25 years old or older are exempt from RIV.

Can I ship a classic car to Canada from the UK?

Yes — vehicles 25 years old or older are exempt from RIV inspection and CMVSS compliance requirements. This makes Canada an excellent destination for UK classic cars. Vehicles 15 years old or older may also benefit from simplified admissibility under certain CBSA categories. Confirm your specific vehicle’s eligibility with a Canadian customs broker before booking.

Which Canadian ports does Ship Cars Ltd ship to?

Ship Cars Ltd primarily ships to Halifax via RoRo (East Coast, serves Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces) and Saint John via container. West Coast Canada (Vancouver) can be arranged on request for customers moving to British Columbia or Alberta — contact our team for current pricing and transit times.

What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Canada?

UK export documents required: original V5C logbook, passport copy, proof of address, purchase invoice, and completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form. Canadian destination documents include: Bill of Lading, Customs Declaration (Form BSF179), proof of ownership (V5C), Bill of Sale, RIV Release Form, and proof of duty/tax payment. Engaging a Canadian customs broker is highly recommended — they manage the RIV process and CBSA customs declaration on your behalf.

Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

We also provide efficient and reliable car shipping to:

Cape Town

Fremantle

Itally

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