According to Statistics Canada, imports of motor vehicles and parts rose to $141.8 billion in 2023, so cross-border vehicle movements are common. Importing a truck from the USA to Canada can save money or secure a model not sold domestically. The process is straightforward if you follow the rules, paperwork, and border steps.
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Bringing A Truck From US to Canada – Your Options?
First decide how long you’ll be staying in Canada. If you’re moving there permanently, then you need to follow a few steps, pay some taxes, and have your truck registered into Canada to permanently import it.
However, if you’re visiting there for temporary reasons like for work, study, or any other activities, then you do not have to import the truck, meaning you avoid paying taxes and fees on it by bringing it temporarily under the Section 7(1)(b) of MVSA.
However, you will still have to declare the vehicle with a temporary import Form 1, and the vehicle cannot stay in Canada for any longer than the period of stay mentioned on your visa. Temporary stay is typically up to 12 months, but can be up to 36 months as well, in case of work permits/ authorizations for employment.
Furthermore, as a temporary import, the truck cannot be sold or transferred or gifted. No one else other than you can drive it, and if your residency changes into permanent stay, you will have to export, permanently import, or destroy the truck.
If you want to permanently import the truck into Canada, then read the rest of the guide for exact steps and fees.
5 Simple Steps to Importing a Truck from USA to Canada
Importing a truck from the USA to Canada is a two-country process with three clear phases: pre-purchase checks, USA export clearance, and Canadian import and compliance.
First, confirm the truck can legally enter Canada. Second, complete USA export steps so Customs will allow the vehicle to leave. Third, declare the truck on arrival in Canada, pay taxes or duties, and complete required inspections before provincial registration.
While it sounds complex, the process is designed to protect both governments’ safety and tax regulations.
Here’s a simplified view of how to import a truck from the USA to Canada:
- Check admissibility before you buy. Use the official Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) resources and Transport Canada guidance to confirm the exact model and build you plan to buy is allowed into Canada.
- Get seller documents ready. You need the original, signed vehicle title, a bill of sale showing VIN and price, and a manufacturer recall clearance. Keep printed copies.
- File USA export paperwork. For used self-propelled vehicles, the Electronic Export Information (EEI) must be filed in the Automated Export System and you must have an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) before export. USA Customs requires required documentation be submitted at least 72 hours prior to export for land crossings. Clear USA Customs at the port of exit. USA Customs will authenticate and usually stamp the original title as part of export clearance.
- Declare the truck to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Present title, bill of sale, ITN proof, and recall clearance. Pay GST and any duties or excise taxes owed at the border. CBSA and RIV requirements control what happens next.
- Complete RIV inspection and provincial registration. If the truck is within the RIV program scope, complete the federal inspection and any required modifications before provincial licensing.
Step#1: Vehicle Eligibility and Compliance Requirements
Before you commit to a purchase, confirm eligibility. Transport Canada compiles the Vehicle Import Compatibility (admissibility) list for USA-purchased vehicles. That list and RIV guidance are the first authority you must check.
Short rules you must know:
- Age rule: Vehicles less than 15 years old normally enter the RIV program and must meet Canadian standards. Older vehicles are usually exempt from RIV but still may need provincial inspections.
- No unacceptable modifications: Major aftermarket changes such as emissions tampering, noncompliant lighting, or structural alterations can make a truck inadmissible. Confirm factory specs.
- Recalls must be cleared: Transport Canada and RIV require a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer or its Canadian dealer before import. Open recalls can block registration.
- Safety conversions: Some USA-spec features must be converted to meet Canadian standards, for example, metric speedometer or daytime running lights where required. You must complete any mandated modifications within the RIV timeframes.
Also note a federal fee applies for RIV processing. According to the Canada Border Services Agency, the standard RIV vehicle-import fee is $325 plus applicable tax; that fee is charged when a vehicle enters the RIV program.
Step#2: Required Documents
Below are the documents you must have with you at the border. Carry original and at least one printed copy of each. Keep digital backups too.
Bill of Sale
Must show seller and buyer full names, sale date, purchase price, VIN, and vehicle odometer reading. CBSA will use the bill of sale and current market appraisals to determine fair value for duty and tax.
Vehicle Title (Original)
Do not buy without the original title. If the title is missing or shows a lien, fix it before leaving the USA CBP will want the original to stamp for export.
Recall Clearance Letter
Letter from the manufacturer or authorized dealer that confirms no outstanding safety recalls. RIV will not complete registration without this.
Internal Transaction Number (ITN) / EEI Confirmation
You cannot legally remove a vehicle from the United States without USA export clearance.
- What to file: File Electronic Export Information (EEI) in the Automated Export System (AES). AES produces an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) that proves the export filing.
- When to file: File the EEI at least 72 hours before the planned border crossing for land export. CBP enforces this timing.
- Why it matters: Without an ITN, CBP can refuse export clearance and the vehicle may be held. AES filing is an enforcement requirement, not an optional step.
Who Can File EEI?
- USPPI or Authorized USA Agent: The USA Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) or a USA-based authorized agent (customs broker or freight forwarder) must submit the EEI. Non-USA buyers or sellers typically need a USA filer to obtain the ITN.
- If you are outside the USA: Use a USA customs broker or freight forwarder to file EEI and obtain the ITN on your behalf. This is standard practice for private importers.
Photo ID and Passport or PR Card
Use your passport or permanent resident card to clear both CBP and CBSA. If a third-party broker handles exports, they must have proper authorization and documentation.
One-Trip / Temporary Permit and Insurance
Many USA states and Canadian provinces issue temporary or transit permits that let you legally drive an unregistered truck to the border or home. Rules and names differ by jurisdiction (Ontario temporary plate, Quebec trip permit, Manitoba temporary registration, BC binder, etc.). Check the province you will register in.
Important note: Always carry originals and printed copies. Border officers process paper faster than phone screens.
Step#3: USA Customs Export Process
Once you have purchased your truck and are ready to bring it across the border, you must first clear it for export with USA Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Canada will not allow entry until this step is complete.
At the USA port of export, present the Required Documents (see above).
CBP officers will verify the VIN against your documents, check the title chain of ownership, and confirm that the ITN record matches. If everything is in order, they will stamp the title or otherwise record the clearance.
Do not attempt to drive into Canada until CBP has finished this process, as crossing early can cause delays or outright refusal.
Common CBP Questions
During the inspection, officers may ask straightforward questions such as:
- Who is the registered owner? Show the name as it appears on the title.
- Do you have the original title? Present it immediately when asked.
- What is the sale price and who sold it? Provide the bill of sale with VIN and sale date.
- Is the vehicle financed or subject to a lien? Answer directly. If a lien was on the vehicle, provide a lien release letter or lender contact.
These questions are standard procedure. Officers are looking to confirm ownership and export eligibility. Answer directly, provide the documents, and avoid overexplaining. If you have everything in order, the process is usually quick, and there is no reason to be nervous.
Step#4: Canadian Customs Import Process
When you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) controls the release of your truck, as well as the collection of duties and taxes. Officers will review your paperwork, confirm that USA export clearance has been done, and then issue you a Form 1, which is the official vehicle import document.
At the border, CBSA reviews the required documents (see above) to confirm U.S. export clearance and the vehicle’s admissibility.
Once these are reviewed, CBSA will issue Form 1 and calculate taxes or duties. Keep all receipts and the stamped title, as you will need them for registration and RIV processing.
Taxes and Duties
According to CBSA tariff guidance, several importing costs including federal and provincial charges may apply when importing a truck from the USA to Canada:
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): 5% of the truck’s fair market value based on the appraisal letter for duty, usually collected at the border.
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST) or HST: Collected later when registering in your province. Ontario applies HST, British Columbia collects PST, and Quebec applies QST, with rates and rules varying by jurisdiction.
- Import duty: Trucks manufactured in North America that meet USMCA/CUSMA rules of origin are exempt from duty (0%). Trucks manufactured outside North America are usually subject to the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) duty rate, historically 6.1%.
- Excise and other taxes: A $100 excise tax applies to vehicles equipped with air conditioning. Depending on the truck, other levies such as the federal luxury tax or green levy may also apply.
Important Policy Changes
Trade measures and surtaxes can change quickly. In 2025, CBSA published notices of additional surtaxes that applied to some vehicle imports. Before buying, always review the latest CBSA notices and tariff guidance.
If you are uncertain about how to import a car from the USA to Canada, taxes, tariff classification, or documentation, you can confirm with CBSA’s Border Information Service toll-free at 1-800-461-9999 (from Canada or the USA).
CBSA’s role is to verify the stamped USA title, collect GST at the border, and issue Form 1. Provincial taxes and registration requirements come later.
Step#5: RIV Steps After CBSA Clearance
If your truck is less than 15 years old, it must go through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program, which ensures compliance with Transport Canada standards. Trucks 15 years and older are exempt. The RIV fee is $325 CAD plus applicable taxes.
RIV Next Steps After Border
At the border, CBSA issues Form 1. Within about 24 hours, RIV will typically email you with the next steps, including how to book your inspection appointment. The inspection is usually done at Canadian Tire or another authorized center.
You must complete the inspection within 45 days of import to stay compliant. Missing this window risks penalties and delays in registration.
Inspectors check:
- VIN match and proper title chain of ownership
- Daytime running lights and lighting compliance
- Speedometer in kilometers or with a clear conversion label
- Child restraint anchor points where required
- Emissions and immobilizer equipment, depending on model year
If the truck fails inspection, you must complete repairs or modifications and schedule a re-test. Warranty transferability depends on the manufacturer’s Canadian policy.
When To Use A Customs Broker Versus Self-Import
You can self-import in many personal cases, but a customs broker helps when anything is complex.
| Self-Import May Work If… | Use a Broker When… |
|---|---|
| The import is for personal use. | You cannot file the AES/EEI yourself (non-USA sellers often need a USA filer to get the ITN). AES requires a USA Principal Party in Interest or an authorized USA agent. |
| You have the original title and all documents. | The vehicle has liens, salvage history, or unusual origin paperwork. |
| You are comfortable filing paperwork, paying taxes, and booking RIV inspections. | You want a managed process (brokers file EEI, supply ITN, pay duties/taxes, and handle CBSA entries). |
| There are no liens, salvage issues, or complex origin claims. | They can provide guidance if CBSA or RIV flags an issue (for example, missing documents, unclear VIN history, or compliance concerns). |
Using a broker adds extra cost but reduces the risk of delays, rejections, or penalties, especially if your situation is anything beyond a basic personal import.
A-Z US to Canada Truck Importing Process Using 2015 Ford F-150 as an Example:
To help you understand the full process of truck import from the US to Canada, let’s use a 2015 Ford F-150 truck as an example, one of the most popular vehicles to be shipped to and from Canada.
Pre-Import Preparation
Start the process with verification of your 2015 Ford F-150 in the RIV list. If it is eligible, which it is in this truck’s case, then gather the following things:
- Original U.S. title
- Bill of Sale
- Recall clearance letter from Manufacturer (Ford in this case)
- Complete the RIV Form 1
If you’re using a car shipping company like Canadian Car Shipping, send the information we ask for to our agents to take care of these things for you.
Vehicle Import:
This is where your vehicle will be shipped so if you’re using our services, we will notify the U.S. Customs 72 hours before crossing. Some things that will be done at the border include:
Vehicle declaration at the CVSA along with presentation of all documents.
You’ll pay the required fees like RIV fee, 5% GST on the truck’s current market value, and 25% surtax on US manufactured vehicles. They will provide the stamped Form 1 and RIV inspection form and the F-150 will finally be imported into Canada.
After Importing into Canada
Next, you will have 45 days to finish the vehicle modifications mandated by RIV and pass inspections. Some key requirements for Ford-150 like trucks include enabling daytime running lights and speedometer conversion to km/h.
You will present the RIV inspection passed form and the stamped Form 1 at the relevant provincial motor vehicle office, pay taxes, get insurance, and finally get your Canadian number plates.
Canadian Car Shipping Handles Permanent & Temporary Types of Truck Imports from US to Canada:
With a team of import/export support agents and vehicle transport specialists, Canadian Car Shipping is fully equipped to move your vehicles to and from Canada. In fact, in just the first half of 2025, 48% of all vehicles we moved were imports from the US to Canada. So we’re well-positioned to help you with temporary and permanent imports of your trucks from the US to Canada or vice versa. Call (888) 370-1041 to get your free no-obligation quote today!
