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Exporting Vehicles from Canada

Discover key factors to keep in mind when exporting a car or vehicle from Canada

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Updated on 17 Aug 2023
11 min read
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Exporting a vehicle from Canada can be a complex process. Still, it is possible to do with the right preparation. A few key things to keep in mind when exporting a vehicle from Canada include export regulations, vehicle registration, and insurance. In this article, we give you all the information you need on how to ship your car overseas.


How to Ship a Car Overseas from Canada


Documents Required to Export Vehicles from Canada


When exporting vehicles from Canada, you must submit a few key documents to complete the process. These documents include:


  • Copy of passport (photo page only)
  • Original proof of ownership (can be sent with the vehicle)
  • OBL
  • Previous registration
  • Proof of insurance
  • Passing the Canadian safety and pollution standards test

Let’s do a walk-through of each one.


Copy of Passport


All vehicles being exported from Canada will require a copy of the passport of the person exporting the vehicle. This is in addition to the other documents required for export, such as proof of ownership and insurance. The photo page of the passport, which includes the exporter's details, is enough to satisfy this requirement.


Original Proof of Ownership


To export a vehicle from Canada, you will need to obtain an original proof of ownership document from the Canadian government. This document is required to obtain a permit to export the vehicle from Canada. Without this document, you will not be able to export your vehicle.


Previous Registration


To export a vehicle from Canada, the owner must provide proof of previous registration in their name. The registration must be issued by a Canadian province or territory, and it must be valid at the time of export.


If the vehicle was purchased from a dealership, the dealer might be able to provide the required documentation. Otherwise, the owner can obtain the registration from their local provincial or territorial office.


If the vehicle is not registered in the owner's name, they will not be able to export it from Canada. This is because the Canadian government requires that all vehicles exported from the country be registered in the name of the owner.


Proof of Insurance


When exporting a vehicle from Canada, you will need to provide proof of insurance to customs officials. This is to ensure that the vehicle is properly insured while it is being shipped overseas.


There are a few ways to obtain proof of insurance for your vehicle, but the most common method is to purchase a policy from a Canadian insurance company.


Passing the Canadian Safety and Pollution Standards Test


In order to export vehicles from Canada, you must first pass the Canadian Safety and Pollution Standards Test. This test is designed to ensure that your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards required by the Canadian government.


There are a few things you need to know in order to prepare for and pass this test. First, you need to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and meets all the safety standards required by the Canadian government.


Secondly, you need to have all the necessary paperwork in order, including a valid export permit. Finally, you need to be prepared to pay any fees associated with the export of your vehicle.


Other Requirements and Restrictions in Exporting Vehicles from Canada


It is important to be aware of the restrictions when exporting vehicles from Canada. The following information will help ensure you can comply with all applicable regulations.


Compliance with Canadian Standards


As a general rule, vehicles exported from Canada must comply with the standards set out in the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (CMVSR). However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.


For example, vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1971, are not required to meet the CMVSR. Additionally, vehicles that are being exported for display or exhibition at a car show or similar event are also exempt from the CMVSR.


If you are planning on exporting a vehicle from Canada, it is important to check with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to make sure that your vehicle will meet the standards required in your destination country.


Inspection by the Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency


The Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency (CAIA) ensures that all vehicles exported from Canada meet the required safety and environmental standards. CAIA inspectors will thoroughly inspect the vehicle to ensure that it meets all applicable safety and emissions requirements.


If the vehicle does not meet the required standards, the CAIA will provide a report detailing the deficiencies. The report will identify the specific issues that need to be addressed to bring the vehicle into compliance.


The CAIA will also provide a list of recommended repair facilities to make the necessary repairs. Once the repairs have been made, the CAIA will re-inspect the vehicle to confirm that it meets all of the required standards.


Once the vehicle has passed inspection, the CAIA will issue a certificate of compliance that must be presented to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) when the vehicle is exported from Canada.


Tax and Duty Relief


If you are looking to export a vehicle from Canada, you may be eligible for tax and duty relief. To qualify, the vehicle must be owned and used for more than 6 months. This relief can help make exporting a vehicle more affordable.


Tax and Duty Exemption for Returning Residents


If you are a returning resident of Canada, you may be eligible for a tax and duty exemption on your vehicle. The exemption applies to the first $10,000 of the vehicle's value. Anything in excess of $10,000 will be subject to applicable duty and taxes.


To qualify for the exemption, you must meet the following criteria:


  • You must have owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months prior to export
  • The vehicle must be intended for your personal use
  • You must provide proof of residency, such as a valid passport or Permanent Resident Card

If you meet the above criteria, you will need to present the following documents to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) when you export your vehicle:


  • Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or registration certificate
  • Proof of residency, such as a valid passport or Permanent Resident Card
  • A completed Declaration of Exported Goods (E29B) form

Duty and Tax Waived for Work Permit/ Student Visa Holders


If you're a work permit or student visa holder, you may be eligible for a waiver of duty and tax when exporting your vehicle from Canada. This waiver is available for the duration of your work permit or student visa, and the vehicle must be re-exported upon your departure from Canada.


Vehicle Cleanliness Requirements


When exporting vehicles from Canada, it is important that they are clean and free of any soil or contaminants. This can be achieved through a simple wash and wax, or by steam cleaning the vehicle. It is recommended that you include proof of cleaning (receipts) with your shipping documents, in order to avoid any delays or issues at customs.


No Personal Effects in the Vehicle


When exporting vehicles from Canada, it is important to remember that the vehicle cannot contain any household goods or personal effects items. This includes items such as clothes, furniture, and electronics. If these items are found in the vehicle, they will be confiscated by Canadian customs officials and you may be fined.


Limitations on Motor Vehicle Licensing in Canada


When exporting motor vehicles from Canada, it is important to be aware of the limitations on licensing these vehicles in other countries. In most cases, Canadian-licensed vehicles can only be licensed in the country of export if registered with Canadian Customs.


There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. For instance, some Canadian provinces allow vehicles to be licensed in other countries if they are being driven by a Canadian resident who is temporarily living in that country.


Additionally, some provinces allow vehicles to be licensed in other countries if they are being used for business purposes and the owner has a valid Canadian business license.


Finally, it should be noted that while most countries do not have any restrictions on licensing Canadian-registered vehicles, a few require that these vehicles be registered with their own customs department before being licensed.


Requirements for Exporting Car Parts from Canada


If you are planning on exporting car parts from Canada, there are a few things you need to know. First, you will need to obtain a permit from the Canadian government. Secondly, you will need to ensure that the parts you are exporting comply with Canadian safety and environmental regulations. Lastly, you will need to ship the parts safely and securely.


To obtain a permit to export car parts from Canada, you will need to apply to the Canadian government. The application must include information about the parts you wish to export and your contact information. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a permit.


Once you have your permit, you must ensure that the car parts you are exporting comply with Canadian safety and environmental regulations. These regulations vary depending on the part you are exporting, but they generally require that the parts meet certain standards for safety and emissions. To ensure compliance with these regulations, you will need to have your car parts tested by a certified laboratory.


Once you have obtained your permit and ensured that your car parts comply with Canadian regulations, you will need to ship the parts in a safe and secure manner. There are a number of different ways to ship car parts, but the most common method is via container ship. When shipping via container ship, you will need to ensure that the parts are properly packed and secured. You will also need to provide the shipping company with your permit information so that they can properly process your shipment.


If you follow these requirements, you should be able to export car parts from Canada without any problems.


How frequently do people export vehicles and car parts from Canada?


It's not as common as you might think to export vehicles and car parts from Canada. In fact, according to recent statistics, less than 1% of all Canadian exports are vehicles or car parts. That said, there is still a significant amount of money to be made in exporting these items, as the Canadian automotive industry is worth billions of dollars.


What are the challenges with exporting cars or car parts?


One of the challenges with exporting cars or car parts is that there are a lot of regulations that need to be followed. These regulations can vary from country to country, so it is important to make sure that you are familiar with the regulations in the country you are exporting to.


Shipping can also be a challenge when exporting cars or car parts. This is because they are large and bulky items, so it can be expensive to ship them. You may need to find a shipping company that specializes in shipping cars and car parts in order to get the best rates.


Export Cars from Canada with iContainers


If you're looking to export vehicles or vehicle parts from Canada, iContainers can help. We offer door-to-door shipping services that make it easy and affordable to get your shipment from Canada to its destination, whether it's across the border or around the world.


With iContainers, you can track your international cars shipping progress online at every step of the way, so you always know where your vehicles or parts are and when they're expected to arrive. We also offer a range of shipping options to choose from, so you can find the perfect solution for your needs.


Ship out of Canada and get started by getting a free quote from iContainers today. We'll help you find the best shipping solution for your needs and budget.

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