Import Regulations in Canada for Japan Used Cars

Restriction in Number of Years:
Max. 15 Years Old
Shipping Ports:
Halifax, Vancouver
Shipment Time:
RoRo (09-14 Days)
Shipping Schedule:
RoRo (Fortnightly)
Shipping Line:
NA
Inspection:
No Inspection

Left-hand-drive used Japanese vehicles are permitted for import in Canada.

The used vehicle from Japan has to be checked for the Canadian standards before importation.

Livingston International is a private firm that checks if the vehicle can be allowed for import in Canada or not, by means of the year of manufacture, make, and model of the vehicles.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR IMPORT OF USED VEHICLES
  • Certificate of Title (original) /Certificate of Origin / Statement of Origin. If these documents do not apply, then a Certificate of No Title must be presented.
  • Export Certificate (copy)
  • Invoices (copy)
  • Bill of Sale
  • EPA Label (attached to the vehicle)
  • Statement of Compliance by the manufacturer
FOR TEMPORARY IMPORT OF VEHICLES

Used vehicles can be temporarily imported in Canada:

  • When the temporary residents or tourists come with their vehicles in Canada.
  • If the citizens of Canada return with a temporary rented US vehicle.
  • If the vehicles are imported for some special purposes by the Canadian companies. The companies must abide by the regulations of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act for the import of vehicles.
FOR NON-REGULATED VEHICLES

Non-regulated vehicles are exempted from the regulations of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

The vehicle is categorized as non-regulated based on the characteristics of the design of the vehicle, conditions at the time when the vehicle entered Canada, and its age.

Vehicles that are categorized as non-regulated:
  • Vehicles that are more than 15 years in age from the date of manufacture.
  • Vehicles that are temporarily brought in Canada tourists, or foreign students and workers.
  • Those vehicles that are manufactured for closed-course competitions.
  • Buses that were manufactured earlier than 1 January 1971.
  • Power-assisted bicycles, as per Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations.
  • Agricultural vehicles like tractors, utility terrain vehicles, or construction vehicles.
Procedure for importing non-regulated vehicles:
  • Verification of the non-regulated status of the vehicle.
  • Inspection for contaminants.
  • Examination of documents of ownership.
  • Collection of applicable duties and taxes.
  • Allowability for import as per the regulations of the Canadian Customs.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

If the car is categorized as acceptable for importation as per the Canadian regulations, then additional documents are required.

  • Document of US Title of the vehicle
  • Bill of Sale or document of transfer of ownership of the vehicle
  • A written notice to be obtained from the manufacturer of the vehicle which states that the recalls on the vehicle to be imported have been completed.

A Canadian Daytime Running Light System or equivalent should be fitted in the car if it was manufactured after 1990. This can be done after the vehicle has been imported in Canada. The installation and inspection for the same must be done under 45 days after the importation of the vehicle.

For importing a used Japanese car in Canada:
  1. Find a reliable Japanese used car exporter. Check their background for reliability and service. You can inquire about reliable car exporters in Japan from the local Japanese embassy.
  2. Select the car that satisfies the Canadian import regulations. Requirements by the Canadian Board Service Agency must be met by the vehicle.
    6.1% duty rate will be levied for the vehicles that are manufactured outside of Canada, the US, and Mexico.
  3. After you have made the selection for the vehicle, the supplier will send you an invoice. You are required to make payment to the supplier by means of bank transfer. Keep the receipt for making confirmation of payment with the supplier.
  4. Once the payment is done successfully, the vehicle would be ready for shipment.
  5. Find a local agent who is specialized in the clearance procedure at the port. Complete the procedure of port clearance with the help of the agent. Arrange for all necessary documents and the fee for port clearance.