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Should you import your car from U.S. to Canada?
If your car is special or has sentimental value, you should definitely consider
Otherwise the financial decision largely comes down to:
Total import duties and taxes youβll pay - A
Price at which you can sell your current car - B
Cost of buying an equivalent used car in Canada - C
If C > A+B, then importing is worth it
Eligibility
Your car title (if your car has a lien, youβll need to ask your finance company to issue a letter and get their permission)
Car is free of any recalls
Car must pass Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) inspection in Canada - this must be done within 45 days of entering Canada
What you need before you cross the border
Call the U.S. border office youβll be crossing at least 72 hours before you reach. Send in a copy of your title
Bring your original title, bill of sale, insurance
Get a Canadian Insurance
Fees and Taxes
Import fees - $200 CAD
If your car has A.C. - $100 CAD
If your car was manufactured in North America, no import duties. If your VIN starts with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, youβre good. Otherwise the duty is 6.1%
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) - 8% for Ontario and 5% for Federal GST (calculated based on market price your used car. You can use KBB values, either US or Canada)
Example Scenario
Car Invoice for duty (based on KBB Canada): ~$8000 CAD (per 12/13/2020 rate)
Import fees: $200 CAD
AC: $100 CAD
HST (13%): $1040 CAD
TOTAL: $1340 CAD or $1056 USD
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