Got my Car import process complete today. Here is a list of all items in the process to give idea about timeline and cost involved :
- Find the right transport agency (Could charge between 1500 - 2500 USD depending on the distance and time /season. This should include the 300 USD export fee paid at US Customs.
- Once the car reaches the bonded warehouse, your transport agent calls you and you need to go there to collect the car. Need to pay 160 CAD for this process. Actual process is explained in Anshul’s post above .
- Pay 310 + tax (~ 350 ) CAD to RIV as importation fee.
- Wait for a day or two (or call RIV), then go to Canadian Tire
- Pay 145 CAD for safety and standards certificate.
- Take all the forms/title to Service Ontario and pay Title/Registration/Plate fee. You have option to pay for 3 months or 1 year and 3 months. I paid for 1y3mo and it came around 210 CAD.
You get the plates in hand and the title/registration document.
All in all, pretty expensive process but worth it as it gives you time to look for your second car (in case not importing 2 cars from USA), and wait until you build up a decent credit score. Also helpful if you plan to buy a house first as your mortgage eligibility would be set off by roughly 150K if there is a car loan installment of 500 per month.