When moving to Canada many people not only want to ship their household goods and personal effects over but they also want their car bring over. Before you make any plans to do this it is important that you check the restrictions surrounding the process of doing so as the regulations and restrictions about shipping your car to Canada are quite strict.

The Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Regulations require that any vehicles hoping to be imported into Canada must comply with the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which comes into effect on the date the vehicle was manufactured. It is really important to take note that any motor vehicles that were manufactured for sale in countries other than Canada and the United States do not comply with the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act and they cannot be altered in order to comply with the standards. This means they must comply with all Canadian safety and emission standards in order to be imported into Canada. There is a slight exception to this rule in the case of cars which are fifteen years old or older.

Immigrants are able to import cars into Canada on a duty free basis as long as they have owned, used and had the car in their possession prior to moving to Canada. Returning residents who have lived outside Canada for a minimum of one year, and have owned, had in their possession and used a vehicle for at least six months may bring them in duty free.

Landed immigrants on a work permit are allowed to drive a car on their original license for up to two months. After this period a test is required for the Canadian Province of residence driver's license.

If you are unsure of any restrictions or regulations surrounding the shipping of your car to Canada get in touch with Overs International today and one of our advisors will be happy to help you.