{"id":4874,"date":"2020-10-07T09:18:26","date_gmt":"2020-10-07T13:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clearit.ca\/canadian-customs-broker-blog\/?p=4874"},"modified":"2020-10-07T09:18:26","modified_gmt":"2020-10-07T13:18:26","slug":"importing-cars-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clearit.ca\/canadian-customs-broker-blog\/importing-cars-covid\/","title":{"rendered":"Importing Cars into Canada during COVID Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

A common inquiry that our customs experts field from importers is concerning automobiles. What are the due processes surrounding the import of cars into Canada? What does CBSA expect from importers (+exporters, manufacturers, etc.)? It\u2019s a process that\u2019s not without specific requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There is now an additional layer of complexity on the process as the pandemic has tweaked the CBSA process. In previous articles on the topic of COVID-19 and importing, we\u2019ve covered some of these changes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Please refer to these pieces for recommended reading:<\/b><\/h3>\n

Canada\u2019s Expedited Approvals For Health & Medical Goods: An Overview<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Looking at Canadian Trade From The Lense of COVID-19<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Canadian Import Control Compliance During the Pandemic<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

6 Imported Goods Actually Doing Really Well During the Pandemic<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

COVID-19: Important Information Regarding The Importation Of Medical Supplies<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Canadian Imports and Navigating COVID-19: Q&A With Founder & President Adam Lewis<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There is one major difference in these times for importing a vehicle into Canada. Below, we\u2019ll be covering the details, so you can stay informed:<\/p>\n

The Main Point: Self-Importing is Prohibited<\/b><\/h3>\n

Due to the restrictions surrounding travel for non-essential individuals — in which an individual must employ a government-mandated self-quarantine for 14 days after entering the country — it is not possible to self-import a car.<\/p>\n

\"car<\/p>\n

Typically, going to pick up a vehicle in another country yourself can save you precious resources (read: time and money), but with the quarantine requirements, it is not possible to do so. Upon entry into Canada, you would be required to comply with governmental guidelines for quarantine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to import a car into Canada during this time. What now?\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n

Working with a customs broker with automobile importing experience is a solid option for those looking to bring a car into Canada. Custom brokers can act on behalf of an importer, making the paperwork, regulatory requirements, and transactional elements of importing a car a simple process.<\/p>\n

In fact, while self-importing has been a common, money-saving tactic for some importers in the past, failing to comply with various CBSA requirements — or misunderstanding the duties and tax requirements — can end up being quite costly! CBSA doesn\u2019t take too kindly to missteps, and will often implement hefty non-compliance fines. In some cases, this can even result in an unfortunate seizure of the shipment.<\/p>\n

As such, working with a broker can not only save you time and energy, but also money overall. And reducing your risk for such a large purchase is probably ideal!<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should I look for in a customs broker for importing a car into Canada?\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Ensure that the <\/span>customs broker fee<\/a><\/strong><\/span> includes these various elements before working with them:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n