Quebec Province in Canada almost feels like a country within a country. Unlike the rest of Canada, French is the predominant language spoken in Quebec. Most residents are bilingual and are newcomers are attracted to the area’s rich bicultural heritage. Canada’s shared history with the UK means that even with the slight language barrier, residents of the UK could feel right at home in Quebec.
If you are moving from the UK to Quebec, you may want to bring your vehicle or personal property with you. How can you import goods into Canada? Is it affordable?
When it comes to importing a vehicle to Quebec, there are several factors to consider.
This guide will help make importing a vehicle from the UK to Canada a smooth and easy process.
Can I Import my Personal Items to Canada?
Canada very generously allows you to bring your household goods into the country tax and duty-free, provided that your goods are exclusively for personal use. Exceptions include those items intended for agriculture or business.
Tax and duty-free imports include:
- Clothing, jewelry and personal effects
- Linens, dishes and housewares
- Furniture
- Household appliances
- Tools
Can I import a vehicle to Canada from the UK?
In most cases, no. Vehicles not manufactured for sale in Canada or the United States are prohibited from importation into Canada. As with all things, there are a few exemptions, such as:
• Vehicles more than 15 years old
• Buses manufactured before January 1st 1971.
• Non-regulated classes such as towable mobile homes or side cars for motorcycles
• Vehicles of any type or origin that are compliant vehicles being re-imported back into Canada (evidence will be required)
• U.S. compliant vehicles owned and driven in the U.S.
Do I have to pay taxes when importing a vehicle to Canada?
If you do happen to have a vehicle eligible for import into Canada, you may have to pay duties, excise taxes, and GST (Goods and Services Taxes) on your vehicle when you import it to Canada. Contact customs before you finalize your shipping arrangements to determine what you will owe.
Modifications After Import
As previously mentioned, Canadian safety regulations do not make provisions for modifications after import. Any vehicle that needs modification to be legally driven in Canada is not eligible to be imported to Canada.
Need Help with Your Import? Hire A Shipping Company
If you’d rather not have to deal with the logistics, but still want to import your belongings, we’ve got you covered. At A-1 Auto Transport, we understand how overwhelming it can be to handle the complex requirements for shipping your belongings overseas. A-1 Auto Transport has an exceptional team of international shipping experts ready to make your import or export easy and painless.
If you’re planning to ship your belongings from the UK to Canada, look no further than A-1 Auto Transport. Complete the form at the top of this page to receive a free overseas shipping quote. You can also get in contact with our international shipping specialists or give us a call. We’ll walk you through your options for overseas vehicle transport and assist you with all the paperwork, helping you achieve a carefree moving experience.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
