Tampa Customs Broker: Can I import cars from Canada?

If you wish to import a car from Canada, contact us today.

Canada is a close neighbor to the United States. As such, many consider the option of importing a car from Canada. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, all vehicles being imported into the U.S. must meet the standards put in place by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and subsequent laws regarding vehicle safety. In other words, if you wish to import a car from Canada, you may as long as it meets the aforementioned standards. If a car does not meet these standards, it may not be allowed to enter the country, unless the car is more than 25 years old.

There are other circumstances when you could be allowed to import a car without meeting those standards. Occasionally, a vehicle may be permitted to enter the country for a short period of time with the condition that it needs to be brought into compliance with the current laws. This is not to say that every car will be permitted.

Another way to import a car is under the “Show and Display.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this law allows for vehicles that do not meet the safety standards to be brought into the US if said car has historical or technological significance and if there is a public interest to have the car displayed. The NHTSA has an application to determine if a vehicle is eligible for a show and display importation. It is important to keep in mind that this law does put limitation on the vehicle. Limitations include being unable to sell the vehicle without written approval from NHTSA and have a 2,500-mile limit per year.

No matter how you choose to import a car from Canada, the process is complicated. Eduardo A Arecco CHB, a Tampa customs broker, has the experience to help you navigate the process. Contact us for a free quote today.