What is Canada's 15-year import rule for JDM vehicles?

Transport Canada allows vehicles 15 years of age or older to be imported without meeting Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) administers this rule. Vehicles must still pass a provincial safety inspection after import.

Which Canadian provinces are most active for JDM imports?

British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta have the largest concentrations of JDM dealers and importers. BC benefits from direct Pacific shipping routes from Japan.

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JDM cars for sale in Canada

Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) applies a 15-year rule: vehicles 15 or older are importable without requiring US FMVSS compliance. This is more permissive than the US, enabling a broader window of JDM eligibility. Vehicles must pass a provincial safety inspection and, in some provinces, an emissions test. RHD is permitted.

Age rule15 years (Transport Canada / RIV)RHD permittedDuty6.1% MFN tariff on most passenger vehicles; reduced under CPTPP.

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FAQ

JDM imports to Canada

What is Canada's 15-year import rule for JDM vehicles?: Transport Canada allows vehicles 15 years of age or older to be imported without meeting Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) administers this rule. Vehicles must still pass a provincial safety inspection after import.
Which Canadian provinces are most active for JDM imports?: British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta have the largest concentrations of JDM dealers and importers. BC benefits from direct Pacific shipping routes from Japan.

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