Can I Buy A Motorcycle In The US And Bring It To Canada?

Can I Transport A Motorcycle From The US To Canada?

Yes. It’s entirely possible to import a motorcycle, but the process for doing so can be quite complex. You’ll have to fill out forms for customs, and you may be required to pay high fees and import taxes. In addition, some motorcycles will not qualify for importation.

If you’re a former Canadian resident living in the US – or a US resident who may soon move to Canada – you may be wondering if you can buy a motorcycle in the US, and ship it to Canada. What’s involved in the process? Which bikes qualify? How much will it cost? In this guide from A1- Auto Transport, we’ll take a look at all of the details you need to know.

The first thing you will need to do is click here to see an updated list of the motorcycles that are admissible to Canada according to regulations. If your motorcycle is not on this list, it probably means it doesn't meet the standards and cannot be brought into Canada.

In addition, you will need the following paperwork:

• The U.S. motorcycle registration title, with both your name and the seller/dealer’s name
• A signed Bill of Sale
• The VIN number or serial number of your motorcycle model
• Recall notices with proof of remedy if there have been any recalls on your bike by the manufacturer. All recalls must be fixed before the motorcycle can be imported.

Then, you can begin the process of importing your motorcycle. You will need to work with both US Customs and Border Control (USCBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for documentation and compliance during this process.

Do I Have To Pay Taxes & Duties

Typically, you will have to pay a (Goods and Services Tax) GST of 5% when importing a motorcycle, as well as a PST (Provincial Sales Tax) of up to 8% when registering the vehicle. However, if you are an American moving to Canada, or a Canadian re-establishing residency, you may be able to import your motorcycle for free.

If you are a United States citizen and you are legally immigrating to Canada for at least 1 year, you can bring “personal vehicles” free of charge, and this includes motorcycles, as long as they have been used by you for at least six months.

The same is true if you’re a former Canadian resident, moving back after a continuous absence of 1 year or more. However, a value limitation of CAN $10,000 applies to former residents. Any single item, including a motorcycle, that is brought back to Canada and exceeds this value may have GST applied to the value that exceeds the $10,000 limitation. This does notapply to new residents.

How Do I Import A Motorcycle

You must fill out the appropriate forms to get past US customs, send your motorcycle through a border crossing, then fill out and submit the required forms to the Canadian customs authorities – and pay any applicable charges and taxes. Your bike must also be inspected within 45 days of entry.

First, you’ll need to submit your US title to the border crossing you’ll be exporting through within 72 hours prior to export. Each border crossing has different requirements, such as a copy of the title, bill of sale, and VIN or vehicle description. Once your motorcycle passes through US customs, your title will be stamped, and you’ll be sent to Canadian customs.

Transport Canada, through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV), governs which vehicles can be admitted to Canada. If your motorcycle is admissible, you will have to pay a 5% GST to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) based on the declared value of your motorcycle using Form 1, which can be filled out on-site.

This completes the initial import process, but you’re not done yet.

Then, you will need to order a Vehicle Inspection Form 2 from the CBSA, and you will need to complete a RIV inspection to have this form filled out within 45 days of shipping a vehicle. It will cost $195 plus GST to get this form.

Once your bike has been imported, you’ll need to arrange insurance, and then register it with the local and provincial authorities. You may need to pay a PST (Provincial Services Tax) of up to 8% when you register your bike.

The process is quite complex, but it can be simplified if you hire an experienced motorcycle shipping company. As your registered agent or importer, the shipping company can handle the entire import process, making things a lot easier for you if you buy a motorcycle in the US and bring it to Canada.

How To Prepare My Motorcycle Before Ship It To Canada?

If you’re having your motorcycle shipped into Canada by a motorcycle moving company, you should take several steps to prepare it for transport, such as draining the fuel and disconnecting the battery, checking the bodywork and mechanical components, and taking photos of the bike.

• Drain the fuel – Most companies will require you to drain your tank down to ¼ or ⅛ of a tank in line with safety standards. This reduces the weight of your bike
• Disconnect the battery—Disconnecting the battery ensures your bike won’t be dead on arrival and prevents the possibility of the bike accidentally turning on during transit. It also disables the alarm system.
• Document the condition of your bike – To be as comprehensive as possible, we recommend taking photos of every part of your bike, as well as a “walkaround” video where you document its overall condition. This will ensure that you can recognize any damage that takes place during transit, and take appropriate action.
• Remove any accessories and extra items – Things like phone holders and GPS mounts should be removed from your bike and secured. In addition, remember to remove any personal items or gear from your bike’s storage compartments, if applicable.

Relevant Statistics

• Approximately 15,000 motorcycles are imported each year.
• Over 90% of imported motorcycles come from the United States.
• The average import duty for motorcycles brought is 6.5% of their value.
• Around 80% of imported motorcycles are intended for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
• The majority of imported motorcycles are cruisers, comprising over 60% of all imports.

General Facts

• To import a motorcycle, you must comply with the country's import regulations and requirements.
• When importing a motorcycle, you may need to pay customs duties, taxes, and other fees.
• It is important to have the necessary documentation, such as the vehicle title, bill of sale, and any relevant permits or certificates.
• All imported motorcycles must meet the safety standards set by Transport Canada.
• Before importing a motorcycle, it is advisable to research and consult with the Canada Border Services Agency to ensure a smooth process and compliance with all regulations.

Contact A1 Auto Transport If You Need To Ship Your Motorcycle

The best way to move your motorcycle is with an experienced motorcycle shipping company in a shipping container. And at A-1 Auto Transport, we have a network of shipping partners with experience managing the shipment of motorcycles across the US-Canada border. Contact us online or give us a call now to get started.