Importing a JDM car to Canada is an exciting opportunity for everyone. Whether you’re considering a Nissan Skyline, a kei truck, or any other Japanese classic, understanding the process is essential to ensure compliance and secure the right vehicle. At Jurojin JDM Imports, we specialize in simplifying this journey for our clients, sourcing high-quality cars from Japan and managing every detail. This guide outlines How to Import a JDM Car to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide, offering practical insights and demonstrating how our expertise can assist you.
Step 1: Understand Canada’s 15-Year Rule
Canada allows vehicles from outside North America to be imported only if they are at least 15 years old. In 2025, this applies to cars manufactured in 2010 or earlier. However, it’s important to note that the 15-year rule is based on the month of manufacture, not just the year. For example, a vehicle produced in July 2010 won’t be eligible for import until July 2025, meaning it cannot be brought in during January, February, or March of that year. Additionally, Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Quebec enforce a stricter 25-year rule, limiting options in those provinces to cars from 2000 or older.
At Jurojin JDM Imports, we monitor these timelines closely and can advise you on exactly when your desired vehicle becomes eligible, whether it falls under the 15-year or 25-year rule. This ensures you’re fully informed and prepared to move forward with the right car. More information on the import rules and regulations can be found here on the government of Canada website.
Step 2: Source a Quality JDM Vehicle
Choosing the right car is a critical step in the import process. Japan’s auction houses provide access to an extensive selection of JDM vehicles, from well-maintained daily drivers to rare performance models. However, relying solely on auction listings can be risky. In recent years, auction grading standards have declined, and without thorough vetting, many cars arrive with undisclosed issues such as hidden rust, mechanical faults, or mismatched specifications.
At Jurojin JDM Imports, we go beyond the listings. We inspect every car in person before bidding, ensuring our clients receive exactly what they’re looking for. Our team evaluates each vehicle’s condition, mileage, and features against your preferences, eliminating surprises. This hands-on approach sets us apart, as we prioritize quality and transparency over the uncertainties of auction grades. Explore our testimonials for examples of the carefully selected vehicles we can source.
Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documentation
To import a JDM car, you’ll need to assemble a precise set of documents for submission to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). These include the original vehicle titles, provided in both Japanese and English. The English version must be translated by a certified translator, as untranslated or improperly translated titles can be rejected by authorities. You’ll also need the bill of lading, which details the shipment from Japan, the bill of sale, confirming the purchase, and proof of the vehicle’s manufacture date to verify compliance with the 15-year or 25-year rule. Additionally, in Japan, we manage extensive documentation to prepare the car for export. This involves breaking its current ownership and essentially making it a blank canvas for the new Canadian owner, by submitting specific paperwork to deregister the vehicle and clear it for international transfer.
This step is intricate, requiring coordination on both sides of the Pacific. At Jurojin JDM Imports, we handle the entire process for our clients. We secure the original titles, arrange certified translations, compile the bill of lading and bill of sale, and manage the Japanese deregistration paperwork, ensuring everything meets CBSA and RIV standards. For more information on RIV requirements, visit their official site here.
Step 4: Arrange Shipping to Canada
After purchasing the vehicle and completing the paperwork, it’s time to ship it to Canada. This process typically takes 4 to 9 weeks, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the port, such as Vancouver. At Jurojin JDM Imports, we currently ship most cars via roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) vessels, which are fully insured to cover any issues that may arise during transit, ensuring your vehicle’s safety. While Ro/Ro is our preferred method for its efficiency, we can also arrange container shipping upon request, though this is a longer and more complex process due to additional handling and scheduling requirements. Duties and taxes will apply based on the car’s assessed value, which we detail in the next step.
We partner with trusted shipping providers to guarantee your vehicle arrives securely and on schedule. Our clients receive comprehensive cost estimates, including shipping method options, and tracking updates for complete confidence throughout the journey.
Step 5: Clear Customs and Address Fees
When your JDM car arrives in Canada, the customs clearance and offloading process typically takes 5 days or less, depending on the port and CBSA workload. During this time, the Canada Border Services Agency reviews your documentation and assesses applicable fees. Normally, importers must pay duties (typically 6.1% of the car’s value) and taxes (5% GST plus provincial sales tax). However, if the car is manufactured in Japan – Like a Toyota or Nissan, we can leverage Canada’s trade agreements with Japan to reduce the duty to 0%. In such cases, you’ll only need to cover the 5% GST, any applicable provincial sales tax, port fees of $385, clearance costs, and the RIV fee of approximately $300. These streamlined costs make Japanese-made JDM cars an attractive option.
At Jurojin JDM Imports, we manage the customs process for you, ensuring all paperwork is submitted accurately and on time. We also provide a detailed cost breakdown upfront, including how we minimize duties where possible, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 6: Pick Up and Delivery
Once your JDM car is cleared and ready, you have options for getting it home. Clients may choose to pick up their vehicle directly from the port, such as Vancouver or another entry point. To drive it legally, you’ll need to visit your provincial registry and obtain an in-transit permit, which allows temporary operation. The car must also be insured before you can drive it from the port to your destination. Alternatively, Jurojin JDM Imports offers a convenient delivery service. We can schedule delivery of your vehicle to anywhere in Canada for an additional cost, tailored to your location.
To get current rates and arrange delivery, please reach out via our contact page. Whether you pick up or we deliver, we ensure the process aligns with your needs.
Step 7: Register Your Vehicle in Your Province
Registering your JDM car in Canada involves a few specific actions. Once the vehicle clears customs and RIV requirements, we provide you with all necessary documentation. You’ll need to take these papers to your provincial registry and request an out-of-province inspection form. During this visit, you may also be required to pay additional provincial taxes, depending on your location and the vehicle’s value. Next, present the inspection form to a certified mechanic shop, where the vehicle undergoes a safety inspection. If the car passes, you return to the registry with the completed inspection report, and the vehicle can be registered like any other used car in Canada. Most provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, exempt vehicles over 15 years old from emissions testing. In PEI and Quebec, where the 25-year rule applies, the process remains the same for eligible 25-year-old cars, with no additional requirements beyond what’s outlined here.
At Jurojin JDM Imports, we’re with you every step of the way. We guide you through the registry process, clarify potential tax obligations, explain what to expect from the inspection, and offer support to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. Our goal is to make registration as efficient as possible, no matter your province.
Why Choose Jurojin JDM Imports?
Importing a JDM vehicle involves multiple stages, each with potential complexities. Attempting this independently can result in delays, additional costs, or a vehicle that falls short of expectations. At Jurojin JDM Imports, we leverage our extensive experience to source exceptional cars from Japan and oversee every aspect of the import process. Our in-person inspections, comprehensive service, and flexible delivery options ensure our clients receive precisely what they want, without compromise, and our ongoing support simplifies even the final steps.
Ready to import your JDM car to Canada? Contact Jurojin JDM Imports for a complimentary consultation. Visit our contact page to share your preferences, and let us assist you in bringing a top-quality JDM vehicle to your doorstep.
We hope our How to Import a JDM Car to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide has helped!
