A declaration allows for the temporary importation of non-Canadian compliant/certified vehicles for one year or another period specified by the Minister of Transport. Canadian Importers (individuals or companies) may bring vehicles to Canada for the prescribed special purposes:
- exhibition – at events that display vehicles of various manufacturers or producers (such as auto shows)
- demonstration – to display vehicle models or types to potential clients, or in events promoting vehicles (for example, prototypes and pre-production models)
- evaluation or testing – for compliance testing or to test how vehicles perform in specific environments or conditions (such as cold-weather testing)
- further manufacturing processes – to complete new vehicles before they are exported
- works or operations requiring specially designed vehicles – to use in entertainment industry productions, civil engineering projects, or similar works and operations
- armoured vehicles – only for use by law enforcement agencies; and
- vehicles licensed in the U.S.A. and owned by Canadians – the Canadian owner must have a residential address in Canada and hold a Canadian driver's licence.
Transport Canada must approve your declaration to temporarily import a non-compliant vehicle for special purposes before the vehicle arrives at the Canadian border.
Contact us
Transport Canada
Multi-modal and Road Safety Programs, Transport Canada
Telephone: 1-800-333-0371 (toll-free), 1-613-998-8616 (outside North America)
Email: TVIS-SITV@tc.gc.ca