1
Verify federal 15-year eligibility
Transport Canada exempts CMVSS-compliance for vehicles 15+ years from manufacture. Confirm the chassis-plate build date.
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Importing a Kei Truck to Canada
15-year-from-manufacture federal CMVSS exemption; provincial registration practice varies.
Duty 6.1%
Eligibility: 2011 and earlier (in 2026) for the federal 15-year exemption.
Step-by-Step
2
Engage a Canadian customs broker
Broker files the B3 entry and handles CBSA clearance. Fees typically C$200–400.
3
Pay deposit and ocean freight
Yokohama to Vancouver or Halifax, 12–18 days west-coast / 35–45 days east-coast. Container freight C$3,800–4,800 per 40ft HC.
4
Customs clearance
6.1% duty (Most Favoured Nation rate) plus 5% federal GST and provincial sales tax (HST/PST varies). Border arrival fees C$150–300.
5
Provincial inspection
Ontario, Quebec, BC, and Alberta each have distinct out-of-province (or out-of-country) inspections. Expect C$200–500 plus a roadworthiness check.
6
Provincial registration
Bring the customs B3, the federal exemption letter, the provincial inspection, and the export certificate to your provincial DMV equivalent.
Key Documents
- ✓Japanese export certificate
- ✓Bill of Lading
- ✓Commercial invoice
- ✓CBSA B3 entry
- ✓Transport Canada 15-year exemption letter
- ✓Provincial out-of-country inspection certificate
Estimated Costs (CAD)
| Line Item | Indicative Range |
|---|---|
| auction average | JPY 350,000–550,000 (C$3,200–5,000) |
| ocean freight | C$3,800–4,800 per 40ft HC (split across 4 keis) |
| duty 61pct | 6.1% of customs value |
| gst 5pct | 5% federal GST |
| provincial tax | 5–10% PST/HST depending on province |
| broker clearance | C$200–400 |
| provincial inspection | C$200–500 |
| indicative total | C$11,000–17,000 landed and registered |
Watch Out For
- !Quebec is the most permissive province for kei truck on-road registration. Alberta and BC are also straightforward; Ontario is workable but adds inspection steps.
- !Provincial inspection can flag rust on northern-prefecture sourced units — pre-import photos help.
Sourcing Partner
Oiwa Garage — Canada-friendly sourcing
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