Before you spend a dollar
Should I import a car from the US right now?
This page won’t tell you yes or no — that’s your call. What it will do is give you the fact that changes the math and that most listings, calculators, and forum threads still leave out: since April 9, 2025, Canada charges a 25% surtax on vehicles that originate in the United States, and it applies to ordinary people importing one car for themselves.
The part that catches people
There is remission (relief) from the surtax — but it’s granted only to importers whose business number is tied to manufacturing vehicles in Canada. That’s the automakers. As a private importer, you cannot claim it. Budget for the full 25%.
What’s actually true
- It covers personal imports. CBSA says the surtax applies for commercial and personal purposes — new and used.
- Origin decides, not the receipt. The surtax keys on where the vehicle was made. A US-made car is caught wherever you buy it; a non-US-made car bought from a US seller isn’t — but you must prove origin to CBSA.
- CUSMA doesn’t get you out of it. A CUSMA-compliant vehicle still owes the surtax; compliance only carves the Canadian/Mexican parts value (deemed 15%) out of the base, so it’s 25% of the remaining 85%.
- It’s a dated measure. In force since April 9, 2025 and, on the 2026 remission order, continuing through at least April 8, 2027.
What that does to the price
On CBSA’s own worked example, a $30,000 US-origin vehicle picks up $7,500 in surtax, $1,830 in duty, and $1,966.50 in GST — $11,296.50 in border charges before the RIV fee, excise taxes, and your provincial sales tax at registration. The full stack, with the government’s figures, is on our cost breakdown page.
What to do now
- Confirm the vehicle’s country of manufacture before you fall for a price — it’s the difference between owing the surtax and not.
- Run the real landed cost with the surtax included, then compare against the same vehicle already in Canada.
- Verify the live status on CBSA’s notice — this is a dated order and can change.
Read it from the source: CBSA Customs Notice 25-15 and the CBSA traveller tariffs page.
Common Questions
Is the 25% surtax still in effect?
As of July 2026, yes. It has applied since April 9, 2025, and the 2026 remission order — which extends the automaker relief year to April 8, 2027 — presupposes the surtax continues through at least that date. Because it’s set by dated orders, confirm the live status with CBSA before you commit.
Does it apply to a used car I buy myself?
Yes. CBSA states the surtax applies for both commercial and personal purposes, new and used. Buying one vehicle for yourself is covered.
Is there any way for an individual to avoid it?
Not through remission — that relief is limited to importers manufacturing vehicles in Canada. The only legitimate way to not owe the US-origin surtax is for the vehicle not to be US-origin: origin is about where the car was made, not where you bought it, and the proof burden is on you.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm or customs broker. This is general information to help you plan the cost — not advice on whether to import. The surtax is set by dated orders that change; confirm the current status with CBSA. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.