Import a Volvo from the US

Avoid Paying Volvo Compliance Fees - Possible Loophole for Importers

UCanImport has learned that RIV will accept a Provincial Inspection in place of a Volvo Letter of Compliance. This was confirmed by a recent Volvo importer who received their Form 2 after first completing the inspection required for their Province of residence.

Here's what UCanImport advises:

1. Read comments from UCanImport subscriber: "Anyhow i contacted RIV and said if a shop on the RIV list performs the provincial & federal inspection, why do i need a Volvo safety compliance letter. they said u dont. they said the provincial inspection is good enough. that inspection specifically checks the car for faulty brakes, tires, etc as long u pass that you're good. I'm now licensed and enjoying my ride."

2. Locate a Provincial Inspection Centre for your province of residence by searching the UCanImport blog. You do not need a Form 2 for the Provincial Inspection.

3. Complete the Provincial Inspection for your Volvo import.

4. Send RIV a copy of the completed Provincial Inspection Report, and request Form 2 so that you can complete your Federal Inspection. Federal Inspection Centre listing is available in the UCanImport Resources Library.

Please let us know if this loophole is successful.

Provincial Inspections for Vehicles Imported into PEI

If importing a vehicle from the US into Prince Edward Island, a motor vehicle inspection report must be submitted at the time of vehicle registration.

Information on the inspections process and costs are available here: http://www.gov.pe.ca/tpwpei/index.php3?number=1002491

Location contact information is listed here:
http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=45875

Special Note:

When registering a vehicle imported from the US in PEI, the vehicle will be exempt from sales tax if:

• the person must have resided outside of PEI for not less than 6 consecutive months;
• the vehicle must have been owned by the person for at least 30 days prior to taking up residence in PEI; and
• no customs duties were collected on the vehicle at the Canada-US border.

In order to bring goods into the Province as tax exempt the individual must establish permanent residency. Summer residence may not register vehicles as tax free. Collection of GST only at the border will not affect the exemption.

Note: the Federal Inspection is covered in the RIV fee of $195 which you are required to pay upon importing your vehicle.

Provincial Inspections for Vehicles Imported into New Brunswick

If you are importing a vehicle into New Brunswick, a motor vehicle inspection is required in the province. According to Government of New Brunswick Services, a motor vehicle inspection is an inspection and mechanical examination of the body and associated components, the windshield and windows, the windshield wipers, the horn, the rearview mirror, the lights, the exhaust system, the brakes, the steering and suspension system, the wheels and tires, and the coupling system.

For prices and locations please see:
http://app.infoaa.7700.gnb.ca/gnb/Pub/EServices/ListServiceDetails.asp?ServiceID1=795&ReportType1=All

For off-road vehicle registration visit:
http://app.infoaa.7700.gnb.ca/gnb/Pub/EServices/ListServiceDetails.asp?ServiceID1=3575&ReportType1=All

Provincial Inspections for Vehicles Imported into Ontario

If you are registering an imported vehicle in Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation for Ontario has provided a handy checklist of required steps.

Click here to view the checklist: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/rgoutcan.htm

An SCC is a certificate that is issued by a government- approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS) after a vehicle passes an inspection. This inspection covers the minimum safety requirements for vehicles in the province of Ontario. You can have your vehicle inspected at a Ministry of Transportation-approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS). There are approximately 13,500 stations across Ontario, just look for the green and white sign that says "Ontario Motor Vehicle Inspection Station".

For more information on the SCC visit http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/faq/vehicle.htm#ssc5

Provincial Inspections for Vehicles Imported into BC

To register an imported vehicle or any private vehicle previously registered outside of BC, you will need to obtain a "passed" Vehicle Inspection Report from a Designated Inspection Facility (DIF) in BC (a DIF is an auto repairer or service shop that has been certified by Government to perform inspections).

For a complete list of DPIs visit http://www.th.gov.bc.ca

Type "Private Vehicle Inspections" in the Search box at the top of the home page and click GO. Click on the link to "List of Designated Inspection Facilities" at the bottom of the new page that comes up.

Note: the Federal Inspection is covered in the RIV fee of $195 which you are required to pay upon importing your vehicle.

Provincial Inspections for Vehicles Imported into Manitoba

According to Manitoba Public Insurance, to register any newly acquired motor vehicle in Manitoba, you'll have to get a valid safety inspection certificate. In Manitoba this provincial safety inspection certificated a Certificate of Inspection (COI).

The provincial safety inspections ensure that vehicle meets minimum safety standards before being operated on Manitoba roads. The inspection includes examination of the steering, suspension, tires, brakes, exhaust, lights, and the vehicle's supporting structure.

The costs at an provincial inspection station can be up to $45.00. This doesn't include any extra fee to reinspect brake components that failed the first time around - that can cost as much as $20 more. Any repairs to make the vehicle safe are extra - these repairs must be completed before you'll be allowed to register your vehicle.

Approved inspection stations are located throughout Manitoba. Call Vehicle Standards and Inspections at (204) 985-0929 or toll-free (866) 323-0542 for an inspection station near you.

Note: the Federal Inspection is regulated by RIV and is included in the $195 importation fee.

Provincial Inspections for Vehicles Imported into Saskatchewan

According to SGI, if you wish to register a vehicle in Saskatchewan that was most recently licensed (or purchased) in another jurisdiction, the vehicle must be inspected under the First-Time Registered Vehicle Inspection program.

Importers have the option of contacting a motor licence issuer and conducting a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) search to check whether a vehicle is eligible for registration in Saskatchewan - prior to beginning their importation process.

To locate inspection facilities for the First-Time Registered Vehicle Inspection program, you can visit http://www.sgi.sk.ca/sgi_pub/vehicle_inspection_prog/inspection_stations/inspectionstations.htm

Provincial Inspections for Vehicles Imported in Alberta

The Province of Alberta requires that vehicles previously unregistered in Alberta have a Out-of-Province (OOP) Provincial Inspection completed prior to registering their new vehicle in Alberta. This step is in addition to the required Federal Inspection regulated by Transport Canada and RIV.

Use this handy interactive map provided on the Provincial web site at http://www2.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/vis/production/vishome.asp

Make sure you select the "out-of-province" option at the top of the page before clicking on the map. Narrow your search quickly and select from a list of licensed shops.