How to Import a U.S. Horse Trailer Into Canada

Whether you are a horse owner who is moving to Canada from the U.S. or a resident of Canada who has purchased a horse trailer from a vendor across the border, you need to adhere to Canada's vehicle importation rules if you want to bring your U.S. trailer into Canada. The process is relatively straightforward and involves the completion of paperwork and payment of a fee.

Instructions       

o        1

Verify the horse trailer's branding history if you are buying the vehicle in the U.S. This will confirm if the trailer has been involved in a serious accident and may not be deemed roadworthy by Canadian authorities.

o        2

Contact the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) in Canada for "recall clearance" for your horse trailer. Once RIV has received confirmation that any manufacturing defects have been corrected and the trailer does not pose a safety risk, recall clearance documents --- valid for 30 days --- will be issued. There are some exemptions to this RIV process, such as vehicles imported by temporary residents or visiting forces personnel. RIV can be contacted toll free at 888-848-8240 in both the U.S. and Canada.

o        3

Confirm if the horse trailer needs modifying to comply with Canadian motor vehicle safety standards by checking the website of government transport agency Transport Canada.

o        4

Complete all relevant documentation such as the vehicle import form --- available at border crossings or in advance from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) --- and ensure you have original proof of ownership for the vehicle. Because the horse trailer is not a self-propelled vehicle, there is no need to fill out forms for U.S. Customs.

o        5

Pay the relevant vehicle import fee to CBSA. As of February 2011, this fee was around $220, including taxes. You can pay via credit card at the border or in advance through the agency's website or at its offices. Checks are also accepted but should be sent well in advance as processing times can be lengthy. Due to local taxes, import fees may vary depending on the region of Canada you arrive in.

o        6

Check the inspection form issued by RIV in order to determine if any modifications are needed. If they are, they should be carried out as soon as possible and the trailer taken to a RIV inspection center for checking.