Vehicle Import Duties When Moving 2026

What movers on the UK → Toronto report (Saooko's lens):

• Visa and work-rights timing runs parallel to job search
• Budget signal: £1175–£1525 move + first-month setup (~£1900/mo rent in London)
• Typical mistake: late housing booking
• Second mistake: under-budgeting month one

Confirm destination visa rules before you resign or book flights.

Sarah, a 29-year-old marketing professional, moved from London to Toronto in early

1. She imported her Audi A4, valued at £20,000. After calculating the 10% import duty and 20% VAT, Sarah faced a total cost of £2,400. Despite the hefty fees, she found that owning her car in Toronto was more convenient than relying on public transport, especially during the winter months.

Verified source: London monthly budget: £2800–£5500 (average £3800). One-bedroom rent about £1900/mo — Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2025 (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/London).

Verified source: london — primary visa route: Skilled Worker Visa · 45–90 days · ~£1,800–3,000 incl. IHS (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/London).

When determining the total cost of importing a vehicle, consider the following steps:

1. Assess the vehicle's value to calculate the import duty.
2. Check for any additional taxes applicable in the destination country.
3. Factor in shipping costs, which can range from £1,000 to £2,500 depending on the method (container vs. roll-on/roll-off). For instance, if Sarah's shipping cost was £1,200, her total import expense reached £3,600.

Verified source: toronto — primary visa route: Express Entry / PNP · 6–18 months (PR) · CAD ~$1,500–3,000 (https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/market-reports/rental-market-reports-major-centres).

To import your vehicle, you'll need specific documentation, including the original purchase invoice, proof of ownership, and an import permit. In the UK, you must fill out the C384 form for customs clearance. In Canada, you will need to submit the RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) form to ensure your vehicle complies with Canadian safety standards. It's advisable to start gathering these documents well in advance of your move.

Both the UK and Canada have stringent emission standards that vehicles must meet to be imported. In Canada, vehicles must comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). If your vehicle does not meet these standards, modifications may be required before it can be registered. Check the RIV's official website for detailed guidelines on acceptable emissions.

Transporting your vehicle internationally requires adequate insurance coverage. Standard car insurance may not cover international transit, so check with your provider for specific policies. It's wise to purchase additional coverage for the shipping period, which can cost around £100 to £300, depending on the vehicle's value and shipping method.

Upon arrival in Canada, your vehicle must pass through customs. Be prepared to present all required documentation, including proof of payment for duties and taxes. Customs officials will inspect your vehicle and may ask for additional information regarding its emissions. The entire customs clearance process typically takes one to three days, depending on the workload at the port.

Once your vehicle clears customs, you must register it with the provincial government. In Ontario, for instance, this involves visiting a ServiceOntario location to obtain a license plate and registration sticker. Fees for registration can range from CAD 60 to CAD 200, depending on the vehicle type and province. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including proof of insurance, before visiting.

Many individuals overlook the importance of ensuring their vehicle meets Canadian safety and emission standards before shipping. Additionally, failing to prepare all required documentation can lead to delays and increased costs. For instance, Mark, who moved in July 2026, encountered a three-week hold-up at customs due to missing paperwork, resulting in additional storage fees of CAD

1. Always double-check your paperwork and compliance with local regulations.

As environmental concerns grow, both the UK and Canada may tighten regulations regarding vehicle emissions and import duties. Keeping abreast of these changes is crucial for future movers. Regularly check resources like GOV.UK and Canada's Immigration and Refugee Services for updates. Being proactive can save significant costs and headaches.

What to do next on the UK → Toronto:

1. Confirm visa subclass and employer sponsorship on the official portal.
2. Budget £1175–£1525 move + first-month setup (~£1900/mo rent in London) plus a 20% arrival-week buffer.
3. Book housing only after work-rights timing is clear.
4. Compare steps with international moving checklist.