Importing a Kei Truck to Canada
North America
Is it allowed?
Yes Canada's federal rule is more generous than the US — any kei truck 15 years or older (to the month of manufacture) is importable nationwide under the RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) program. As of 2026, trucks built in 2011 or earlier qualify — a full decade ahead of what's currently eligible in the US. The 15-year clock runs from the month of manufacture, not the calendar year. Important exception: Quebec enforces its own 25-year rule for road registration — a 15-year-eligible truck can be imported and used on private property in Quebec, but highway registration requires 25 years. Alberta and BC are generally considered the most kei-truck-friendly provinces.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
Right-hand drive (RHD) acceptance
Allowed No federal ban on right-hand-drive vehicles. Provincial registration accepts RHD in every province and territory. Some provinces require an out-of-province (OOP) inspection regardless of drive side — a general import requirement, not RHD-specific.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
Age / eligibility rule
15 years from month of manufacture (federal rule, all provinces and territories). Exception: Quebec's SAAQ enforces a stricter 25-year rule for road registration — importation at 15 years is still permitted, but highway registration in Quebec requires the truck to be 25 years old. This is the single most important provincial difference in Canada — confirm your province before assuming the 15-year rule applies for road registration.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
Taxes summary
Most kei trucks entering Canada go through the RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) program: a processing fee of approximately CAD 325 plus tax (as of 2026). GST (5% federal) applies on the declared value. Provincial sales tax (PST or HST) is collected at registration and varies by province — Ontario and Atlantic provinces charge HST at combined rates of 13–15%; provinces with separate PST charge the federal 5% GST plus their own PST at registration. A federal luxury surtax does not typically apply to kei trucks given their low value. Budget ocean freight, customs broker fees, and the RIV fee separately from the purchase price.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
Registration authority
Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) handle federal import compliance via the RIV program. Provincial and territorial motor vehicle registries handle title, registration, and safety inspection — requirements vary meaningfully by province.
Common entry ports
- Vancouver BC (West Coast)
- Halifax NS (East Coast)
- Various land border crossings from US ports
Buyer notes
Importing and registering are two separate steps. Clearing CBSA and the RIV program means the truck is legally in Canada — it is not yet registered for road use. Provincial registration, inspection, and insurance are the next steps. Province quick reference: Alberta and British Columbia — 15-year rule applies, considered the most kei-truck-friendly provinces. Ontario — 15-year rule, standard safety inspection required. Quebec — 15 years to import (and use on private property), 25 years required for SAAQ road registration. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut — 15-year federal rule applies with no significant provincial differences. If you're province-shopping for the easiest path, Alberta and BC have the lowest friction. Quebec requires the same 25-year threshold as the US before driving on public roads.
Step overview
- 1. Source and purchase your kei truck from Japan (auction, dealer, or exporter).
- 2. Arrange export paperwork and shipping (RoRo or container) to Canada — common ports: Vancouver BC (West Coast), Halifax NS (East Coast), Various land border crossings from US ports.
- 3. Clear customs and pay applicable duties/taxes (see Taxes summary above).
- 4. Complete the RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) program if applicable — pay the RIV fee (~CAD 325 + tax), complete any required provincial out-of-province safety inspection, then register with your provincial motor vehicle registry. Quebec residents must confirm the 25-year threshold for highway registration before purchasing.
- 5. Register and insure the vehicle for road use.
This is a general outline. Confirm the exact sequence and requirements with Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) handle federal import compliance via the RIV program. Provincial and territorial motor vehicle registries handle title, registration, and safety inspection — requirements vary meaningfully by province. or a licensed import agent before committing to a purchase.
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