Transport Canada's Information for importing kit cars...
"Kit Cars" in Canada
Are you a hobby builder who plans to:
* manufacture kit cars or reproduction vehicles in Canada for the purpose of sale;
* import kit cars or reproduction vehicles into Canada;
* amateur build a kit car in Canada using an imported starter kit; or
* amateur build a kit car in Canada using a Canadian starter kit?
If you are, it is important that you know and obey Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Act (the Act).
This law states that vehicles made in Canada for the, or imported into Canada, must be certified to federal safety standards by their original manufacturer. Since most kit cars meet Transport Canada's definition of a "passenger car", they must meet the safety standards of that class.
Manufacturing kit cars in Canada
Manufacturers must design, build, test and certify their products to meet all Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), according to approved test methods and keep records of the results.
Before starting a vehicle manufacturing business in Canada, you must show Transport Canada's Road Safety Directorate that your prototype vehicles, as tested, meet all federal safety standards (Section 5(1)(g) of the Act). Section 5 of the Act applies whether the vehicles are shipped already assembled or in pieces for the buyer to assemble.
You must prove that you followed approved test methods and place all required information on the vehicle. When satisfied, Transport Canada (TC) will give you authority to place the national safety mark on your products.
Importing kit cars into Canada
If you want to import a kit car or a reproduction vehicle that can be driven, you must provide proof that it meets all passenger car class CMVSS before importing it. There is no difference, under the Act, between assembled and disassembled vehicles. Note: Most kit cars do NOT qualify. Therefore, kit cars cannot be manufactured to sell in Canada or imported into Canada.
Amateur building of kit cars from imported starter kits
Is a starter kit a car or parts? Shipment contents provide useful clues, and each import is considered on its own merits. TC may ask for a complete parts list (not including attachment hardware).
In a parts shipment/starter kit, important systems such as the fuel system, the brake system, the power train and the suspension system are not included.
When these systems are completely absent, the kit will likely pass Customs if:
* the kit is not assembled (the body and frame are separate);
* the wiring harness, steering system and interior parts are not installed (with the possible exception of the windshield, some trim and the instrument panel).
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