TRAILER IMPORTER RESPONSIBILITIES

A foreign trailer manufacturer does not "register" directly with Transport Canada in the same way a Canadian company would. Instead, the manufacturer must work with an authorized Canadian importer who will complete the necessary process. To begin, the Canadian importer must apply to get the manufacturer and the specific trailer classes listed on the Appendix G Pre-clearance Program to streamline the import process. This involves the importer requesting an application package from Transport Canada and having the manufacturer provide extensive information on the trailers to demonstrate they meet Canadian safety standards.

Steps for the Canadian importer and foreign manufacturer

1. Appendix G Pre-clearance Program:

The Canadian importer must apply to get the foreign manufacturer and their trailer classes listed on the Appendix G list, notes Transport Canada.

2. Request application package:

The importer must contact Transport Canada to request the specific application package, clearly stating the class of vehicle being manufactured.

3. Provide vehicle information:

The foreign manufacturer must provide detailed information on the trailers to the importer. This includes documentation to demonstrate compliance with all applicable Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). The manufacturer may be required to submit professional drawings or other documentation as part of the application.

4. Assign a point person:

The foreign manufacturer should assign an individual within the company to understand all legal responsibilities related to manufacturing vehicles for Canada, including certification analysis, records, and labeling.

5. Submit the application:

Once all required information is gathered, the Canadian importer will submit the application to Transport Canada. This can be done online through the RIV e-Form 1 portal or other electronic submission methods.

6. Awaiting approval:

Once approved, the manufacturer will be listed on the Appendix G list, and the Canadian importer will be authorized to import the specific vehicle classes, notes qai.org.

Note:

• The Canadian importer remains ultimately responsible for ensuring all vehicles imported comply with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA), even though the foreign manufacturer produces them, states Transport Canada.
• If the manufacturer is only importing a few vehicles for sale, the process is different. The Canadian importer would have to use the case-by-case process and complete a TC Vehicle Import Form (Form 1) for each vehicle, notes Transport Canada.
• If you are an individual or small business, you will have to register the trailer in the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) Program, notes the RIV website and Agence des services frontaliers du Canada.