Import a Car from Canada to Ireland

Importing from Canada to Ireland

CETA grants 0% customs duty on Canadian vehicles. VRT and 23% VAT apply.

The VRT itself is the same CO2-based calculation used for every Irish import. What changes with Canada is the customs duty and the currency conversion (prices are typically quoted in CAD). Always budget for VRT plus customs duty plus 23% VAT when calculating your total landed cost.

Step-by-step Canada import process

• Buy the vehicle and obtain the registration document and proof of purchase.
• Arrange shipping/transport to Ireland.
• Clear customs and pay any duty (0% (CETA)) and Irish VAT at 23%.
• Book a VRT appointment and present the Certificate of Conformity with CO2 and NOx data.
• Revenue assesses OMSP, charges VRT, and you receive Irish plates.

Canada Import Cost Example

For a car with an Irish OMSP of EUR 40,000 and CO2 of 140g/km (20% band), the VRT would be EUR 8,000 before age depreciation. Add customs duty of 0% (CETA) on the value and 23% Irish VAT on the combined figure. Use the calculator above to model your specific vehicle.

Why Canada Is a Smart Import Source

Canada is one of the few non-EU countries that enjoys 0% customs duty on vehicle imports to Ireland, thanks to the CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) between the EU and Canada. That's a big deal — it saves you 10% compared to importing from the UK, USA, or Japan. The currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), which tends to be weaker than the euro, making Canadian cars relatively affordable.

Canada is a left-hand drive market, so vehicles need headlight conversion for Irish roads. However, Canadian cars are built to cold-weather standards, which means they're typically well-equipped with heated seats, block heaters, and anti-corrosion undercoating — useful for Irish winters. The most commonly imported models are Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas, and Subaru Outbacks, all popular with Irish buyers who want reliability and low running costs.

Canada Import Logistics

Shipping from Canada to Ireland takes 2–4 weeks via the North Atlantic, with container costs of approximately €1,400–€2,000. The main departure ports are Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver. You'll need the Canadian provincial registration document, a bill of sale, and a Certificate of Conformity with WLTP CO2 and NOx data. Canadian vehicles use NRCAN fuel economy labels, which include CO2 figures, but these are tested under different cycles than WLTP — check whether Revenue accepts them or if you need an independent test. Use our VRT rates page to estimate your band.