How to bring a horse to Canada?

Importing live horses into Canada is a meticulously regulated process overseen by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). These rules apply to both Canadian and non-resident individuals involved in the horse trade. This guide outlines the essential steps and requirements for successfully importing live horses into Canada.

Initial Preparations

Before attempting to import a horse into Canada, thorough preparation is crucial. Ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate is the first step to avoiding complications at the border. Every party involved in the importation process should have copies of the necessary documents. The required paperwork includes:

1. Bill of Sale: For horses being sold, this document must clearly state the vendor, purchaser, date, value, currency, and horse details (including name and country of birth).

2. Canada Customs Invoice: All fields must be complete and consistent with other documents.

3. Veterinary Records: These include the horse’s health certificate and vaccination records, such as the Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) certificate, also known as the Coggins test. It must confirm the horse hasn't been in Texas or New Mexico within the last 21 days.

4. Import Permit: An import permit from the CFIA is required for horses from Texas or New Mexico, and this must be obtained before importation.

5. Export Certificate: A United States Origin Health Certificate (VS17-140 or VS17-145) issued by the USDA is necessary.

Inspection Requirements

Upon arrival in Canada, all horses must undergo inspection. It is vital to choose a port of entry where veterinary inspections are available and verify their operating hours to ensure your horse arrives within these hours for inspection and release.

Duration of Stay

The regulations differ based on whether the horse is imported permanently or temporarily.

Permanent Importation

For permanent imports, declare the purpose of the importation (e.g., racing, show, breeding) to the CBSA and present a Canada Customs Coding Form (B3), along with the applicable taxes.

Temporary Importation

For temporary imports, submit a Temporary Admission Permit (E29B), allowing the horse to stay in Canada for up to 12 months. Proof of export and the purpose of import (such as competition or training) must also be provided. Temporarily imported horses qualify for customs duty-free entry and are exempt from GST/HST.

Returning Canadian Horses

Horses originally from Canada returning to the country are usually considered Canadian goods returning if they are with their original owner and accompanied by the original export proof. However, if a Canadian horse has been in the USA for more than 60 days, it is considered an American horse, and taxes will apply if it is brought back to Canada. Additionally, if the returning horse is pregnant, the foal's value must be determined.

Transportation

Importing a horse with a trailer involves additional regulations since trailers are considered vehicles and are subject to Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) and Transport Canada’s requirements.

Every live horse entering Canada must meet specific import requirements and have an import permit. The process becomes more complex when a trailer is involved. For assistance, consider consulting experts, like the GTS team at GHY, to facilitate the importation process.