Importing Factory Five Racing kit parts into Canada by yourself isn't that difficult. I recently imported a Type 65 Coupe and there are steps that have to be followed.

Before you start the process, the first thing to know is that there are restrictions that are put on the importation of kit parts. Transport Canada (TC) does not allow the importation of kit cars that are less than 15 years old into Canada. Since Factory Five Racing does not sell completed kits, then importing one falls under the heading of kit parts. This is allowed by TC with some exceptions. Those exceptions have usually to do with drive train, brake parts and some suspension parts. In the case of Factory Five Racing, this means that not all the parts sold in a Factory Five Racing kit can be imported, and in some cases, complete kits are disallowed as there are too many parts that need to be removed from the kit to make it viable. The kits that are allowed are the 65 Roadster Mark III, the Challenge Series Racer, and the Type 65 Coupe.


The steps that I took are as follows:

1. Decide which vehicle you want and choose the options that are available in Canada. The independent rear suspension (IRS) is not allowed so you have a choice between the 4-Link and 3-Link rear suspensions. If you choose the 3-Link suspension, then the option you want it #13321 which is the 3-Link Retro-Fit Assembly. This is the 3-Link minus the tubular rear lower controls and coil-over shocks. Another option that is not allowed by TC is the tubular front lower control arms. Decide if you want to pick up the kit yourself or have it delivered to the border.

2. Call Factory Five Racing and place your order. Tell them that you are from Canada and don't ask for those parts that you know are not allowed. You will need to give your initial deposit of $1000 US.

3. You will then receive your "welcome kit" in the mail.





Check the invoice to make sure that everything is in order. If anything is out of place, then call Factory Five Racing and get it sorted out. They are very receptive and helpful. You will also receive documents thanking you for your purchase and information on what to expect with your kit order.

4. When time gets close to your ship date, six weeks before in my case, call and organize the final payment. This involves getting the wire transfer information from Factory Five Racing. Get the name and address of the bank, the account and routing number and the outstanding balance of your invoice.

5. Go to your bank and wire the money to Factory Five Racing.

6. Give the banks a couple of days to finalize the transfer then call Factory Five Racing and check that you have a zero balance invoice. Give Factory Five Racing a fax number where they can send you the paperwork that needs to be sent to TC. They will fax you the invoice with the zero balance, NAFTA Certificate of Origin paperwork and the pack list.







There is around 25 pages that will be faxed to you.

7. Create a cover page to TC asking for import approval. Include where and when you plan to import the kit parts. Fax all the documents that you received from Factory Five Racing including the cover page to

Transport Canada
Attn: Sylvain Lalime
Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C, Place de Ville (ASFA)
Ottawa, K1A 0N5

The fax number is 613-998-8541

8. You will receive a Declaration To Import Motor Vehicle Kit Parts via Fax.



Fill it out with the correct information. In the Importer number field, leave it blank if you are importing it yourself. In the Vehicle Model use the name that Factory Five Racing uses to sell the model. When the declaration is filled out, fax it back to TC.

9. You will then receive a fax from TC stating that allows you to import the kit parts into Canada.



10. Drive down to Factory Five Racing. Bring the approval from TC on your trip. Arrive at Factory Five Racing on the morning of your delivery date. Arrive early as there can be a few picking up that day. If you haven't done so, go for a tour of the factory.

11. Drive to the border. When you arrive, state that you have a declaration of the amount that you paid for the kit parts. You will have to go inside to pay the tax. They will need to fill out a Casual Goods Accounting Document. If they want you to fill out a vehicle import declaration, tell them that you are only import auto parts and don't back down no matter how much they push. They might even tell you that you will not be able to register the vehicle if you don't declare it as a vehicle. Just stick to your guns and tell them you are importing car parts. Pay the tax, you will pay either GST or HST depending on the province you live.



12. You now have your kit parts legally in Canada. Now start building.
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