The Government of Canada has approved the removal of a 25% surtax on new and used motorhomes imported from the United States, a move hailed as a significant win by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada.
The surtax remission was formalized under the United States Surtax Order (Motor Vehicles 2025) and will be officially published in the July 16 edition of Part II of the Canada Gazette.
The surtax, originally implemented as a retaliatory trade measure, had been applied to a broad range of U.S.-manufactured motorhomes, contributing to higher costs for dealers and consumers across Canada.
The removal is expected to provide immediate financial relief for dealers while improving affordability for Canadian buyers.
The decision follows extensive advocacy efforts by the RVDA of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association. The organizations have worked collectively to demonstrate the negative effects of the surtax on the integrated North American RV market.
“This is a monumental achievement for our members and the entire Canadian RV industry,” Eleonore Hamm, president of the RVDA of Canada, said in a press release.
“We are thrilled that the government has recognized the unique nature of the RV market and the undue burden these surtaxes placed on our dealerships and consumers,” Hamm added.
To facilitate access to the surtax relief, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a special authorization code (25-0466N). Dealers can use this code when filing customs declarations to receive surtax exemption on eligible motorhome imports.
In addition to the exemption moving forward, the CBSA has also provided mechanisms for dealers to claim retroactive refunds on surtaxes paid on qualifying inventory prior to the order’s implementation.
“This remission is a testament to the power of a unified voice and the importance of persistent advocacy,” Hamm said. “It allows our members to operate on a level playing field and ensures that Canadian families can continue to affordably enjoy the RV lifestyle.”
Founded as a national federation of provincial and regional associations, the RVDA of Canada represents retail businesses involved in RV sales and service across the country. Its advocacy, training, and industry initiatives are developed and delivered in collaboration with member stakeholders.