Tesla Pauses Model 3 Premium Orders in Canada, Citing Exhausted Import Quota

Tesla has stopped accepting orders for the Model 3 Premium in Canada, pointing to the federal government’s Chinese electric vehicle import quota. A message on Tesla’s Canadian website appeared Monday afternoon stating: “Model 3 Premium orders paused after high demand exhausted Tesla’s import quota. Ordering resumes if Govt of Canada issues more quota, expected March 2027.”

Government figures show quota is mostly unused

According to Global Affairs Canada’s latest utilization report updated October 9, just 328 vehicles have been imported under the second quota window that began September 1. That leaves 33,069 of the available 33,397 allocations unused, approximately 99%.

Canada’s agreement with China allows 49,000 vehicles annually to enter at a reduced 6.1% tariff. Only 15,931 allocations have been used since the program began in March.

Why the pause is confusing

Under Notice to Importers No. 1168, permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible importers. No manufacturer-specific limits have been announced. Tesla’s reference to March 2027 coincides with the start of the next quota year on March 1, but with over 33,000 spots still available it remains unclear why orders need to wait.

Both Premium variants are now unavailable to order, including the Rear-Wheel Drive model starting at $39,490. The Model 3 Performance, sourced from the United States, remains available at $74,990.

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