How Long Does a Car Take to Clear Customs?

Do you own a car abroad and want to ship it over? If you do, perhaps the ominous and confusing customs clearance process has put you off.

It takes some preparation, paperwork, and patience to get your car through border control regulations. Although sometimes it is confusing, keep calm and don't let the process hinder you.

In this article, we will examine the question, "How Long Does a Car Take to Clear Customs?" and provide some advice and tips for successfully crossing the border with your import vehicle.

What Is Customs?

In layman's terms, customs is the procedure of handling goods transported across international borders and ensuring obedience to a country's existing laws and regulations.

Border control officers inspect shipments and collect duties, taxes, and fees on those items that require them, safeguarding against illegal substances and products. The officers are at the forefront of preventing and monitoring illicit activities such as smuggling, counterfeiting, and terrorism.

So, who controls customs in the U.S., and what is their guidance for importing cars?

What is the U.S. Border Control and Protection Agency?

You may have already seen signs for the Customs and Border Protection agency at airports and transport hubs. But who exactly are they?

This agency is the gatekeeper responsible for upholding all rules and regulations regarding imports into the U.S., including trade and immigration laws.

Customs and Border Protection ensures all goods and vehicles entering American borders comply with the proper safety standards, so make sure you're on their good side.

Having the correct documents is essential when importing a car into the United States. These documents will include a bill of sale, proof of ownership, and a commercial or business invoice. Sometimes, an import permit from the country of origin is also required.

In 2020, the United States imported 6.5 million motor cars, which means a lot of work for border control. The growth in imports can be attributed to the availability of models that are not domestically accessible, lower prices, or simply owning a car from another land.

If you obtain all documentation promptly, the customs clearance procedure could take one day. Typically, a customs clearance takes no longer than three days. However, this timeline can vary based on a bunch of different reasons.

How Do Vehicles Pass Through Commerce?

Clearing a car through customs typically involves four steps: documentation verification, payment of border control duties and taxes, and inspection of goods and delivery.

Let's take a close look at the steps in border control for the process of a car:

1. Verification of documentation: The first step is to provide all necessary documents to customs officials. Prepare proof of ownership, an import permit from the origin country, and any necessary border control form.
2. Payment of duties and taxes: Next, you'll have to pay any outstanding duties and taxes the car may incur. These include import duties, value-added taxes such as VAT and GST, and local taxes for your destination country.
3. Inspection of goods: After all the necessary documents have been presented and the fees processed, officers will inspect the car for contraband or illegal items. The customs officers will also check if the vehicle meets all the safety and environmental regulations it has to comply with.
4. Receiving the car at the port of entry: Once all of the above is met, you can celebrate and pick up your car. At the port of entry, present your proof of ownership and other customs forms. Before long, the road is clear for you to drive your car home.

Factors Impacting How Far It Takes

Clearing customs can be a headache and also cause a lot of stress.

Even if you're assured that your car has all the legal requirements and you've paid all the taxes, certain factors may still impact the length it takes to clear customs.

Here are some that you can encounter while importing vehicles:

1. Country of origin: The process may take longer or shorter due to different customs regulations and paperwork requirements from different countries worldwide.
2. Type of vehicle: Larger, more expensive vehicles require more paperwork and inspections, leading to longer waiting times.
3. Shipping Method: How you ship your car will impact the length it takes to clear customs.For example, air shipments are generally faster in every aspect, including border control clearance, than sea shipments, although it depends on other factors.
4. Paperwork: All paperwork must be for the car to pass through border control. Any discrepancies or errors in the paperwork can cause delays or even result in the car being held at customs, so triple-check all of them.

Afterward, when everything is complete, collect your car at the port of entry's customs and drive it home.

How Much Is The Price of Vehicle Border Control Approval?

Calculating the cost of car customs clearance can be a little confusing at times. Anyone who's ever gone through it before will say it. You'll have to add up all of the import duties, value-added taxes (VAT), and other applicable local taxes for a combined total cost.

You'll also need to factor in the type of vehicle and shipping method used. From experience, air shipments are usually more expensive than sea, road, or rail shipping.

Imported automobiles of foreign origin, whether new or secondhand, are often subject to duties, so be aware of that also.

Is It Legal To Drive A Vehicle That Hasn't Passed Border Control?

If you are found to be operating a car that customs have not cleared, prepare to meet with some severe consequences.

Any car that hasn't been registered or properly cleared customs will be seized, and the driver will be subject to fines and further legal ramifications.

How to Save Money on Duty Collection?

So, if you want to import a vehicle, you must also have a strict budget in mind.

One way that car enthusiasts trip themselves up and incur additional charges is through incomplete or inaccurate documents. This is easily avoidable but incredibly frustrating if you haven't been careful.

Follow these tips to save money on customs:

1. Triple-check all your documents and signatures; losing money because you misspelled your name is infuriating.
2. Look for any discounts or exemptions that may be available. Discounts and exemptions for certain types of vehicles, such as electric cars or hybrid cars, can regularly be found, owing to their environmentally friendly designs.
3. Choose a reliable shipping company and only work with one that has verified, authentic, positive reviews online. You want to avoid scams while trying to import your dream car.

These tips have helped reduce customs clearance costs and hopefully will make the process easier.

Get the Best Help to Approval Commerce

With the proper paperwork and proofreading, you should be able to clear customs in a matter of days.

With proper preparation and an understanding of the process, you can anticipate your car being cleared through border control quickly and successfully.

Want an instant quote to compare shipping rates and pick a specific service that fits your budget? Then check out A1-Auto Transport today. We make car transport easy and take a consumer-friendly approach.