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Have you ever wished you could purchase a car unavailable here in the United States? With proper planning and paperwork, bringing an automobile from another country into the USA is possible.
Bringing an exotic sports vehicle, a vintage restoration, or a more fuel-efficient model into the country via import may be an exciting voyage.
In this article, you will learn about cars imported to the US, as well as popular choices of imported vehicles, and offer an overview of the importation process.
Top Cars Imported to the USA
The US imports a huge amount of cars every year. These cars range from luxury imports like a new BMW, to economical choices like a Nissan Micra.
See below for some popular choices of imported cars across various categories:
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Popular high-performance imports
For those looking for something unique and high-performance, popular imports include:
- Ferrari 488 GTB
- Jaguar XKR-S
- Lamborghini Aventador
- Nissan GT-R
- Maserati Gran Turismo
- Toyota Supra
- Porsche 911
These high-performance cars are highly sought after and relatively easy to import due to their popularity in the US market.
Popular, affordable imports
For those seeking a more affordable option, popular imports include:
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Elantra
- Toyota Corolla
- Mazda 3
- Subaru Impreza
- Volkswagen Golf
Popular choices for those wanting to simplify their lives with a fuel-efficient and smaller model for easy driving within the city limits. For commuting to work, these cars will save your wallet.
Popular EV imports
Maybe the EV market is more your speed, so consider these top cars:
- Kia Soul EV.
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Nissan Leaf Plus
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Audi e-tron
- Volkswagen e-Golf
- BMW i3s
EV cars are a booming market for environmentally conscious consumers and for reducing their carbon footprint. Make the changeover as a courtesy to the environment from fossil fuels while saving money. Research the best EV for your current needs.
With so many brands and options available, choosing a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and family's necessities is the hardest decision. Careful consideration must be given before importing, including your set budget.
Benefits of Importing Cars to the USA
The USA is a great place to import cars worldwide, thanks to its wide selection of vehicles and easy import process.
Here are a few of the benefits of importing a car:
- Own a unique model that might not be available in the US.
- Cheaper than buying one domestically
- Imports hold better value
- Original manufacturer warranties will still be honored
- Top-of-the-line performance options
- Wide selection of fuel-efficient models
Overall, importing cars to the US can be an excellent way to get something unique at a reasonable price and with little trouble.
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Researching Vehicles and Regulations
When researching the process of importing a car to the USA, it is essential to consider various factors, such as researching potential vehicles and their availability for importation.
Ensure to make a cost comparison from different countries, and foreign currency exchange rates will affect the car's final price.
Once a decision is made, try contacting the original manufacturer, who can assure you that the vehicle was designed to meet US safety and emissions standards.
Be aware that the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is the document that proves all US safety and environmental standards manufactured by your car.
Another critical piece of documentation is the bill of sale with complete information on the timing of the sale and the amount paid. Get the title or registration documents from the original country.
Import laws can change over time, so staying current on current regulations is essential to ensure a legal importation process.
Duty fees and taxes may apply to the car based on the categorization; the duty rate is according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Additionally, it is vital to know that some states may have additional restrictions on what vehicles can be imported. Knowing this information can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
Choose a shipping company that specializes in importing cars. Ensure they have insurance, excellent customer support, and competitive pricing. Get a bill of laden complete with transportation times and pricing schedule.
Be aware that the time of importation should be known, as some cars may be subject to additional taxes or restrictions depending on when they arrive. This knowledge can help streamline the process.
Check for the port of entry and whether it is equipped to handle your type of vehicle. It must be reported to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within 15 days of the import.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to allow at least six weeks from the start of the process until arriving at the port of entry.
Have all of your paperwork ready at the time of the port of entry; otherwise, your vehicle may be delayed or denied access altogether.
Furthermore, researching potential vehicles and their availability abroad can help ensure you get precisely what you want without paying exorbitant prices.
Ultimately, by taking the time to research both cars and regulations, you can save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.
Driving Across the Canadian Border
If you wish to dodge import regulations, purchasing and driving your automobile through the Canadian border could seem like a simple and quick answer.
However, crossing your fingers is not usually enough when entering the United States with a Canadian-registered vehicle.
While the car may be legal in the United States for up to one year after crossing the border, authorities may seize your car without warning upon expiration of this timeframe.
To allow your car to stay in the US indefinitely, you should either export or legally import it according to customs regulations before that one-year mark approaches.
For deThis process includes paperwork filings and paying government fees for ships and individuals seeking to bring their vehicles from Canada into the US; thus, there is no simple solution for car import without following the laws and regulations.
Racing Cars Importing Rules
Importing a racing vehicle into the US is subject to specific regulations depending on how it was initially manufactured. If it was built to be a racing car, Box 8 on the HS-7 Declaration form provided to Customs upon entrance allows for its permanent importation.
In this instance, proof of its original manufacturing as a racing vehicle must be provided as a letter from its manufacturer attached to the HS-7 form when submitted. There is no need for NHTSA clearance under these conditions.
On the other hand, if a vehicle was not created as a racing vehicle, importing it into the US can only legally happen temporarily under Box 7 on the HS-7 Declaration form and requires approval from NHTSA for Customs to process it for entry into the country.
It is essential for anyone looking to undertake such an importation transaction to be aware and mindful of these specific requirements before embarking on any endeavor involving bringing a racing vehicle into America from outside sources.
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Successful Endeavors
Importing a vehicle into the United States requires careful preparation and research.
Acquiring valid licenses from the original manufacturer or a temporary license plate issued by the CBP before bringing in any foreign vehicle is essential.
Additionally, a valid form of documentation proving ownership must be presented at the port of entry. Without these documents, admittance to the US may be denied.
It is essential for those considering importing a car to understand all regulations and requirements necessary for successful importation.
These actions will help ensure your car makes it safely and legally into America.
Don't just let any company import your foreign car, hire with confidence the outstanding services of A1 Auto Transport. Their shipping operators and agents network will guide and deliver your imported car on time and within budget.
Get your free quote to start the shipping process today.