What is Required to Import a Vehicle into the U.S.?

Suppose you are considering importing a vehicle to the U.S. In that case, it’s essential to take the time to research and know all the laws and regulations associated with this endeavor before making your decision. While bringing a vehicle into the States is possible, many factors must be carefully considered. Below, we will outline the requirements issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the steps to take to move your vehicle to the United States successfully.

Checking Your Vehicle’s Eligibility

Unless designed by the original manufacturer to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, importing vehicles under 25 years old is illegal. However, a motor vehicle that complies with the age requirements can be imported without adhering to the DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Another exception to the 25-year rule is if all necessary modifications are done to the vehicle to ensure it meets the safety and federal emission standards. However, such changes are usually quite extensive and can be very pricey.

Foreign vehicles that don’t meet required safety standards may, at times, still be eligible for importation by either certification or exemption.

Temporary Vehicle Imports

Various exceptions for non-conforming vehicles may apply to your situation. For example, if you are a non-U.S. citizen entering the States for a year or less, your car may be eligible for temporary importation. On the other hand, if the non-conforming vehicle is to be used only for display, it would make certification for public road use unnecessary. In this case, you can import the car for decorative purposes. Another exception is the importation of a vehicle temporarily for racing purposes or use in events and competitions.

Obtain Necessary Documents

This is the first step that should be taken when preparing to move eligible vehicles to the US. To ensure you have gathered the correct papers for registering your car, we have compiled a list of documents you must hand in at the time of importation. Please note that the requirements can differ depending on the vehicle type and change according to circumstances. Generally, the documentation requirements are as follows:

1. Bill of sale
2. Foreign Registration
3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Form HS-7
4. EPA 3520-1 Form
5. CBP Form 7501 (issued to you by U.S. Customs agents at the port if everything is in order)

Pay Required Fees

As expected, specific fees must be paid when importing a vehicle from a foreign country. These are the most common ones:

1. Import duties

The fees for bringing foreign-made vehicles into the United States can change based on different types of cars. Usually, the fees are given as follows:

• Auto 2.5%
• Trucks 25%
• Motorcycles 2.4% or free

These fees do not change based on whether the vehicle is new or used, nor does it make a difference if they are intended for personal use or resale.

Duty rates required of the vehicle owner are calculated according to the price paid (or payable) for the car.

2. Insurance

Most states require a vehicle to be insured to drive legally, so this expense should be considered when you plan to import your car.

3. Shipping fees

If you are having a vehicle brought to the United States from abroad, you have likely already considered a car shipping service. The price can vary, depending on the method of transportation you choose. Various options include container shipping, open-air auto transport, electric vehicle shipping, and more.

4. Customs bonds

This bond is required of all people importing vehicles into the U.S. It will aid in faster customs clearance, ensuring all taxes, duties, and fees are paid on an imported vehicle. The customs bonds usually cost around 10% of the total tax and duty paid to the CBP.

Exceptions

Vehicles exported from the United States within the last three years may be imported duty-free.

Military and civilian employees working for the U.S. government and American citizens working abroad can import their vehicles duty-free, provided it is for a limited amount of time and they are correctly exported again afterward.

Tips for a Successful Importation of Vehicles

Prepare in advance

It pays to research beforehand so you know exactly what to expect during importation. Bringing a vehicle into the U.S. can be significant, especially if it’s your first time. Prepare your documentation well in advance, and be familiar with the process before moving forward.

Get your vehicle’s undercarriage cleaned.

As required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the undercarriage of every imported vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned or steam-sprayed before entering the country. This prevents the spread of dangerous pests that could be brought in through foreign soil clinging to the bottom of the vehicle.

Don’t store personal belongings in your vehicle.

When shipping a vehicle into the U.S., remember that your car will not be used as storage space for your possessions. There are several reasons why this is not permitted. Besides the concern that items stashed within the vehicle can be vulnerable to theft during transportation, many shipping companies won’t even accept your vehicle if it contains personal belongings. Additionally, all contents within your car must be reported to CBP when entering the country. Failure to do so could result in a fine and possibly having your vehicle confiscated, along with its contents.

Research and seek helpful advice

Many people have imported foreign-made cars into the States and have valuable insight and information on the process. Connecting with these people can make your task all the easier. There are many ways to get in touch with foreign car enthusiasts, from online forums to social media groups.

Another option is to hire a U.S. customs broker to handle the importation. Though this adds another cost to your endeavor, the hassle a broker can save you may be worth your money.

Line up a reliable shipping company

Now that you know precisely the import requirements for the United States, it’s time to take your planning a step further. The importation process isn’t all that must be considered, after all. You will need to arrange for a reliable shipping service to handle the transportation of your vehicle.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we ensure your car is well taken care of the entire time it’s with us. Enjoy trackable deliveries, fair pricing, and hassle-free transport from start to finish. Transport any type of vehicle and drive away worry-free. Get your free quote today and start the shipping process!