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Importing motor vehicles internationally can be challenging.
I put some info from Euro?
Shipping, Inc. in USA
Including a motor vehicle in an international shipment or importing a vehicle alone can have problems that can cause delays and other paperwork being needed prior to release from Customs.
However, prior to importation, if all the proper forms are completed and the shipper can answer “yes” to the initial questions we can eliminate some Customs red flags that can possibly cause or create delays, storage, demurrage detention, and/or even exportation of a vehicle, at the owners expense.
To determine whether duty free or not pretty much comes down to only a few questions. If the answer to the three questions below are “yes”, than the shipment will be eligible for duty free entry.
1. Have they owned the vehicle for more than 1 year?
2. Does the vehicle(s) meet U.S. DOT and EPA standards can it be proven, should it need be?
3. Are the vehicles for personal use only and NOT for re-sale?
Please also remember Customs maintains the ability to require the owner to pay duties and taxes on a vehicle regardless of how long the owner has owned the vehicle.
Customs forms / Information needed prior to importation: (all DOT and EPA forms will be provided to you for completion prior to the loading date)
1. EPA 3520 – Environmental Protection Agency requires this form to be completed by the owner of the vehicle to determine the vehicles current emission status. To import a vehicle the vehicle must meet U.S. EPA standards. If the vehicles emissions have been altered to meet those standards the paperwork proving these alterations must accompany the EPA form 3520. The owner MUST check the appropriate box that applies to his/her vehicle. Some boxes require other documents to accompany these forms. So please be sure to have the owner read thoroughly and attach any additional documents needed as well.
If the vehicle(s) does NOT meet U.S. EPA standards the vehicle will not be cleared by Customs
and /or may require “Immediate Export” at the owners expense.
2. DOT HS-7 – Department of Transportation requires this form as well, to be completed and signed by the owner of the vehicle. To import a motor vehicle the vehicles must meet U.S. DOT standards. The owner MUST check the appropriate box that applies to his/her vehicle. Some boxes require other documents to accompany these forms. So please be sure to have the owner read thoroughly and attach any additional documents needed as well.
If the vehicle(s) or vehicle parts do NOT meet U.S. standards the vehicle(s) or vehicles parts may not be allowed clearance and may even require “Immediate Export” at the owner’s expense.
3. U.S. Value of the vehicle – the owner must also provide the current value of the vehicle. This is important since the value of the vehicle could determine how much duty / taxes will have to be paid to U.S., should Customs require the shipper to pay duties and/or taxes on the vehicle.
4. U.S. Motor Vehicle Title – Customs more often than not requires a copy of this document as well, proving ownership of the vehicle and length of ownership.
5. Antique Vehicles -
a. DOT - any vehicles 25 years or older antique vehicles and can be imported even if they do not meet U.S.DOT standards
b. EPA – any vehicles 21 years or older antique vehicles and can be imported even if they do not meet U.S. EPA standards
c. The documents and information numbered above will still be required however on each form for DOT and EPA have boxes to indicate these vehicles meet their definition of “antique” and those boxes on each form must be checked to receive this benefit / status.
Customs could require as well, but have not required at all times…
1. Manufacturers notice of EPA and DOT compliance
2. U.S. previous State registration card
