Are you thinking about bringing a car to the United States from another country? To import a car to the United States you must be sure that the car is admissible, have all the documentation and pay the fees.. We can help you in the process.
In this article we explain in detail how to import a car to the United States, the requirements you must meet and the fees you must pay. Continue reading.
How to import a car to the United States?
If you want to legalize a car in the United States, you should know that importation involves complex and expensive management. Therefore, The advice of an expert customs agent can be very useful.
If you want to do everything on your own, you must know very well the tariffs, paperwork and regulations that apply when importing vehicles to the United States.
Next, we will explain the process and requirements to import a car to the United States in a few steps:
- Check the admissibility of the vehicle
- Gather Required Documentation
- Clean the car
- Pay taxes and fees
Make sure the vehicle is eligible for vehicle import into the United States
To comply with import requirements to the USA, The vehicle must have an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sticker and a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker.
If the vehicle is 25 years or older it is exempt from the DOT certification sticker. If you are over 21 years old, you are exempt from the EPA certification sticker.
You must verify that your vehicle is included in the list of vehicles admitted by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Having said that, Various circumstances may occur:
1. Vehicle is listed by NHTSA
In that case, all that remains is to comply with the other requirements and present the necessary documentation.
2. Vehicle is not listed by NHTSA
In that case, a Registered Importer (RI) licensed by NHTSA can help you make the necessary adjustments to comply with US regulations.
This way, you can submit a request to the NHTSA to allow you to import the car to the USA. Only IRs can petition NHTSA for eligibility, and this petition can take up to seven months to process.
Do not arrange to ship the car until you obtain DOT approval. If not admitted, your car will remain in a customs warehouse which can cost a real fortune.
3. The import vehicle does not have the DOT sticker, but it does have the EPA sticker
In that case, you may be eligible for importation. You must contact the manufacturer to provide you with the “Confirmation Letter” which will only work for imports for personal use.
4. The vehicle does not have the EPA sticker
In this case, the option will be to contact the engine manufacturer to obtain a replacement that meets EPA requirements. If the vehicle's engine is salvaged, repaired or rebuilt, it is not admissible for importation into the US.
NOTE: Commercial imports require that the vehicle be imported through a United States Customs Broker and registered importer. Additionally, the vehicle must be retained for a minimum of 30 days after importation.
Gather the required documentation
Since the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP Customs and Border Protection), the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency are involved in vehicle imports, it is necessary to comply with the specific requirements of each of these entities.
You must complete and submit the following:
- US commercial or customs invoice
- Customs Shipping Document Form 7501
- DOT Vehicle Declaration Form (HS-7)
- EPA Vehicle Declaration Form (3520-1)
- Copy of vehicle registration
Clean vehicle thoroughly before shipping
You must have your car cleaned thoroughly. The CBP is very demanding with the soil since it could harbor pests. They will check the underside and wheels of your car, as well as its general cleanliness.
Don't worry about scuffs or imperfections, they don't care about this. They are only concerned about some dirt that could pose a threat to the United States environment.
Remember to remove any personal items from inside. Most transportation companies do not allow items to be left inside vehicles, as there is always the possibility of them being stolen.
Pay the corresponding taxes and fees
Taxes vary depending on the type of vehicle and the percentages are applied to the price you paid for your car.
- 2.5% is applied to cars
- Trucks are charged 25%
- Motorcycles are tax-free or 2.4% is applied, depending on their displacement
Exemptions
There are some exemptions that will save you all or part of the fees:
- Most Canadian cars are tax exempt, as long as you take the car back to Canada at some point
- For other countriesyou can request an $800 exemption from CBP if you are a resident of the United States, if the car will accompany you on your return, and if it is imported only as a personal car.
- For military and civilian employees, for non-residents and US citizens who intend to stay for a short time and export the car when they leave.
You can learn more about duties, fees, and exemptions on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Keep reading: Legalization of American cars: everything you need to know
How to export a car from Mexico to the United States?
The requirements and procedure that we have described apply to vehicles that are exported from Mexico or from any other country, with the advantage that You can drive it and take it yourself to the United States across the southern border if you wish..
Keep reading: How to endorse an American car title?
How much does it cost to import a car to the United States?
If you want to import a car from Mexico to the USA, or from any other country, you must pay a fee that is calculated based on the purchase value of the vehicle.
2.5% of the purchase value is applied to cars, 25% to trucks, and motorcycles are tax-free or 2.4% is applied, depending on their displacement.
American citizens and legal residents of the USA may request an $800 exemption for their personal car or that of their accompanying family members if:
- Take it with you when you return
- The vehicle is for personal use
- He bought it during the trip he is returning from.
Military personnel and civilian employees of the United States government will be exempt from payment of duties.
In addition to these fees, you must pay for the shipping company's services if you request them.
Keep reading: How to buy a car from a US dealer
How to contact the Environmental Protection Agency?
If you have questions about your vehicle's EPA status, You can contact this entity through the following phone number: 734-214-4100. You can also send them an email at imports@epa.gov.
If you prefer to communicate by postal mail, you can do so at the following address:
US Environmental Protection Agency
Compliance Division-Imports
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Continue reading: Permit to travel to Mexico in an American car
What do I need to import a car to the United States?
To import a car into the United States you will need the car's title, purchase invoice, US commercial or customs invoice, DOT vehicle declaration form (HS-7), EPA vehicle declaration form (3520 -1) and copy of the vehicle registration.
What vehicles cannot be imported?
Motor vehicles that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable NHTSA standards, or that were not certified by their original manufacturer, with a label permanently affixed to the vehicle, cannot, in principle, be legally imported into The USA.
Can a foreigner register a car in the USA?
Yes, a foreigner can legalize a car in the United States. Of course, you must comply with all the regulations required by the authorities.
Can I legalize a Mexican car in the USA?
Yes, you can legalize a Mexican car in the USA, as long as you have shown that you filed an entry with CBP.
How long can I bring a Mexican car to the United States?
Cars imported correctly can remain in the USA indefinitely once a formal entry is made for EPA purposes. Non-residents can import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to one year from arrival.