Yes, you can ship cars overseas from Europe to the United States—but successful importation requires navigating federal compliance requirements spanning EPA emissions standards, DOT safety regulations, U.S. Customs procedures, and state-specific registration rules. In 2025, with thousands of desirable European classics available on platforms like Mobile.de, AutoScout24, and Collecting Cars, American enthusiasts increasingly import German BMWs, Italian Alfa Romeos, French Peugeots, and British sports cars. However, the gap between purchasing that dream European vehicle online and legally driving it on U.S. roads requires meticulous attention to compliance documentation, proper vehicle eligibility verification, and strategic planning around import exemptions.
This comprehensive compliance checklist breaks down every federal and state requirement for importing European cars to the United States in 2025, covering the 25-year exemption that simplifies classic imports, modern vehicle compliance pathways, required documentation, customs procedures, and common pitfalls that derail otherwise smooth importation processes. Whether importing a 1995 Porsche 911 qualifying under the 25-year rule or coordinating compliance for a 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG requiring full EPA/DOT certification, understanding these requirements before purchasing prevents costly mistakes and legal complications.
Before finalizing any European vehicle purchase, verify import eligibility and understand compliance requirements preventing surprises after vehicles arrive at U.S. ports.
The 25-year rule represents the single most important compliance consideration for European vehicle imports.
25-Year Exemption: Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago from month and year of manufacture qualify for complete exemption from EPA emissions standards and NHTSA safety requirements under the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988.
2025 Eligibility: As of October 2025, vehicles manufactured October 2000 and earlier meet the 25-year threshold. Eligibility rolls forward monthly—November 2025 imports can include November 2000 vehicles.
Manufacturing Date Verification: Obtain proof of manufacturing month and year (not just model year) before purchase:
Factory build sheets
Manufacturer data plates photographed clearly
VIN decoding from manufacturer
Original registration documents showing first registration date
Service records establishing age
Why Month Matters: A December 2000 vehicle doesn't qualify until December 2025—purchasing in October 2025 means either waiting for eligibility or pursuing expensive compliance pathways.
Learn complete 25-year rule details in our comprehensive classic vehicle import guide.
Vehicles not meeting 25-year exemption face substantially more complex and expensive compliance requirements.
Registered Importer (RI) Conversion: Non-25-year vehicles require modifications to meet EPA emissions and NHTSA safety standards performed by authorized Registered Importers:
Typical RI conversion costs: $9,500-$28,500 per vehicle
150% dutiable value compliance bond required during modification period
Maximum 120 days for RI completion
Not all European models can be economically converted
Show or Display Exemption: Limited to vehicles on NHTSA's pre-approved list with significant historical or technological importance:
One vehicle per person per year limit
2,500 miles per year driving restriction
Must still meet EPA requirements or qualify for EPA exemption
See eligible vehicles in our Show or Display import guide
Substantially Similar (S&D) Pathway: Vehicles identical to U.S.-market versions may qualify for simplified compliance—extremely rare for European-market vehicles.
Strategic Recommendation: Focus imports on 25-year-eligible classics avoiding $10,000-$30,000+ compliance costs and complexity.
Modern European diesel vehicles face particular EPA compliance difficulties in U.S. imports.
Emission Standard Differences: European diesel emission standards differ substantially from U.S. requirements—even recent Euro 6 diesel vehicles may not meet EPA certification without extensive modifications.
Compliance Costs: Diesel emission system modifications often exceed gasoline vehicle compliance costs, sometimes rendering European diesel imports economically impractical.
25-Year Exemption Advantage: Classic diesel vehicles (25+ years) avoid federal EPA emissions requirements through age exemption. However, importers should note that some states (particularly California) maintain their own diesel registration barriers even for federally-cleared vehicles—state-level restrictions may still apply post-import despite federal exemption.
Successful U.S. importation requires precise documentation satisfying EPA, NHTSA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.
Purpose: Declares vehicle's emissions compliance status to Environmental Protection Agency.
Confirms EPA emissions exemption
Must provide manufacturing date evidence supporting age claim
Original foreign registration and manufacturer documentation required
Box C: Certificate of Conformity (vehicles identical to certified U.S. models)
Box F: Registered Importer conversion
Various other boxes for specific exemptions
Submission Timing: File with CBP at port of entry during customs clearance.
Retention Requirements: Keep copies 5 years for EPA audit purposes.
Purpose: Declares vehicle's safety standard compliance status to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Exempts from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
Manufacturing date proof required
While not technically required, photographs of VIN plate and manufacturer data plate are highly recommended—CBP inspectors frequently request them during physical inspections
Box 2A: Identical to U.S.-certified vehicle
Box 2B: Vehicle in transit to Registered Importer for modification
Various boxes for temporary imports, military, diplomats
Submission Timing: File with CBP at port of entry.
NHTSA Verification: Forms subject to NHTSA review—false declarations result in vehicle seizure and penalties.
Purpose: Official U.S. Customs entry declaration for imported vehicles.
Complete vehicle specifications (VIN, year, make, model, country of origin)
Declared value for duty calculation
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification codes
Importer of record information
Entry type and port of arrival
Base code: Standard passenger vehicle classification (typically 8703.23.xxxx or similar based on engine displacement)
Additional code: HTS 9903.94.04 for Section 232 tariff exemption on 25-year vehicles
Proper coding prevents incorrect 25% Section 232 tariff assessment
Customs Broker Filing: Licensed customs brokers typically prepare and file CBP Form 7501 on behalf of importers—expert coding crucial for proper duty assessment.
Original Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Germany)
Carte Grise (France)
Libretto di Circolazione (Italy)
V5C (United Kingdom)
Country-specific registration certificates proving legal ownership
Bill of sale with complete transaction details
Commercial invoice showing purchase price
Payment confirmation
Seller contact information
Factory build sheet or window sticker
Clear photographs of manufacturer data plate
VIN decoding documentation
Service records establishing vehicle history
European customs export clearance
Deregistration from origin country vehicle registry
Proper commercial invoicing for international shipment
Understanding duty structures enables accurate cost projections and budget planning.
Base Import Duty: 2.5% of declared value for passenger vehicles.
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value for ocean shipments.
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% ad valorem with $33.58 minimum / $651.50 maximum per entry.
Section 232 Tariff: Exempt for 25-year vehicles properly coded under HTS 9903.94.04.
Example Calculation (€35,000 / $38,500 classic):
Base duty: $38,500 × 2.5% = $962.50
HMF: $38,500 × 0.125% = $48.13
MPF: $38,500 × 0.3464% = $133.36
Total duties/fees: $1,143.99
Base Import Duty: 2.5% of declared value.
Section 232 Tariff: Up to 25% additional on finished vehicles from certain non-exempt origins when not eligible for 25-year exemption.
Other Tariffs: Additional trade remedies may apply depending on origin and HTS classification.
Total Exposure: Modern vehicles from certain origins face combined duties significantly higher than 2.5% base rate, plus $9,500-$28,500 compliance costs.
Review complete duty structures in our comprehensive import duty guide.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance represents a critical phase requiring proper documentation and timing.
Requirement: ISF filing required no later than 24 hours before vessel departure from European port.
ISF Components: Contains shipper, consignee, cargo details, manufacturer information (known as "10+2" filing).
Who Files: Typically filed by shipping company or customs broker on behalf of importer.
Liability Structure: While the importer of record remains technically liable under CBP regulations, in practice when licensed NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers) or customs brokers file ISF correctly, the importer's liability exposure is limited. Professional filing with accurate information prevents issues and protects importers from enforcement actions.
Penalties: Late or inaccurate ISF filings can trigger $5,000+ penalties—professional filing by experienced providers essential.
Entry Filing Timing: CBP Form 7501 must be filed within 15 days of vehicle arrival at U.S. port. However, in practice, initiating filing as soon as the vessel arrives (or even coordinating pre-arrival with estimated arrival data) significantly speeds up release—expedited processing benefits importers eager for quick clearance.
Immediate consumption: Direct release after duty payment
Warehouse entry: Bonded storage deferring duty payment
Temporary importation: Short-term imports with re-export requirement
Duty Payment: All duties and fees must be paid before vehicle release from CBP custody.
Processing Time: Properly documented entries typically clear 2-5 business days after vessel arrival when filed promptly.
Selection Criteria: CBP randomly selects approximately 2-5% of vehicle imports for physical inspection.
VIN verification matching documentation
Checking for undeclared modifications
Confirming manufacturing date evidence
General condition assessment
Additional Time: Physical inspections add 1-3 days to clearance timeline.
Broker Coordination: Customs brokers coordinate inspection scheduling and provide required documentation to CBP officers.
Federal import clearance represents only the first hurdle—state DMV registration requirements vary significantly and require careful planning.
Federal Clearance Proof: CBP Form 7501 stamped by CBP proving legal federal import.
Some exempt 25-year vehicles
Others require testing regardless of federal exemption
Testing standards vary by state
Lighting systems
Braking systems
Suspension and steering
Exhaust systems
General roadworthiness
VIN Verification: Law enforcement or authorized facilities verify VIN matches documentation preventing stolen vehicle registration.
Title Application: State-specific applications converting foreign registration to U.S. state title.
BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) referee inspections for certain imports
Emissions testing despite federal 25-year exemption
Additional diesel registration barriers even for federally-exempt classic diesel vehicles
Extensive documentation review
Additional smog equipment requirements
Detailed safety inspections
Emissions testing in certain counties
Strict documentation review
Vehicle ID inspections
Fewer emissions requirements
Simpler inspection procedures
Less restrictive documentation review
Research Before Purchase: Verify your state's specific requirements before purchasing European vehicles—some states' rules may affect vehicle selection decisions, particularly for diesel vehicles.
Understanding frequent mistakes prevents costly delays and legal complications.
Problem: Claiming 25-year exemption without proper manufacturing month/year documentation.
Consequence: CBP may deny age exemption, requiring expensive RI compliance or vehicle re-export.
Prevention: Obtain factory build sheet, clear data plate photos, or manufacturer confirmation before purchasing.
Problem: Failing to apply HTS 9903.94.04 additional code for 25-year Section 232 exemption.
Consequence: Incorrect 25% Section 232 tariff assessment adding thousands in unnecessary duties.
Prevention: Work with customs brokers experienced in automotive imports understanding proper HTS coding.
Problem: Arriving at U.S. port without original European registration certificates or proper export paperwork.
Consequence: CBP holds vehicles until documentation obtained—difficult when vehicles already left Europe.
Prevention: Review all documentation before vehicles leave European seller possession—much easier to obtain missing papers while vehicles remain in Europe.
Problem: Purchasing "2000 model year" vehicle actually manufactured November 1999.
Consequence: Vehicle doesn't qualify for 25-year exemption when expected, requiring compliance delays or expensive RI pathway.
Prevention: Always verify manufacturing month and year from factory documentation, not model year designation.
Problem: Successfully importing vehicle federally but encountering insurmountable state registration obstacles.
Consequence: Legally imported vehicle that cannot be titled or registered for street use.
Prevention: Research state-specific requirements before purchasing vehicles—particularly critical for California, New York, Massachusetts residents, and anyone importing diesel vehicles to states with strict diesel regulations.
Professional partners streamline compliance navigation and prevent costly mistakes.
Automotive import specialization
Understanding of 25-year rule and HTS 9903.94.04 coding
Experience with EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7
Knowledge of Section 232 exemptions
How many European vehicle imports do you process annually?
What is your error rate on HTS coding for classic vehicles?
Can you coordinate with European shipping providers on documentation?
Do you provide guidance on state registration requirements?
Pre-shipment documentation review
European export coordination
ISF filing management
Delivery coordination to final destination
Complete Services: West Coast Shipping provides integrated import services including European vehicle pickup, proper export processing, container shipping, customs brokerage, and U.S. delivery—single point of contact throughout import process.
Learn about our complete import services in our comprehensive European import guide.
Ready to import your European vehicle with complete compliance confidence? West Coast Shipping's car import calculator provides instant comprehensive estimates including:
Ocean freight from European ports to optimal U.S. destinations
Complete U.S. import duty calculations (2.5% base for 25-year classics)
All federal fees (HMF, MPF)
U.S. inland transport from port to your location
Total door-to-door cost projections
Get personalized import estimates in under 60 seconds with complete transparency.
Yes, you can successfully ship cars overseas from Europe to the United States—but compliance requires meticulous attention to federal documentation, proper age verification, expert customs brokerage, and state registration planning. West Coast Shipping's expertise ensures your European import meets all requirements from initial purchase through final U.S. registration.