There is no arguing that importing vehicles to the US is a complex task. From the strict import laws, customs and documentation requirements, consumers and businesses alike require guidance and support on car imports. Which is why our team of international vehicle importers strives to keep the process of importing a car to the US simple and effortless.

For the last decade, we have imported all types vehicles including classic cars, development vehicles, concept cars, Formula 1, Formula E cars, and rally cars. We arrange door to door shipping using containers and air freight for single cars, fleets, and road rallies. 

We work with US Customs, NHTSA, DOT, EPA, and the DMV to ensure cars and motorcycles are allowed to be imported into the US.

CAR IMPORT SERVICES

• Clearing US customs
• Trucking container from US ports
• Unloading at one of our warehouses
• Short-term & long-term storage
• Delivery to anywhere in the US
• Temporary and permanent imports
• Reimports

How to: Meet Compliance and Import to the US

Tackling EPA and DOT requirements

For cars less than 25 years old, the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) requires that your vehicle meets US emission standards. Take a look at this article to find out if your vehicle meets US standards.

If your vehicle is less than 25 years old, it will have to conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. It includes safety standards, bumper standards, and theft prevention requirements. It is unlikely a car obtained overseas can meet all of these requirements, unless the same vehicle was originally sold in the US as well. Those that are will have a certification label near the driver’s side door of the vehicle from the manufacturer, specifically denoting the vehicle as certified to meet US standards.

If your car does not meet the US car import requirements, the vehicle can only be imported by a registered importer. The car must also be modified into compliance, which can be an expensive and lengthy process.

On a positive note, if your classics or any vehicles are over 25 years old and are also unmodified, then they do not have to comply with DOT or EPA requirements.

To summarize, you can only avoid the 2.5% import duty in the US if:

• The car was originally built in the US
• Or the car was originally sold in the US and is being re-imported back by the original owner 

Customs Bonds

IMPORT DUTIES

The duty rate for vehicles manufactured abroad and imported to the US are as follows:

• 2.5% for automobiles

• 2.4% or free for motorcycles, depending on the number of cylinders

DUTY-FREE IMPORTS APPLY IN THESE CASES:

• The car was originally built in the US
• Or the car was originally sold in the US and is being re-imported back by the original owner 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO IMPORT

To import a car into the United States, the US Customs and Border Protection will need the following documents:

• original bill of lading

• bill of sale

• Foreign registration

• EPA Form 3520-1

• DOT Form HS-7

The cost is calculated from the vehicle's value. Contact us to get an insurance quote.