- 1). Proceed with caution. Be aware of the inherent risks of auto importing, advises educational resource ImportExport Help (IEH). Be skeptical of any claims or assurances made to you by a foreign car dealer or private seller, advises IEH. You should assume complete responsibility for determining whether a vehicle meets U.S. EPA standards for importation. Do not take a self-interested party's word that it does.
- 2). Know what you need to know. Your EPA/U.S. Customs documentation must include year of manufacture, model year, make and model, affirmation of compliance with U.S. emissions requirements, the type of fuel the vehicle uses, and whether it was manufactured with or without a catalytic converter. If the vehicle is a truck, documentation must also include gross weight, says the EPA.
- 3). Understand federal regulations. You must demonstrate that the vehicle is a so-called "U.S. version," explains the EPA. That means its manufacture was compliant with U.S. emission standards and that the manufacturer attached an English-language label to the engine compartment that the vehicle meets all U.S. requirements. A vehicle that meets the "U.S. version" standard and has not been modified or altered may be imported into the U.S. without prior approval or a requirement for a Customs bond, according to the EPA.
- 4). Anticipate the challenges. A vehicle that has been modified or altered will not meet U.S. emission requirements, EPA says. You can legally import it, but only on the condition that you will undertake all necessary repairs or restorations required to bring the vehicle into compliance. You will also be required to post a bond with U.S. Customs that equals or exceeds the value of the vehicle. You will have 120 days to complete the work on the vehicle and report it to U.S. Customs. If you fail, U.S. Customs can seize the vehicle and also impose penalties.
- 5). Complete EPA Standard Form 3520-1 and submit it to U.S. Customs. The form is available online from the EPA. You must show this form upon entry of the vehicle into a U.S. port. For compliant vehicles, declare code "B," instructs the EPA. For vehicles that will require remedial work, declare code "F."
- 6). Collect all other paperwork. In addition to the form you file with EPA and U.S. Customs, you must have the carrier's original bill of lading, the foreign registration, a bill of sale and any other documentation that exists about the vehicle, notes IEH. You also must file form HS-7 with the U.S. Department of Transportation, explains IEH.
- 7). Learn all that you can. Importing even a single used vehicle can be a tricky proposition. Trying to make a business of it is even trickier, notes IEH. For further education, it recommends two U.S. government publications, "Customs Hints for Visitors Visiting the United States (Contains Nonresidents Customs Regulations)" and "Know Before You Go (Contains Hints For Returning U.S.A. Residents Regarding Customs)." Free copies are available from U.S. Customs. Call (202) 564-9240. IEH also suggests careful study of "The Automotive Imports Fact Manual" from EPA (see "Resources"). It is the definitive document on the entire process of vehicle importation.
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