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Importing a personal vehicle

Types of Personal Vehicle Imports

Importing a car for personal use by nonresidents
To facilitate the entry of vehicles into the United States by nonresidents who enter the United States and make oral declarations, then at a later date decide that they will remain in the United States with their vehicle, local CBP offices will allow the individuals to file a CF 7501 to document the entry of that vehicle. This entry will supersede the oral declaration. These guidelines only apply to vehicles that meet the following criteria:

1. Declarant's Personal Vehicle
2. Imported for Personal Use
3. By a Non-Resident
4. Conform with EPA and DOT Standards
5. Not Intended for Resale

These entries will be filed as Informal entries and NO customs bond will be required, regardless of value, ONLY if all of the above-mentioned criteria are met.
The individual entering the vehicle must write the following statement on the face of the CF 7501.
"This vehicle originally entered the United States at the port of (insert port) on (insert date) by the individual filing this CF 7501"

Returning military personnel
In the case of Military and Civilian Employees of the United States, the privilege of free entry under subheading 9805.00.50, HTSUS does not apply to "Articles which have not been in the direct personal possession of the claimant, or a member of his household, while abroad." In the case of a vehicle, the claimant must have taken possession of and registered the vehicle while overseas. If proof of registration is not provided, the vehicle is not entitled to free entry pursuant to 9805.00.50 and the appropriate duties must be assessed and paid.

Military and civilian employees of the U.S. government returning at the end of an assignment may include a conforming vehicle among their duty-free personal and household effects. The auto must have been purchased abroad and be in its owner's possession prior to departure. Generally, extended duty is 140 days or more. Navy personnel serving aboard a U.S. naval vessel or a supporting naval vessel from its departure from the U.S. to its return after an intended overseas deployment of 120 days or more are entitled to the extended-duty exemption. Conforming vehicles imported under the duty-free exemption are dutiable if sold within one year of importation. Duty must be paid at the most convenient Customs office before the sale is completed. Conforming vehicles so imported may remain in the U.S. indefinitely once a formal entry is made for EPA purposes.

US returning resident/citizen
Vehicles imported for personal use by returning residents may also use the CF 7501. In all cases, the duty rate will be determined by Personal Declarations and Exemptions. For Customs purposes, a returning U.S. resident is one who is returning from travel, work, or study abroad. In all instances, the current requirements for the EPA 3520-1 and the DOT HS-7 must be completed and submitted along with the CF 7501.

Some information you should know prior to importing

Vehicles that do not meet all U.S. emission requirements
Unless eligible for exemption or exclusion must be imported through an independent commercial importer (ICI), EPA will not allow the vehicles' release to the vehicle owner until ICI work is complete. The ICI will perform any EPA-required modifications and be responsible for assuring that all EPA requirements have been met.

Reimporting A Previously Exported Vehicle
A vehicle taken from the United States for non-commercial, private use may be returned duty free by proving to U.S. Customs that it was previously owned and registered in the United States. This proof may be a state-issued registration card for the automobile or a bill of sale for the car from a U.S. dealer. Repairs or accessories acquired abroad for your vehicle must be declared on your return and may be subject to duty.

Leaded & Unleaded Fuel
If the vehicle is driven using leaded gasoline, it will be necessary for you to replace the catalyst and oxygen sensor upon its return to the U.S. To avoid the expense of replacing these parts you may obtain authorization from EPA to remove the catalyst and oxygen sensor before the vehicle is shipped overseas. When the vehicle returns to the U.S., the original catalyst and oxygen sensor will need to be reinstalled. However, you may now reenter your U.S. version vehicle into the U.S. without bond, upon your assurance that you will have the reinstallation performed.

Permanent Imports
As a general rule, motor vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in order to be imported permanently into the United States.

Temporary Imports
Nonresidents may import an automobile or motorcycle and its usual equipment free of duty for a temporary stay to take part in races or other specific purposes.

Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S. There is no exemption or extension of the export requirements.

U.S. citizens employed abroad or government employees returning on TDY or voluntary leave may import a foreign-made car free of duty provided they enter the U.S. for a short visit, claim nonresident status, and export the vehicle when they leave.

Manufacture Year, Make, Model
If your vehicle is older than 21 years, it may not be subject to US EPA regulations and standards. To qualify engine cannot be modified to be newer than 21 years.

Vehicle Identification Number
Your vehicle's Vin number will be required for booking and at time of customs entry filing.

Can it be moved by its own power
Carriers may need to know if they will require special equipment to move your vehicle if it cannot move via its own power.

Contents in vehicle
For your own safety, security, and convenience, do not use your car as a container for personal belongings. Your possessions are susceptible to theft while the vehicle is on the loading and unloading docks and in transit. Many shippers and carriers will not accept your vehicle if it contains personal belongings. The entire contents of your car must be declared to Customs on entry. Failure to do so can result in a fine or seizure of the car and its contents. Your vehicle may be subject to seizure, and you may incur a personal penalty, if anyone uses it as a conveyance of illegal narcotics.

Level of fuel
For safety and insurance reasons, carriers may require your vehicle either be drained of fluids or have a set amount of fuel.

Keys and documentation
Do not leave keys and documentation locked in vehicle as the keys will be required by individuals moving your vehicle onto and off vessels, rail or trucks etc. Persons arranging clearance will require documents with which to file customs entries.

USDA Exam
A USDA exam may be required (for purposes of checking tires for possible foreign soil contaminants and the like)
To safeguard against importation of dangerous pests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that the undercarriage of imported cars be free of foreign soil. Have your car steam-sprayed or cleaned thoroughly before shipment.

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