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How can I import a Non U.S. Version/Non conforming Vehicle/Car into the U.S.?
The Federal agencies that regulate the importation of non U.S. version or nonconforming vehicles are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These agencies do not encourage the importation of non U.S. version or nonconforming vehicles for on-road use because converting a nonconforming vehicle is usually very expensive, and sometimes impossible or impractical. It is possible that a car will conform to one agency's requirements but not another's. Cars that are more than 25 years old are exempt from EPA and DOT requirements. In 2006, model year 1981 and older cars are exempt. Cars that are 21 years old are exempt from EPA regulations, but must still meet DOT regulations before they may be permanently imported. EPA will permit the importation of a nonconforming vehicle only if it qualifies for an exclusion or an exemption, or is imported by an independent commercial importer (ICI), who is a current holder of a valid EPA certificate of conformity. The ICI importing the vehicle has to clear the goods through CBP, not the vehicle owner. The ICI must retain custody until after the vehicle has met all EPA requirements. Before importing the nonconforming vehicle, make sure there is an ICI who is both eligible and willing to import your vehicle, and that you are prepared to pay the ICI charges, and wait the necessary time. Excluded from EPA requirements are vehicles that are classic or antique vehicles manufactured before the EPA regulations, do not have an engine installed. is not intended for use on streets and highways, is a racing vehicle, and/or is powered by unregulated fuel. These vehicles have been excluded from the emission requirements of the Clean Air Act. Exemptions are applied to situations of extreme hardship, temporarily imported vehicles, and foreign vehicles that are identical to the U.S. versions. Additional information on exclusions and exemptions can be obtained from EPA's web site. The vehicle must also comply with all applicable DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to be imported. If it does not, the importer must contract with a DOT-Registered Importer (RI) to bring it into compliance, and post a DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle's dutiable value. This bond is in addition to the normal CBP entry bond required for nonconforming vehicles, which is 3 times the car's dutiable value. If the car conforms to EPA requirements, but not DOT's, then the car may be imported by the importer, although copies of the DOT bond and the contract with an RI must be attached to the HS-7 form when submitted to CBP. Proof that a car conforms to EPA standards may either be a manufacturer's letter or a sticker on the engine. Proof that a car conforms to DOT standards may either be a manufacturers letter or a sticker on the inside rim of the driver's side door. You can obtain a list of registered importers at the DOT web site. You will not be able to register a nonconforming vehicle until it is brought into compliance. You will need the CBP Form 7501 to register it with the Department of Motor Vehicle. CBP will not give you this form without approval from the EPA and DOT. It is illegal to sell or donate a nonconforming vehicle in the U.S. It is also illegal to dispose of them in a junkyard. Non-compliant vehicles must either be exported, destroyed, or brought into compliance. To import a vehicle for purposes other then on-road use, such as showing or racing, or kit cars, or un-installed engines, please see the DOT website and EPA website for relevent information.
Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security
http://www.cbp.gov/
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