Importing a Vehicle

"As for my car, I am up to my neck with bureaucracy and problems and have wasted valuable time. Most likely, I will have to ship it home."

Importing a car into the U.S. can be a headache, as the above lab employee recently discovered. If you are thinking of importing a car, please visit theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) web site for up-to-date information and regulations regarding the importation of vehicles into the U.S. From the NHTSA site you can download (in PDF format) the Declaration form HS-7 which must be presented to U.S. Customs upon entering the U.S. if you are importing a vehicle. Also, be sure to visit http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov for information about bringing a car or truck into California. California has fairly strict anti-smog requirements, and you may be surprised by the cost of bringing a car into the state. Be informed!

Importing Vehicles From Canada:

Following is a brief summary of steps that must be taken to import a vehicle for personal use from Canada. This is not a legal document; please refer to the NHTSA and California Smog web sites for the latest information, regulations, and forms before attempting to import a vehicle.

For Nonresidents of the U.S. importing a vehicle for no more than one year:
As a general rule all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with the FMVSS by a Registered Importer. However, temporary importations (up to one year) by Nonresidents of the United States are exempt from this requirement and do not have to be modified to conform to the FMVSS.

Nonresidents of the United States may import a vehicle registered in another country for personal use for a period not to exceed one year (for imports of longer than one year, see below). The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported within one year from the date of entry. A form HS-7 (available at ports of entry or in PDF format from NHSTA) must be completed and presented to U.S. Customs. Your passport number and country of issue are required on the HS-7 form. Use Box 5 on HS-7 form.

For imports of more than one year, by Residents or Nonresidents of the U.S.:

1: Obtain a letter of pre-approval from the vehicle manufacturer.

Contact the Canadian auo dealer and have the dealer request a pre-approval letter from the vehicle manufacturer that identifies your vehicle by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This letter will determine if your vehicle complies with all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

2: Read the letter carefully.

If the manufacturer's letter states that the vehicle complies with U.S. standards, except for minor labeling requirements, you have an acceptable letter. This letter along with your vehicle registration should be presented to U.S. Customs at the border. U.S. Customs will review the manufacturer letter to assure that the vehicle complies. (DOT approval of the manufacturer letter was discontinued as of April 8, 1997.)

.If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS, except for the speedometer, or headlights, you may have these components replaced at a dealer authorized by the factory to repair your vehicle. In addition to the documents cited above, you must present the invoice for the speedometer or headlight replacement to obtain U.S. Customs approval.

If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS except for FMVSS No. 208 (automatic or passive restraint requirements) you WILL NOT be able to bring your vehicle into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless it is modified by an Registered Importer (RI). If an RI is willing to modify the vehicle, it may be expensive and may change your desire to import the vehicle.

If the manufacturer will not issue a letter for your vehicle, the only method to import your vehicle on a permanent basis is to contract with an Registered Iimporter.

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval is also required. The EPA monitors air pollution from vehicle emissions. Call the EPA information line at (202) 564-9660 to have information FAX'ed to you automatically. Documents available include lists of vehicles approved for importation from Canada, quick overviews of importation requirements, and detailed information on temporary and permanent vehicle importation from Canada and elsewhere. You may need to submit the EPA Form 3520-1 "Importation of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Engines" to U.S. Customs officials; this form is available by FAX at the EPA number listed above.

See http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov for more information on California smog check requirements.