Welcome to the most comprehensive guide available for importing a car to the USA with Border123. We offer a seamless Import to USA service that will ensure a smooth process for you. Here, we leave no stone unturned, providing you with a deep understanding of the entire car import to the USA process, whether you’re importing a car to the USA or grappling with the complexities of import laws and rules. We’re here to ensure your journey is informed and successful.
The Trusted Partner for Importers
At Border123, we take pride in being your trusted partner in the importing a car to the USA process. Our years of experience and deep understanding of the industry have enabled us to offer impeccable services tailored to your needs. We understand that importing goods or vehicles into the USA, including estimating car shipping prices, can be a complex endeavor, and that’s where our expertise comes into play.
In Border 123, we offer:
How US Car Importers Handle the Process
Here’s a brief description of the requirements as Border 123 complies with US laws:
Tackling EPA and DOT Requirements
As per the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), for vehicles under 25 years old, meeting US emission standards is mandatory. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards regarding safety, bumper regulations, and theft prevention also apply to vehicles in this category. It’s uncommon for overseas-acquired cars to meet all these requirements unless they were originally sold in the US. Certified vehicles display a label near the driver’s door indicating compliance with US standards.
Registered US car importers can’t bring in vehicles that don’t meet US import criteria without modification, which can be a costly and time-consuming process. Border123 specializes in importing vehicles that already comply with US EPA & DOT Standards, requiring a Manufacturer Compliance Letter for import.
The bright side is that vehicles over 25 years old, if unmodified, are exempt from DOT or EPA requirements. This exemption allows for easier importation of classic vehicles with the assistance of US car importers.
In brief, to avoid the 2.5% import auto duty to the United States, the car in question must meet these criteria:
Customs Bonds
When dealing with customs bonds, especially when considering the process of importing a car to the USA, it’s important to note that once purchased, they are non-refundable. As part of the proper importation process, US customs often demands a deposit equivalent to 10 times the vehicle’s value. This bond cost is factored into the Quote provided.
It’s crucial to be aware that if the vehicle isn’t exported or if discrepancies arise with the claimed value, the deposit will be retained by customs.
Import Duties
Vehicles manufactured overseas or from Mexico, Canada, China, Germany, Sweden, England, and those imported into the US, especially when considering the process of importing a car to the USA, are subject to various duty rates. With Border123, we will verify your rate prior to your shipment.
Duty-Free Imports Apply Only if the Car Was:
USMCA Eligibility U.S. Goods Returned:
To qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), all vehicles – new and used – must meet the USMCA rules of origin for automotive goods, including regional value content (RVC), labor value content (LVC), steel purchasing, and aluminum purchasing requirements. The requirements are so stringent that vehicles produced prior to 2020 are not likely eligible for duty-free status under the USMCA. Vehicles produced on or after July 1, 2020 may meet the USMCA rules of origin. However, under the USMCA Implementation Act there are three vehicle certifications related to the above requirements that must be provided by the producer of the covered vehicle. If these documents are not made available upon request, then applicable duties and fees will be collected on personal and commercial importations of new and used vehicles from Canada and Mexico. Certain vehicles may be eligible for duty-free treatment as U.S. Goods Returned. In accordance with Section 904(b) of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 114-125, February 24, 2016), subheading 9801.00.10 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States provides for the duty-free treatment of:
- Products of the United States when returned after having been exported, or any other products when returned within three years after having been exported, without having been advanced in value or improved in condition by any process of manufacture or other means while abroad.
- Under this provision, qualifying vehicles that are being returned may be eligible for duty-free treatment. This provision may be applied to either personal or commercial importations of used vehicles. The burden of substantiating eligibility lies with the importer and claims are subject to verification. See HQ H314176 (March 18, 2021).
Documents Required for Import
US Customs and Border Protection requires the following documents for an import auto to the United States:
As you have seen above, Importing a car to the USA requires navigating a lengthy set of rules, regulations, processes, and costs after your purchase. You could try to do it yourself, but you would probably lose money, or you could simply contact us for car shipping to the USA and enjoy working with the best US car importers. If you come to us, you’ll have a hassle-free way to import your vehicle.
