Importing a car to the USA
Discussion
Does anyone have any experience of temporarily importing a car to the USA? Not for myself but for a friends small business.
Some key points:
- It's for a small business
- I believe aiming for California
- For demonstration and testing purposes
- It's a relatively new UK registered vehicle that is also for sale there
- It's an EV
Could anyone point me in the direction of where to look please? I've found a form about temporary importations from NHTSA which looks good and I think you need permission from NHTSA before going to customs.
Also does anyone have experience of what changes need to be made to make a vehicle meet FVMSS regulations?
Some key points:
- It's for a small business
- I believe aiming for California
- For demonstration and testing purposes
- It's a relatively new UK registered vehicle that is also for sale there
- It's an EV
Could anyone point me in the direction of where to look please? I've found a form about temporary importations from NHTSA which looks good and I think you need permission from NHTSA before going to customs.
Also does anyone have experience of what changes need to be made to make a vehicle meet FVMSS regulations?
I am in the USA. I've imported from the UK to USA with classics in the 25 year rule category only.
If your friend is a non US resident and the business is a UK business and the car is UK registered, then I think the temporary import is the only way and then the owner probably needs to have some sort of US visa in hand.
There is another way of if the vehicle is of special interest (show and display) and has to meet quite stringent criteria, but again I think you need to be a US resident.
Then on top of that California has its own vehicle regulations that are more demanding than most US states.
This guy imported his Porsche a few years ago for a driving holiday and he also posted on PH
https://aircooledbug.co.uk/temporarily-importing-a...
Sounds like you've found the NTHSA information, https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importatio...
US Customs info here
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/impo...
Sorry I can't offer much more help.
If your friend is a non US resident and the business is a UK business and the car is UK registered, then I think the temporary import is the only way and then the owner probably needs to have some sort of US visa in hand.
There is another way of if the vehicle is of special interest (show and display) and has to meet quite stringent criteria, but again I think you need to be a US resident.
Then on top of that California has its own vehicle regulations that are more demanding than most US states.
This guy imported his Porsche a few years ago for a driving holiday and he also posted on PH
https://aircooledbug.co.uk/temporarily-importing-a...
Sounds like you've found the NTHSA information, https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importatio...
US Customs info here
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/impo...
Sorry I can't offer much more help.
geeman237 said:
I am in the USA. I've imported from the UK to USA with classics in the 25 year rule category only.
If your friend is a non US resident and the business is a UK business and the car is UK registered, then I think the temporary import is the only way and then the owner probably needs to have some sort of US visa in hand.
There is another way of if the vehicle is of special interest (show and display) and has to meet quite stringent criteria, but again I think you need to be a US resident.
Then on top of that California has its own vehicle regulations that are more demanding than most US states.
This guy imported his Porsche a few years ago for a driving holiday and he also posted on PH
https://aircooledbug.co.uk/temporarily-importing-a...
Sounds like you've found the NTHSA information, https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importatio...
US Customs info here
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/impo...
Sorry I can't offer much more help.
Thanks for the links, the Porsche one is particularly helpful. Looks like I was on the right tracks which is good. I've sent a pm if thats okay. If your friend is a non US resident and the business is a UK business and the car is UK registered, then I think the temporary import is the only way and then the owner probably needs to have some sort of US visa in hand.
There is another way of if the vehicle is of special interest (show and display) and has to meet quite stringent criteria, but again I think you need to be a US resident.
Then on top of that California has its own vehicle regulations that are more demanding than most US states.
This guy imported his Porsche a few years ago for a driving holiday and he also posted on PH
https://aircooledbug.co.uk/temporarily-importing-a...
Sounds like you've found the NTHSA information, https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importatio...
US Customs info here
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/impo...
Sorry I can't offer much more help.
RE the carnet it was a term I had heard before but also looks helpful, thanks
It's a few years ago, but, when I moved to the US for work for 12 months, I was allowed to take my car, a 10-year old European spec. Daimler, with me on the condition that it left the US within one year. It stayed on UK plates. It was supposed to be inspected for cleanliness of the underside, but no one looked at it. All I had to do was arrange local insurance. Since then, I've seen that people take cars for classic tours and competitions. I don't think there's any restriction if the visit is less than a year. After all, Canadians and Mexicans presumably are allowed to enter with their cars when they visit.
FlabbyMidgets said:
Thanks for the links, the Porsche one is particularly helpful. Looks like I was on the right tracks which is good. I've sent a pm if thats okay.
RE the carnet it was a term I had heard before but also looks helpful, thanks
I haven't received your PM. I have my settings open for messages though. I tried to PM you but you don't have it turned on. Maybe we both have to have PM turned on to exchange? Any Admin help here?RE the carnet it was a term I had heard before but also looks helpful, thanks
geeman237 said:
I haven't received your PM. I have my settings open for messages though. I tried to PM you but you don't have it turned on. Maybe we both have to have PM turned on to exchange? Any Admin help here?
Ah my mistake. I've sent it again, looks like it went via email if that is okay. Sounds like one of the biggest issues will be demonstrating that the vehicle meets FVMSS standards.
If it doesn't, looks like it is done via submitting a HS-7 form and potentially can't use the vehicle on road. Sadly the FVMSS standards don't seem that easy to navigate. The same model is sold there so I can't imagine it would be that different, although I wonder if something like a boot opening missing from inside would be an issue.
FlabbyMidgets said:
Ah my mistake. I've sent it again, looks like it went via email if that is okay.
Sounds like one of the biggest issues will be demonstrating that the vehicle meets FVMSS standards.
If it doesn't, looks like it is done via submitting a HS-7 form and potentially can't use the vehicle on road. Sadly the FVMSS standards don't seem that easy to navigate. The same model is sold there so I can't imagine it would be that different, although I wonder if something like a boot opening missing from inside would be an issue.
Hi, I've still not got an email, so I'll check my PH Profile settings again. Seems this is not an uncommon problem.Sounds like one of the biggest issues will be demonstrating that the vehicle meets FVMSS standards.
If it doesn't, looks like it is done via submitting a HS-7 form and potentially can't use the vehicle on road. Sadly the FVMSS standards don't seem that easy to navigate. The same model is sold there so I can't imagine it would be that different, although I wonder if something like a boot opening missing from inside would be an issue.
When i have imported 3 cars to the US I have only had 2 forms, he HS-7 you mention and another I can't recall without a bit of checking. As the other poster above said, they imported temporarily for a year. If you do that I don't think you have to make any FMVSS modifications. If the same vehicle is sold in the US then it may be worth contacting the manufacturer because I've heard some will provide a letter confirming what applicable US standards the UK market version complies with (bit of a long shot that one).
This is lifted direct from the NHTSA website pdf file. Does it help?
As a general rule, all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with those standards by a Registered Importer. Vehicles temporarily imported in the following circumstances are exempt from this requirement and do not have to be modified to conform to the FMVSS. A DOT HS-7 Declaration form (available at ports of entry or at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import must be completed for each vehicle imported.
NONRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
A vehicle registered in a country other than the United States may be imported for personal use by a non-resident of the United States for a period not to exceed one year. The vehicle cannot be sold while in the United States and must be exported within one year from the date of entry. This period cannot be extended under any circumstances. The importer’s passport number and the name of the country that issued the passport must be supplied on the HS-7 Declaration form. Use Box 5 on the HS-7 Declaration form.
Here's another link from a shipping company.
https://ivssuk.com/temporarily-importing-your-fore...
Both appear to say the car must be for personal and not business use though.
As a general rule, all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with those standards by a Registered Importer. Vehicles temporarily imported in the following circumstances are exempt from this requirement and do not have to be modified to conform to the FMVSS. A DOT HS-7 Declaration form (available at ports of entry or at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import must be completed for each vehicle imported.
NONRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
A vehicle registered in a country other than the United States may be imported for personal use by a non-resident of the United States for a period not to exceed one year. The vehicle cannot be sold while in the United States and must be exported within one year from the date of entry. This period cannot be extended under any circumstances. The importer’s passport number and the name of the country that issued the passport must be supplied on the HS-7 Declaration form. Use Box 5 on the HS-7 Declaration form.
Here's another link from a shipping company.
https://ivssuk.com/temporarily-importing-your-fore...
Both appear to say the car must be for personal and not business use though.
Thanks Geeman. I've had a confirmation email through to mine that it sent, not sure if that means much though.
This seems to be the only option, box 7 on the form.
If attachments a or b are a requirement, I think it would have to be a although I can't seem to find any info about a NHTSA permission letter. b is a no go as it is a small company and not a manufacturer.
Also I appreciate this must be on the of the dullest threads on PH
This seems to be the only option, box 7 on the form.
If attachments a or b are a requirement, I think it would have to be a although I can't seem to find any info about a NHTSA permission letter. b is a no go as it is a small company and not a manufacturer.
Also I appreciate this must be on the of the dullest threads on PH
NHTSA Form said:
The vehicle or equipment does not conform to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and
Bumper Standards, but is being imported solely for the purpose of research, investigations,
demonstrations or training, or competitive racing events, and I state that I will comply with the
applicable restrictions on importers of such merchandise as specified in 49 CFR 591.7 and I will
provide the Administrator with documentary proof of export or destruction not later than 30 days
following the end of the period for which the vehicle has been admitted into the United States.
[591.5(j)]
Attachment:
a. Copy of NHTSA permission letter if the importer is not an original manufacturer of motor vehicles
(or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof) that are certified to conform to all applicable Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Use on the public roads must be authorized specifically.
[591.6(f )(1) or (2)];
or
b. Importer's statement describing the use to be made of the vehicle or equipment item if the
importer is an original manufacturer of motor vehicles (or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof) that
are certified to conform to all applicable FMVSS. If use on the public roads is an integral part of
the purpose for which the vehicle or equipment item is imported, the statement shall describe the
purpose that makes such use necessary, state the estimated period of time during which use of
the vehicle or equipment item on the public roads is necessary, and state the intended means of
final disposition (and disposition date) of the vehicle or equipment item after completion of the
purpose for which it is imported. [591.6(f)(3)]
Bumper Standards, but is being imported solely for the purpose of research, investigations,
demonstrations or training, or competitive racing events, and I state that I will comply with the
applicable restrictions on importers of such merchandise as specified in 49 CFR 591.7 and I will
provide the Administrator with documentary proof of export or destruction not later than 30 days
following the end of the period for which the vehicle has been admitted into the United States.
[591.5(j)]
Attachment:
a. Copy of NHTSA permission letter if the importer is not an original manufacturer of motor vehicles
(or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof) that are certified to conform to all applicable Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Use on the public roads must be authorized specifically.
[591.6(f )(1) or (2)];
or
b. Importer's statement describing the use to be made of the vehicle or equipment item if the
importer is an original manufacturer of motor vehicles (or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof) that
are certified to conform to all applicable FMVSS. If use on the public roads is an integral part of
the purpose for which the vehicle or equipment item is imported, the statement shall describe the
purpose that makes such use necessary, state the estimated period of time during which use of
the vehicle or equipment item on the public roads is necessary, and state the intended means of
final disposition (and disposition date) of the vehicle or equipment item after completion of the
purpose for which it is imported. [591.6(f)(3)]
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