Attempts to Import a Tamora to the USA
Discussion
I imported my Roller as it was over 25 years old(1980) and its been mine for years. From memory:
- Get it shipped by RO-RO, a UK importer will do all the work up to the arrival at the US port for you
- Once the ship arrives at the US port you have to go see the port to get it released
- Pick it up at the port using the paperwork the importer has sorted for you plus the release note and drive the car home (
)
- Keep the car at home and go to Customs to get the EPA forms stamped
- Get the car insured
- Get a local garage to get the equivalent of the MOT on the car
- Take the car to a registered police station and have it checked out i.e. is it on a naughty list somewhere
- Get the car US registered (at this point they will issue you with number plates and a tag for the windscreen)
Only after you've done all that are you legal to drive about.
Notes:
1) Each stage costs a fee, not much but it all adds up. I'd budget about $2500 for transport to the US then another $1000 for the rest of the fees.
2) Be careful of the final stage as if you can't convince them that you paid VAT in the UK they will charge you sales tax i.e. about 10% of the worth of the car. If you can convince them about having paid VAT you only pay something like $400.
The above is only valid for importing old cars, I have no idea about new cars. Like I've said earlier in the thread I couldn't get the route to work for a TVR. I really would not bother for anything other than something very special as 2nd hand cars over here are very cheap, (especially ones a few years old as most people buy new) and you will have a nightmare of a time trying to sell a RHD car once you're bored.
- Get it shipped by RO-RO, a UK importer will do all the work up to the arrival at the US port for you
- Once the ship arrives at the US port you have to go see the port to get it released
- Pick it up at the port using the paperwork the importer has sorted for you plus the release note and drive the car home (
)- Keep the car at home and go to Customs to get the EPA forms stamped
- Get the car insured
- Get a local garage to get the equivalent of the MOT on the car
- Take the car to a registered police station and have it checked out i.e. is it on a naughty list somewhere
- Get the car US registered (at this point they will issue you with number plates and a tag for the windscreen)
Only after you've done all that are you legal to drive about.
Notes:
1) Each stage costs a fee, not much but it all adds up. I'd budget about $2500 for transport to the US then another $1000 for the rest of the fees.
2) Be careful of the final stage as if you can't convince them that you paid VAT in the UK they will charge you sales tax i.e. about 10% of the worth of the car. If you can convince them about having paid VAT you only pay something like $400.
The above is only valid for importing old cars, I have no idea about new cars. Like I've said earlier in the thread I couldn't get the route to work for a TVR. I really would not bother for anything other than something very special as 2nd hand cars over here are very cheap, (especially ones a few years old as most people buy new) and you will have a nightmare of a time trying to sell a RHD car once you're bored.
RJDM3 said:
I prefer to get paid for work than give it away for free 
if it's legal, and requires skills, you will get paid by those who choose to use your services. anyone can ship goods and complete the paperwork on their own. shippers and brokers still make money. nobody is asking you to describe in painful detail every little step. but the broad gist of your strategy for getting a TVR into the US and registered legally--how do you go about doing that? it's not like you would keep it a secret from any client...and if you were doing something shady, i would rather know up front than find out after my car had been seized and i was in a whole bunch of trouble because i trusted you.
if it's trivial and simple and you are just trying to rip people off, i can understand the need for secrecy.
similarly, if it's illegal, yes, keep it on the down low. ;-)
Edited by just me on Monday 9th July 18:31
RJDM3 said:
Importing your new porsche will be even harder than the tiv. In order to get it through the door you will need to get a letter of conformity from porsche directly that states the vehicle meets all USA/EPA regs etc. You will need to make a application to nhtsa to import based on the letter of conformity from porsche. Once you have this sorted your import will be easy......however porsche will not give you the letter, so that kind of ends what you started. UNLESS you want to import using an ICI and RI to get conversions done to the porsche to meet regs etc. This will be time consuming and costly.
The US has some of the most utterly stupid regulation when it comes to cars, welcome to the minefield of US car importation
See, you posted this. It's great. And if I were importing a car using this route, based on what you wrote here, I would contact you and ask you to look after the whole process, if you were interested in doing it and your fees were reasonable. What you do would be known, and it would not deprive you of business. It's all above board and reasonable and makes sense and involves hassle that a lot of people would rather avoid by engaging you to deal with it, as you appear to know what you are doing.The US has some of the most utterly stupid regulation when it comes to cars, welcome to the minefield of US car importation
So, if I were to want to bring in a Sagaris, could you help? Broadly speaking, what process would you follow? How much would it cost? What would your fees be? You can PM me if you want. I am truly interested.
Edited by just me on Monday 9th July 18:34
just me said:
RJDM3 said:
Importing your new porsche will be even harder than the tiv. In order to get it through the door you will need to get a letter of conformity from porsche directly that states the vehicle meets all USA/EPA regs etc. You will need to make a application to nhtsa to import based on the letter of conformity from porsche. Once you have this sorted your import will be easy......however porsche will not give you the letter, so that kind of ends what you started. UNLESS you want to import using an ICI and RI to get conversions done to the porsche to meet regs etc. This will be time consuming and costly.
The US has some of the most utterly stupid regulation when it comes to cars, welcome to the minefield of US car importation
See, you posted this. It's great. And if I were importing a car, based on what you wrote here, I would contact you and ask you to look after the whole process, if you were interested in doing it and your fees were reasonable. The US has some of the most utterly stupid regulation when it comes to cars, welcome to the minefield of US car importation
So, if I were to want to bring in a Sagaris, could you help? Broadly speaking, what process would you follow? You can PM me if you want. I am truly interested.
Yes, but can they be modified to do so? If so, by who? For how much?
Not really sure what you are getting at. This fellow is saying he knows how a TVR can be brought in and registered. I am asking how and how much will it cost.
Then you wade in...is there a point you are making, like it can't be done, period? If so, why not let him answer for himself?
Not really sure what you are getting at. This fellow is saying he knows how a TVR can be brought in and registered. I am asking how and how much will it cost.
Then you wade in...is there a point you are making, like it can't be done, period? If so, why not let him answer for himself?
just me said:
Yes, but can they be modified to do so? If so, by who? For how much?
Not really sure what you are getting at. This fellow is saying he knows how a TVR can be brought in and registered. I am asking how and how much will it cost.
Then you wade in...is there a point you are making, like it can't be done, period? If so, why not let him answer for himself?
Try reading the thread again - nothing being said now has not been said previously. There is no magic method. To make a TVR compliant will take a lot of money and effort, whether that still makes it viable is wholly down to the depths of your pockets.Not really sure what you are getting at. This fellow is saying he knows how a TVR can be brought in and registered. I am asking how and how much will it cost.
Then you wade in...is there a point you are making, like it can't be done, period? If so, why not let him answer for himself?
I have read the thread. The "new" thing being said is that it is feasible for a reasonable sum. But RJDM3 is being a bit coy about it. I am merely trying to ascertain if he can deliver on his claims, or if it involves something shady/illegal which I don't really want to risk. Simple.
Perhaps you should try reading it again. If you have nothing useful to add, sit down and be quiet.
Perhaps you should try reading it again. If you have nothing useful to add, sit down and be quiet.
Have you read this thread ;-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
and so maybe give Tony a call just so that you can get an understanding of how that Turcan was imported.
Tony - Mirabella Motors, Tampa, Florida
TuscanUSA - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0...
Call 1-813-451-1915
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
and so maybe give Tony a call just so that you can get an understanding of how that Turcan was imported.
Tony - Mirabella Motors, Tampa, Florida
TuscanUSA - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0...
Call 1-813-451-1915
Edited by so called on Tuesday 10th July 00:08
If RJDM3 is proposing to engage in what is, essentially, title washing, I don't want any part of it.
He claims in his profile to be a vehicle import consultant. I need import and legitimate registration.
If he can deliver this, great, I would go buy a Sagaris right now, and write him the check to make it appear on my driveway in the US. All this PM and secrecy nonsense...it just makes me wonder what he is trying to hide or be misleading about?
He claims in his profile to be a vehicle import consultant. I need import and legitimate registration.
If he can deliver this, great, I would go buy a Sagaris right now, and write him the check to make it appear on my driveway in the US. All this PM and secrecy nonsense...it just makes me wonder what he is trying to hide or be misleading about?
Thanks again to everyone for all your input. I have hear a link to the Nhtsa website
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/elig050108....
As I understand it this is a list of vehicles eligible for import to the US. In 2005 a petition was approved to import my Porsche. It was with this information I purchased the Porsche. I was under the impression that as it was 'eligible for import' no mods would be required. Am I hugely mistaken? The Porsche has had an absolute fortune spent on it, and I really would be devastated to have to sell. I really am not bothered about not being able to sell it on afterwards, I just want to bring it with me!!
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/elig050108....
As I understand it this is a list of vehicles eligible for import to the US. In 2005 a petition was approved to import my Porsche. It was with this information I purchased the Porsche. I was under the impression that as it was 'eligible for import' no mods would be required. Am I hugely mistaken? The Porsche has had an absolute fortune spent on it, and I really would be devastated to have to sell. I really am not bothered about not being able to sell it on afterwards, I just want to bring it with me!!
You are close. Read the notes at the beginning of the document.
If it had been under the VCP classification, you'd be home free.
VCA, you could be facing substantial expense to bring the vehicle into compliance, but at least it is a matter of record that the vehicle can be brought into compliance.
Your car is classified as VSP. VSP means at the discretion of the administrator. You should write to the Administrator and ask what it is they would need to make the final determination. Most likely it will be statements about the exhaust and safety and lighting systems. Your next step would be to contact Wallace Engineering Labs or a similar outfit (list on NHTSA website somewhere, look for Registered Importers), and engage them to make the certifications on your car's behalf. This might involve simple inspection, minor modification and testing, exception letters, etc., etc. I don't think it will be too bad, but I don't think it will be a rubber stamp procedure either (I hope it is--that would be the best case scenario).
It's not a yes or a no at this point, but I would say you are 80% there. As long as the RI's work satisfies the Administrator (and it should), you will be able to bring your car in permanently and register it. It's your choice how much you are willing to spend. Get a rough estimate up front.
Good job on the research. You need to email them and ask for the docket numbers NHTSA-2002-12732 and NHTSA-2002-13986 to read up on the factors governing the decision for your car.
Also,
If it had been under the VCP classification, you'd be home free.
VCA, you could be facing substantial expense to bring the vehicle into compliance, but at least it is a matter of record that the vehicle can be brought into compliance.
Your car is classified as VSP. VSP means at the discretion of the administrator. You should write to the Administrator and ask what it is they would need to make the final determination. Most likely it will be statements about the exhaust and safety and lighting systems. Your next step would be to contact Wallace Engineering Labs or a similar outfit (list on NHTSA website somewhere, look for Registered Importers), and engage them to make the certifications on your car's behalf. This might involve simple inspection, minor modification and testing, exception letters, etc., etc. I don't think it will be too bad, but I don't think it will be a rubber stamp procedure either (I hope it is--that would be the best case scenario).
It's not a yes or a no at this point, but I would say you are 80% there. As long as the RI's work satisfies the Administrator (and it should), you will be able to bring your car in permanently and register it. It's your choice how much you are willing to spend. Get a rough estimate up front.
Good job on the research. You need to email them and ask for the docket numbers NHTSA-2002-12732 and NHTSA-2002-13986 to read up on the factors governing the decision for your car.
Also,
NHTSA Document said:
All eligibility numbers are for left-hand drive motor vehicles except where the initials “RHD,”
signifying right-hand drive, appear in the model type column. While there is no specific restriction on
importing a right-hand drive vehicle, these may not be imported under eligibility decisions based on
the existence of substantially similar U.S.-certified left-hand drive vehicles. Our experience has shown
that the safety performance of right-hand drive vehicles is not necessarily the same as that of
apparently similar left-hand drive vehicles offered for sale in this country. However, we will consider
the vehicles "substantially similar" if the manufacturer advises us that the right-hand drive vehicle
would perform the same as the U.S.-certified left-hand drive vehicle in dynamic crash tests. Absent
such a showing, the RI would have to demonstrate (through a petition) that the vehicle, when
modified, would comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, including those
for which dynamic crash testing is prescribed.
Hopefully your RI can tell you up front that they can make the petition for your car, and roughly how much it will cost to do so. signifying right-hand drive, appear in the model type column. While there is no specific restriction on
importing a right-hand drive vehicle, these may not be imported under eligibility decisions based on
the existence of substantially similar U.S.-certified left-hand drive vehicles. Our experience has shown
that the safety performance of right-hand drive vehicles is not necessarily the same as that of
apparently similar left-hand drive vehicles offered for sale in this country. However, we will consider
the vehicles "substantially similar" if the manufacturer advises us that the right-hand drive vehicle
would perform the same as the U.S.-certified left-hand drive vehicle in dynamic crash tests. Absent
such a showing, the RI would have to demonstrate (through a petition) that the vehicle, when
modified, would comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, including those
for which dynamic crash testing is prescribed.
What year is your S?
The Federal Register I was able to pull up only listed model years up to 2002. For those, no modifications were required, so you are home free.
Nonconforming Vehicles: 1997-2001 and 2002 Porsche Boxster
passenger cars manufactured before September 1, 2002.
Substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicles: 1997-2001 and
2002 Porsche Boxster passenger cars manufactured before September 1,
2002.
Notice of Petition Published at: 67 FR 48700 (July 25, 2002).
Vehicle Eligibility Number: VSP-390.It seems no one has petitioned for a later model year. Your RI will have to do so for your car if it is a later model. That might be a bit more sticky, but it should be doable.
The Federal Register I was able to pull up only listed model years up to 2002. For those, no modifications were required, so you are home free.
Federal Register said:
Nonconforming Vehicles: 1997-2001 and 2002 Porsche Boxster
passenger cars manufactured before September 1, 2002.
Substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicles: 1997-2001 and
2002 Porsche Boxster passenger cars manufactured before September 1,
2002.
Notice of Petition Published at: 67 FR 48700 (July 25, 2002).
Vehicle Eligibility Number: VSP-390.
Edited by just me on Tuesday 10th July 09:29
Thanks again for your input 'just me'. My next port of call is an RI. I'm hoping for good news and little expense! Would it be easier/legal to bring it over as a tourist for the first year, then registering it after- or going for the import straight away? It's quickly becoming apparent why people just don't bother! Can't seem to post pics with the iPhone but I'll get some up soon
I specifically shot for a 2001 for this reason! Found a top spec one with fsh and only 39k on the clock. If the petition is already filed and approved, does that mean I can just quote the petition number on the paperwork and just register it without an RI? I'm constantly reading conflicting information!
BTW, shipping via RORO is cheaper, but stevedores are not known for being sympathetic to cars. Their objective is to off-load as many as possible in the shortest possible time. You are safer going the container route, as nobody gets to drive the car on and off the boat. You get to put it in the container and you get to remove it. You can also ship other things in your car (they tell you not to, but it's going in a container and is perfectly safe). Look into the cost difference, it may not be as much and might be worth it since you can bung other stuff in the container as well. Also, things are generally much more expensive in the UK. See if you can arrange for shipping from the US end.
As for the temporary import route, if your visa allows, go for this to begin with. You will get to enjoy you car while the paperwork is being done.
As for the temporary import route, if your visa allows, go for this to begin with. You will get to enjoy you car while the paperwork is being done.
Edited by just me on Tuesday 10th July 09:55
That's brilliant news! Was hoping that was the case but this is my first (and probably last!) attempt at importing/ exporting a car. My wife, daughter and worldly possessions are already stateside- I'm just waiting in the uk for the lengthy visa process to be finalised. I hope to be moving over in September time- I'll let you know how it goes- thanks again!
just me said:
I have read the thread. The "new" thing being said is that it is feasible for a reasonable sum. But RJDM3 is being a bit coy about it. I am merely trying to ascertain if he can deliver on his claims, or if it involves something shady/illegal which I don't really want to risk. Simple.
Perhaps you should try reading it again. If you have nothing useful to add, sit down and be quiet.
Ah, keyboards warriors, gotta love 'em.Perhaps you should try reading it again. If you have nothing useful to add, sit down and be quiet.
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