Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Make sure that the Alfa Romeo meets current U.S. emission, bumper, and safety standards. Vehicles imported into the U.S. that do not meet these standards have to be immediately brought into compliance, exported or destroyed.
Step2
Make sure that the vehicle manufacturer affixes a sticker on the vehicle's windshield that claims that U.S. safety and emissions standards have been met. This sticker must be in English. Without the sticker, a letter must be obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency claiming that emissions standards have been met.
Step3
Have the undercarriage of your Alfa Romeo cleaned thoroughly before it is shipped to remove foreign soil, as is mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Step4
Find a company to ship your vehicle back to the U.S. You must know the exact date of arrival in order to make arrangements with customs to clear it. You can also pay to have a customs broker handle your car's entry into the country.
Step5
Gather all necessary documentation for customs. This includes the original bill of sale for the car, the shipping company's bill of lading and the vehicle's foreign registration.
Step6
Apply your $400 dollar customs exemption toward the duty of your Alfa Romeo. This can be done as long as you are a U.S. citizen, the car was bought during your current overseas visit and the vehicle is for personal use.
Step7
Pay the remaining duty on your vehicle. It will generally be 2.5% of the purchase price of the car (minus the $400 exemption).
Step8
File a DOT HS-7 form with the U.S. Department of Transportation when the vehicle arrives. This form confirms that the vehicle meets all current safety and bumper standards.
Step9
Contact your local DMV to find out the policies and procedures of registering a foreign car and obtaining temporary tags.
Step10
Be sure that your vehicle is free of any personal items before shipping. Any items remaining in it must be cleared by customs.
