How to Import UK Cars
Importing a car from the United Kingdom into the U.S. requires passing certain standards set by several U.S. agencies: Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the departments of Agriculture and Transportation.
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Instructions
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Fill out EPA Form 3520-1 at the time of importation. This form verifies the car complies with EPA emissions standards. Any car that meets U.S. emissions standards will have a label in the engine compartment in English. Some exemptions apply.
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Fill out Department of Transportation (DOT) Form HS-7, which verifies the car meets DOT safety standards. If a car is manufactured to meet DOT standards, it should have a label near the driver's door. Generally, vehicles less than 25 years old will meet federal safety standards.
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Pay duty at the rate of 2.5 percent of the car's value. Returning U.S. citizens can apply their $400 customs exemption to this duty. Exemptions on paying entry duty can be made for short-term visitors, military and civilian government employees returning from extended duty abroad, and nonresidents importing a car concurrently with their arrival in the U.S. for up to one year.
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Tips & Warnings
Generally, cars are processed at the point of entry into the U.S. Documentation associated with the car, such as registration and the bill of sale, is necessary to clear Customs.
Cars previously registered in the U.S. for private use and exported can be brought back into the country duty-free, but they may be liable for duty if modified in any way.
The car's undercarriage must be clean of foreign soil before shipping to comply with Department of Agriculture regulations.
If importing a car that needs to be altered to comply with HS-7 or 3520-1 standards, a DOT-registered importer must be used to modify the vehicle.
Cars that don't comply with U.S. regulations may be seized and destroyed upon entry.
References
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