How to Export New Cars From the United States

Extensive preparation is needed prior to exporting your car to a new country.

Those exporting new cars from the United States must adhere to a number of regulations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the organization responsible for overseeing the exporting of vehicles. Part 192 of Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations provides the guidelines to follow. The country that the vehicle is being exported to also has its own set of regulations.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle
• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin

Instructions

1. Decide on a means of transporting the vehicle. Options include doing so via vessel, aircraft, rail, highway or under the user's own power.

2. Determine which port you will need to present required documentation and the vehicle. Port directors will establish which locations will be utilized for inspection. These are always subject to change, so ensure that the location you will use is accurate for the timeline of the car's exportation.

3. Meet importing regulations for new vehicles for the nation to which the car will be transported. These vary considerably from country to country.

4. Submit the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (SO) to U.S. Customs at least 72 hours prior to the time that the car will be exported. The original SO and two complete copies must be made available to U.S. Customs then.

5. Present the vehicle at the time that the SO is presented if it will be exported via vessel or aircraft. You need to present the vehicle to Customs at the time of export if it will be exported via ground transportation.

Tips & Warnings

• A vehicle transported from the United States for non-commercial or private use may return duty free to the United States, although any repairs or accessories acquired abroad for the vehicle must be declared and may be subject to duty. The car must have originated in the United States and proof of this must be presented, such as a state-issued vehicle registration card or a certificate of registration.

• Customs will determine the authenticity of any documents submitted in relation to the export. These will be marked and should be returned to the exporter. When the original document is retained by Customs, the authenticated copy of the documentation will serve as evidence that the requirements for exporting the vehicle have been met.

References

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- Exporting a Motor Vehicle
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- U.S. Residents Importing and Exporting Vehicles