Importing a vehicle into the United States requires compliance with three federal agencies: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for entry and duties, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for emissions standards, and the Department of Transportation (DOT/NHTSA) for safety standards (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — FMVSS). The process is complex, expensive, and strictly enforced.

49 steps across 12 sections

1. Research and Verify Compliance

Determine if the vehicle is EPA and DOT compliant (or qualifies for an exemption)
If non-conforming, contact a Registered Importer or ICI to assess modifications and cost
Calculate total costs: purchase price + shipping + duty + modifications + fees

2. Arrange Shipping

Container shipping (enclosed): $1,500—$5,000 (most secure)
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): $800—$2,500 (cheaper but vehicle is exposed)
Air freight: $5,000—$20,000+ (fastest, most expensive)
Obtain the Bill of Lading from the shipping company

3. Hire a Customs Broker (Recommended)

A licensed customs broker handles paperwork and entry with CBP
Highly recommended for first-time importers

4. Clear Customs at Port of Entry

Foreign vehicle title or registration
Bill of sale or purchase documentation
EPA Form 3520-1 (completed)
DOT Form HS-7 (completed)
Any pre-approval letters from EPA or DOT
Proof of insurance (some ports require it)
Pay duties and fees
Vehicle may be held for USDA agricultural inspection (undercarriage must be clean)

5. Modifications (If Required)

If the vehicle needs EPA or DOT modifications, it goes to the ICI/RI facility
Modifications must be completed within 120 days
ICI/RI certifies compliance to EPA/DOT
Bond is released after certification

6. State Registration

After federal requirements are met, register the vehicle in your state
Requirements vary by state (title, inspection, emissions test, sales tax)
Some states have additional restrictions on imported vehicles (e.g., California's strict emissions requirements)
Obtain insurance before driving

7. 1. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Handles entry paperwork, duties, and tariffs
Required forms: CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) and standard import documentation
Vehicle must be declared at the port of entry
Must present EPA and DOT forms at time of entry

8. 2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Ensures the vehicle meets US emissions standards under the Clean Air Act
Required form: EPA Form 3520-1 (Declaration of Importation)
The vehicle must have an emissions label on the engine (in English) showing compliance with EPA standards
If no label exists, the importer must prove eligibility under an EPA exemption

9. 3. Department of Transportation (DOT/NHTSA)

Ensures the vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
Required form: DOT Form HS-7 (Declaration of Importation)
The vehicle must have a DOT compliance label (typically on the driver's door jamb)
Non-conforming vehicles must be modified by a Registered Importer (RI)

10. Base Duty Rates

Passenger cars: 2.5% of declared value
Light trucks, SUVs (truck classification): 25% ("Chicken Tax" — in effect since 1964)
Motorcycles: 0—2.4% depending on engine size

11. Section 232 Tariff (Effective April 3, 2025)

Additional 25% tariff on all imported passenger vehicles and light trucks
Applies on top of the base duty rate
Exemptions: Vehicles 25+ years old (classified under HTS 9903.94.04) are exempt from the Section 232 tariff
This means a modern imported car now faces 27.5% total duty (2.5% base + 25% Section 232)
Trucks face up to 50% total (25% Chicken Tax + 25% Section 232)

12. Other Costs

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of declared value (minimum $31.67, maximum $614.35)
Harbor Maintenance Fee: 0.125% (if arriving by ocean vessel)
Customs broker fees: $150—$500
ICI/RI bond (if needed): 1.5x the vehicle's dutiable value

Importing a vehicle to the US