Bring a Car in From Europe
Importing a European car into the United States can be a complicated and expensive process. While it's possible to do it yourself, it's best to enlist the help of a dealer or importer who knows how to bring in a car from Europe. European cars must meet many United States requirements, or be modified to do so, including vehicle emissions, tire, odometer and safety standards. Failure to meet these standards could result in the car being exported, detained, or even destroyed.
Steps
- Check with a local dealer or the manufacturer's website to find out if the manufacturer has export programs, if it's a new car. Some companies, like Volvo, have a program that allows customers to buy the car, drive it around Europe, then have it modified to meet U.S. specifications and shipped there. Most likely, the manufacturer will point you to a dealer to work with who will handle all paperwork requirements.
- Hire an importer that specializes in foreign cars, preferably cars from the manufacturer you are buying from.
- Make sure the import company is a licensed DOT Registered Importer and also be registered with the EPA.
- Ask the dealer or importer what your responsibilities are. Have all copies of paperwork available.
- How to Bring in a Car From Europe Yourself
- Request a letter from the U.S. division of the manufacturer describing the differences between the foreign model and the American model. Some of the differences may be important to United States agencies.
- Make sure the vehicle meets United States vehicle emissions requirements. If it doesn't, it will have to be modified before it can be exported to the United States. Be sure the manufacturer's label shows that it meets requirements and is visible and in English.
- Check the regulations for customs and exhaust emissions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website lists eligible cars and importation regulations.
- Get the necessary forms needed to import the vehicle. These include Customs Form 3299, the Declaration of Free Entry of Unaccompanied Vehicles, HS-7, Importation of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment Subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards, and HS-474, the Bond To Ensure Conformance With Motor Vehicle Safety And Bumper Standards.
- Arrange to have the car cleaned professionally. It's necessary to clean the car to avoid bringing in insects that violate US Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards.
- Pay any necessary taxes. This includes a duty tax on the declared value, and possibly a luxury tax or gas guzzler tax.
