Importing a Vehicle: What You Need to Know to Make the Process Smooth and Simple

Importing a vehicle into the United States can be a complicated process. Still, with the help of a reliable customs broker like Gallagher Transport International, you can navigate through it with ease. As experts in importing, we are well-equipped to ensure that all the necessary guidelines and requirements are being met. One of our experienced customs brokers will provide accurate, live customer service to assist you as you import your vehicle. Having a skilled associate advising on the process brings peace of mind.

One of our experienced customs brokers can guide you through the steps to bring your vehicle home. Importing your vehicle into the U.S. has seven steps.

1. Make sure your vehicle is eligible for importation.

The United States has specific safety and emission standards that vehicles must meet. Exceptions to this are nonconforming vehicles, temporarily imported vehicles, and vehicles for show or display only.

2. Ensure compliance with the EPA and the DOT regulations are in order.

The EPA label is found under the vehicle’s hood. The EPA website lists the federal emission standards for cars, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty engines, and motorcycles. Vehicles older than 21 years are exceptions.

The DOT certification label is on the driver’s side door post. The Customs Border Protection (CBP) uses this label to grant importation approval; therefore, it is essential. It also shows that the vehicle meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. However, there is an exception for vehicles older than 21 years. This is Code E on the EPA form.

3. Calculate the cost of importing your vehicle. These costs may include:

• Import Duties
• Customs Bond
• Customs Broker fees—A small fee applies if you use a customs broker. People choose to work with a customs broker because it dramatically streamlines the importation process.
• Shipping fees – this can vary depending on the mode of transportation used.

4. Choose your transportation mode and port of entry.

A Gallagher Transport International customs broker can help you choose the appropriate port of entry and the best transportation method.

5. Gather your import documentation.

The required paperwork is:

• S. Customs Commercial Invoice
• Carrier’s Bill of Lading (BOL)
• Bill of Sale showing VIN
• Foreign Registration
• Copy of the Vehicle Registration
• EPA form 3520-1
• DOT form HS-7
• USMCA/CUSMA Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
• If applicable, a Letter of Recall and Conformity from the Manufacturer

6. Inspection

Inspections are essential to the import process. They confirm that the vehicle complies with federal safety and emission standards. It is optimal to take the following steps to ensure the vehicle passes the inspection:

• Make sure the paperwork is completed.
• The vehicle must be clean of dirt and debris, especially the tires and undercarriage.

7. Arrange for registration, plates, and permits.

It is best to start the registration process at your local DMV before your vehicle arrives. At your first appointment, you will receive all the necessary information to make the process as smooth as possible. Check with your state or county DMV requirements.

Once you find your vehicle, you will receive the invoice from the seller. The invoice will have all the banking information for the seller, such as the name of the bank, the seller’s address, phone number, etc. You do NOT have to pay the VAT tax if you import the vehicle from a country with a VAT. The invoice should have two prices, one with VAT tax and one without. The VIN will also be on the invoice; check to ensure it matches.

After the seller receives payment, you will receive the rest of the paperwork—Title, Registration, and Inspection. Again, confirm the VIN and model match on this paperwork. The next step is to find an experienced and reliable customs broker. Gallagher Transport International has over 25 years of experience as an import broker. After the initial phone call, the customs broker will handle everything via email and keep you in the loop throughout the process. If you have a picture of the vehicle, send it to us. We can then provide it to the customs officer in charge of clearing your vehicle. Having all this information ahead of time will make the process smoother.

Your personal customs forwarder will handle getting the vehicle to the outgoing port and having it shipped to the U.S. and will discuss your options for getting the vehicle to your home. You can pick up the vehicle if you live near a port city. You may fly into the city where the port is located and drive your vehicle home. Or we can have the vehicle transported to your driveway.

Gallagher Transport also works with several companies that import vehicles, fix them, and sell them on the U.S. market. If you prefer to work with a dealer familiar with importing vehicles, we have specific companies we can recommend.

The Japanese Domestic Market is one of the most frequented import markets for people in the United States. These are vehicles manufactured in and for the Japanese market. Cars manufactured in and for the Japanese market can differ considerably from those built for export. These characteristics include better innovation, less expensive price tag, higher quality and reliability, more features, and better fuel efficiency.

At Gallagher Transport International, we’ve helped many importers bring their vehicles into the United States without difficulty. From checking your vehicle’s admissibility to customs clearance, we’ll take the work off your shoulders. Not all Customs Brokers have experience with importing vehicles, especially older or vintage vehicles. Using Gallagher will help ensure a smooth import process. Contact us today via this free quote form and we’ll take it from there.

Gallagher Transport International has over 30 years of experience as an Import Broker. With our extensive experience in U.S. Customs brokerage and freight forwarding, we can guide you through the complex process of bringing your vehicle home to the U.S. Reach out to us today at our main office in Denver, Colorado: 303‑365‑1000 or email us at info@gallaghertransport.com.

Watch this YouTube video that details the importing process: