What NOT to do when importing a car from Europe to the US

[79SuperVert]

I've been reading on the web all kinds of articles about how to import a car from Europe to the US.

So far, I've found that cars that are more than 25 years old and that were made outside the US don't have to conform to the vehicle safety regulations that were in force in the US in the year they were built. At least that's the way I interpret what it says on the NHTSA website.

I've also found that there are a lot of forms to fill out and that various agencies need to be satisfied, like the IRS and the USDA (to make sure the car isn't bringing any bugs into the US), so that it seems a good idea to use a broker or import company to handle the details.

I'm not looking for an exhaustive "to-do" list since that's all on the web. But what can you tell me about pitfalls, things to avoid, things to do that will make the process go more smoothly?
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Central Jersey VW Society

Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt.

[pondoras box]

US Customs and Border Protections run all the Port of Entries into the United States and they are the ones who either say yes you can or no you can not bring something into the United States. With that being said lets not turn this into a the government sucks thing and keep it informational only.

They (they Government) have resources to guide you through the process. One valuable resource is the website for know before you go. It has basic guideline for importing stuff back into the US. But there are phone numbers and websites that will help even more.

www.help.cbp.gov

1-877-227-5511
or
(703) 526-4200
Another source of information is going to a port of entry and speaking to someone, ask for a supervisor.

If you go to CBP's website there should even be a list of phone numbers to the ports if it would be easier to call and you should be able to make an appointment to speak to someone if you want to assure that you can sit down with someone to ask all your questions.

Hope this helps you.
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Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda)
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

[pondoras box]

Ok additional information as found in the know before you go handout.

The Epa requirments can found at
www.epa.gov/otag/imports/factmtop.htm

Or visit their website for
www.epa.gov
for a automotive imports facts manual

The DOT's info for safety compliance is at
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/FAQ%20Site/pages/page2.html

The brochure for CBP "importing a car" can be found at
www.cbp.gov

With a little work on your end you can avoid paying someone else money for what you can do for free.

I will do a bit more research here and see if I can come up with additional information but these sources should clear up some confussion.

Good luck!
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Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda)
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

[79SuperVert]

Thanks for the links. From what I can see, EPA excludes an original, unmodified vehicle from emissions rules if it is more than 21 years old, and NHTSA has a similar exclusion from bumper and other safety requirements for vehicles more than 25 years old. But of course you have to provide proof of when the vehicle was manufactured, and that it is unmodified (for instance, still has the original engine).
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Central Jersey VW Society

Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt.

[*Darren]

You can go to samba member and split enthusiast John Henry's bugshop.org and read his story of importing his 50 split rag (which he has since sold). http://www.thebugshop.org/goother.htm Doesn't give you every little detail, but still worth reading about the trials and tribulations of buying a car in Europe and shipping to the USA.

[BenJAMin]

What kind of car are you thinking of and where is it located?

Here's the reader's digest version

You need CBP form 7501 showing duty paid
EPA 3520-1 shows emissions exemption
DOT HS-7 show DOT exemption

You will have to pay 2.5% duty on the car. You will need to hire a broker unless you plan on physically being there, and I would still recommend it because it will make it much less frustrating for you.

Once you have these documents, along with the registration document, you should be good. But,I have had to deal with customers and their own DMVs being stupid and having to be persuaded to register the car.

If you have any questions, I will try to answer. Not to advertise, but I work for a company that imports cars that is in NJ.

[Malokin Martin]

How much of a stickler are they on the "original engine" deal? I imagine most VWs don't have the original engine. Just passing interest in an answer.

[79SuperVert]

Since the car I'm looking at is 45 years old it is probably not an issue. I think a lot of the rules pertain to new cars (especially exotic ones) that are not sold here but that people want to import.
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Central Jersey VW Society

Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt.

[pav266]

I recently imported a '69 Citroen DS21. I used a broker and it was a trouble free easy process. He handled the shipping and coordinated all the paperwork.

It was well worth the cost

Paul
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Paul

1963 1200 Anthracite
1969 Citroen DS21 Pallas BVH
1974 Citroen SM 2.7L 5 speed injection electronique

[lewis71bug]

I would love to hear from anyone that has done this recently. I'm preparing to return to the U.S. from Germany, and plan to bring my 1973 VW type2 arcomobil camper bus with me. I can not confirm that it has the original engine currently. The U.S. military will be shipping the vehicle for me, which there is no issue with, but I was advised I may have trouble on the receiving end. Is there any paperwork I can do myself to make the import easy, or what must I do, if anyone has done this and knows?
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Wayne
71 Super Beetle (in the states)
72 Super Beetle (european)
73 euro Bay camper (type 1 engine)

[JBall8019]

Lewis71bug,
I had 2 cars shipped from the KMC area under orders to the port of Baltimore. I left the cars at a transport business on B40 near the Pizza Hut. (The one In between the KMC bowling alley and Ramstein AB) If the military still uses them, they were more than helpful with questions.
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John

[lewis71bug]

[pondoras box]

I thought the military takes care of all this for you. There should be guidelines for you and as long as those are met they pick it up and let you know when it arrives at the port and its ready for pick up.

It has been a while since I was in the Army and cant remember the name of the organization that helps you move but they will be able to get you squared away.
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Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda)
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

[lewis71bug]

[JBall8019]

I hope it works out well!
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John

[AquaBooks]

[lewis71bug]