Direct from NHTSA:
All passenger cars, motorcycles, multipurpose vehicles - MPV, or light trucks less than 25 years old imported for personal use (not resale) into the U.S. on a permanent basis from Canada should follow this procedure. This process may also be followed if a vehicle was originally imported from Canada on a temporary basis or if prior DOT or U.S. Customs clearance was not obtained.
Contact the manufacturer of the vehicle to request a letter, having them state if the vehicle complies with all applicable U.S. Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). The letter from the manufacturer must identify your vehicle by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). READ THE LETTER CAREFULLY.
If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle complies with U.S. FMVSS, except for minor labeling requirements, you have an acceptable letter. This letter along with your vehicle registration should be presented to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (Customs) at the border. Customs will review the manufacturer letter to assure that the vehicle complies. (DOT approval of the manufacturer letter was discontinued as of April 8, 1997.)
If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS, except for the speedometer, or headlights, you may have these components replaced at a dealer authorized by the factory to repair your vehicle. In addition to the documents cited in item 2, above, you must present the invoice for the speedometer or headlight replacement to obtain Customs approval.
If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS except for FMVSS No. 208 (automatic or passive restraint requirements) you WILL NOT be able to bring your vehicle into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless it is modified by an RI. If an RI is willing to modify the vehicle, it may be expensive and may change your desire to import the vehicle.
If the manufacturer will not issue a letter for your vehicle, the only method to import your vehicle on a permanent basis is to contract with an RI.
EPA approval is also required. You may call the EPA information line at: (202) 564-9660.
--Non USA Vehicles (don't matter if it's already registered in Canada!!)--
May 28, 2004
The following provides information concerning the importation of a passenger car, truck, trailer, motorcycle, moped, bus, or MPV built to comply with the standards of a country other than the U.S. or Canada. Importers of motor vehicles must file form HS-7 (available at ports of entry) at the time a vehicle is imported to declare whether the vehicle complies with DOT requirements. As a general rule, a motor vehicle less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) to be imported permanently. Vehicles manufactured to meet the FMVSS will have a certification label affixed by the original manufacturer in the area of the driver’s door. To make importation easier, when purchasing a vehicle certified to the U.S. standards abroad, a buyer should have the sales contract verify that the label is attached and present this document at time of importation.
A vehicle without this certification label must be imported as a nonconforming vehicle. In this case, the importer must contract with a Registered Importer (RI) and post a DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle’s dutiable value. This bond is in addition to the normal Customs entry bond. Copies of the DOT bond and the contract with an RI must be attached to the HS-7 form.
Under the contract, the RI will modify the vehicle to conform to all applicable FMVSS and so certify the vehicle. Before an RI can modify a vehicle, NHTSA must have determined that the vehicle is capable of being modified to comply with the FMVSS. If no determination has been made, the RI must petition NHTSA to determine whether the vehicle is capable of being modified to comply with the FMVSS. If the petitioned vehicle is not substantially similar to a vehicle of the same model year certified for sale in the U.S., this process becomes very complex and costly. A list of vehicles previously determined eligible for importation can be found on the NHTSA web site at
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import.
Since the cost of modifying a nonconforming vehicle, or the time required to bring it into conformance, may affect the decision to purchase a vehicle abroad, we strongly recommend discussing these aspects with an RI before buying and shipping a vehicle to the U.S.
For federal regulations concerning vehicle emissions contact the Environmental Protection Agency, Certification and Compliance Division – Imports Program, 2000 Traverwood, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, (734) 214-4100, or
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/. Information concerning duty or other Customs matters can be obtained from the Customs and Border Protection website at
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/leavingarrivinginUS/, or by calling that agency at 1-877-CUSTOMS.
For information regarding registration or operation of a properly imported vehicle in a specific State, we advise you to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or other appropriate agency in that State since the requirements vary by State.
An RI is an independent business and may be selective in the type of work it performs. This agency does not endorse or recommend any of the listed RIs, nor does it imply or guarantee that any work or service performed will meet your satisfaction.
--temporary importation guidelines (Canada or elsewhere)--
As a general rule all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with the FMVSS by a Registered Importer. The following temporary importations are exempt from this requirement and do not have to be modified to conform to the FMVSS. A form HS-7 (available at ports of entry) must be completed.
NONRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
A vehicle registered in another country may be imported for personal use for a period not to exceed one year. The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported within one year from the date of entry. Your passport number and country of issue are required on the HS-7 form. Use Box 5 on HS-7 form.
DIPLOMAT OR MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZATION DESIGNATED UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IMMUNITIES ACT
A vehicle may be imported for personal use during your tour of duty. The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported at the end of the tour of duty. The vehicle must be registered through the State Department. A copy of your orders must be attached to the HS-7 form. Use Box 6 on HS-7 form.
MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF A FOREIGN COUNTRY
A vehicle may be imported for personal use during your tour of duty. The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported at the end of the tour of duty. A copy of your orders must be attached to the HS-7 form. Use Box 12 on HS-7 form.
RESEARCH, INVESTIGATION, DEMONSTRATION, TRAINING, OR RACING
A vehicle may be imported for research, investigation, demonstration, or racing. Unless the importer is a manufacturer which certifies vehicles in the U.S., the importer must obtain prior approval from NHTSA. Call 202-366-5291 for details.
Attach a copy of the NHTSA permission letter and the importer's substantiating statement to the HS-7 form. Use Box 7 on HS-7 form.
INTENDED FOR EXPORT
Vehicles or regulated equipment intended solely for export must be labeled or tagged on the outside of the container or vehicle that they are for export. This type of entry may used to temporarily import a vehicle for repair. Use Box 4 on the HS-7 form.
See for yourself:
www.nhtsa.com/cars/rules/import/index.html
BTW: all this info checks out with a CPB supervisor I spoke with.
!!Remember!! check with state DMV, the right hand don't necessarily know what the left hand is doin'!
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