Everything I Ever Learned About Importing (2 Viewers)
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POS VETT
Courier Extraordinaire
Importing an Indonesian-spec 1982 FJ-40
Hi all,
I posted in another thread about this here. I read up on the NHTSA documentation but I'm not too clear and I have no idea if this is something that can be done by myself. I'll try to contact one of the contact persons stated in post #94.
Can anyone help ?
Hi all,
I posted in another thread about this here. I read up on the NHTSA documentation but I'm not too clear and I have no idea if this is something that can be done by myself. I'll try to contact one of the contact persons stated in post #94.
Can anyone help ?
To the last two posts, if you read up at the front of this thread you will find the answers you are looking for. In a nutshell, no you can't import a vehicle by yourself unless it is 25yrs old or older(I think). To import a diesel RAV4 would most likely be very cost prohibitive, probably around $5000 to $12000. The engine needs to be tested to meet EPA and as far as I know there is only one testing center to do this in Michigan. If you can find out 100% sure that the engine meets the EPA requiremnts, then this part should be at the bottom end of the cost for the test. Of course there are still other fee's.
Emissions info
After talking to some very helpful people at Transport Canada and Environment Canada I learned that older emissions information has been shredded, or is believed to have been. Responsibility for emissions testing recently moved from TC to EC and as always happens a lot is lost in the process from personnel changes, retirements, office clear-outs etc. etc. Most of the people from the 80s have retired or moved on to other departments anyway.
After talking to some very helpful people at Transport Canada and Environment Canada I learned that older emissions information has been shredded, or is believed to have been. Responsibility for emissions testing recently moved from TC to EC and as always happens a lot is lost in the process from personnel changes, retirements, office clear-outs etc. etc. Most of the people from the 80s have retired or moved on to other departments anyway.
POS VETT said:
Yes, I would contact one of the importers, but you should know that the easy imports are from Canada because Canuck LCs meet federal DOT standards (seatbelts etc.--they have the info plate in the door jamb, for example (mine does)) in the US (I believe)--so an Indonesian 42 might be a problem. However, if you wait 2 years and come in under the 25 year rule, you will have nothing to worry about and can save some $$$ on the importer.
HTH
B
I've spent a ton of hours reading up on importing, spoke with a customs house broker and have found most if the info. here to be correct, however, I have not found, in writing by a US federal government adminstration (NHSTA/DOT or EPA) where it specificaly states the "25 years rule". I have read most of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulation's dealing with foreign made vehicles, importing, certification and etc. and I either missed it or it's not there. I have yet to find it from the NHSTA/DOT or the EPA's website either. My local DOT and DMV were useless!! I know it to be true, that I do not doubt, I just want to see it in an "official" document.
Can someone please provide the specific name and section of the official 25 year rule document and where to get it. I'm bringing in a BJ45 "coffee bean truck" next year.
Thanks,
Bri
Can someone please provide the specific name and section of the official 25 year rule document and where to get it. I'm bringing in a BJ45 "coffee bean truck" next year.
Thanks,
Bri
Go to the NHTSA website and type in "import" if this link doesn't take you there.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ELIG081905.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ELIG081905.html
NorCalCruzr said:
I misread your post and assumed it was a BJ42 diesel. Why import an FJ40 from Indonesia when you can get a N. American model (though pricey)? It has to be perfect and cheap to do this. Also, I don't know about Ind. but in Latin America the 40 series didn't have the updates like they did in N. America--e.g., I saw a 1984 BJ40 with the B engine, drum brakes, no roll bar, old interior etc.
Thank you for the links.
Bri
Bri
NorCalCruzr said:
Other than the mentioned BJ40. Do you know specifics about the differences in options/updates or lack there of with Latin American modes? I assume that most of them were made in Brazil?
I've read it...3 times to see if i was stupid!! proberbly missed it but.....
I'm putting together two new 45s, new everything apart from the frame.1-1974 the other 76...the motors are HZs with all the running gear, the body's are 45's.(i make these body's).Is there a stipulation that says the vehicle that is 25 years or older has to have the same motor/trans year as manufcture or it's ok to drop in an 98 motor..or-would it come in as a kit/custom..
Anyone have any light on this ???¿¿¿
Thanks..
Paul.
I'm putting together two new 45s, new everything apart from the frame.1-1974 the other 76...the motors are HZs with all the running gear, the body's are 45's.(i make these body's).Is there a stipulation that says the vehicle that is 25 years or older has to have the same motor/trans year as manufcture or it's ok to drop in an 98 motor..or-would it come in as a kit/custom..
Anyone have any light on this ???¿¿¿
Thanks..
Paul.
lomusass said:
IMO I think you could get into some problems with EPA as the engine must be 21 years old or EPA ceritfied, I understand it is very expensive. If I have read the rules correctly. Would customs check the engine ? If not it still could cause some problems.
for anyone looking for an importer--BC area
Bruce Bosch
360 988 5426
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?p=1133593#post1133593
Bruce Bosch
360 988 5426
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?p=1133593#post1133593
cruiser_guy
Out of Africa / North Africa
diesel4x4 said:
Many of the Central American models are pretty much stripped. For instance many will not have a heater and will be as basic as you can imagine (drum brakes into the early '90's is not uncommon!), vinyl upholstry/floor, naturally aspirated diesel, no power window/door locks etc. There are upscale 'Cruisers here as well that the well-to-do folks have bought to travel to their fincas (farms) in the country but not many.
importing a 79 bj40
I have seen a lot of posts about importing from different countries all over. My specific question. i have a immaculate 79 bj40 with 106000 kms. I live in Costa rica and want to import to my new location in California. It has the B diesel engine in it. These specific cruisers from CR were shipped in as parts and assembeled here. Can somebody point me in the right direction. I am leaving here in 6 weeks. is it doable. Thanks
I have seen a lot of posts about importing from different countries all over. My specific question. i have a immaculate 79 bj40 with 106000 kms. I live in Costa rica and want to import to my new location in California. It has the B diesel engine in it. These specific cruisers from CR were shipped in as parts and assembeled here. Can somebody point me in the right direction. I am leaving here in 6 weeks. is it doable. Thanks
70 bj40 said:
I think you should be okay and don't need an importer since it is more than 25 years old. I believe you still need to fill out the EPA form 3520-1 (downloadable in PDF from their site), but otherwise can do the paperwork that customs needs at the border.
Watch out for the California DMV however (see Keith's/Diesel42's post here in the forum). I would watch everything your local DMV person does when inspecting and make sure they check all the right boxes. Make sure they understand that it is a factory diesel.
hth
B
Diesipals right. Customs will require DOT form HS-7 and U.S.EPA form 3520-1. Your vehicle qualifies for both due to it's age. Then they will issue a custom clearance form. With most states, this would be enough. Kalifornia however, WILL want to see a emissions sticker stating that the vehicle conforms to EPA standards for the specific model year. EPA form 3520-1 clearly states that but DMV and CARB(ca.air resources board) are idiots and they want to see the factory sticker. WHich yours doesn't have and TOyota won't provide because they never marketed it here to begin with. So what does this mean? Do some research, locate a registered importer and see if they will provide you with a letter and sticker which shows it's compliant(which it is according to U.S.EPA regulations). Then go to DMV or CHP and obtain a VIN verification. Then you can enjoy your diesel with CA. plates.
70 bj40
I would strongly advise a registration in another state FIRST before entry into California system.
There have been offers of Arizona (myself), Nevada, and other western states to clear up issues.
CARB can be a severe pain. If you do go the California route, make sure it is a non urban county (ala East side of Sierras, Lassen, or something out of the way.
DO NOT try near any major city center or central valley (Fresno) etc.
I would strongly advise a registration in another state FIRST before entry into California system.
There have been offers of Arizona (myself), Nevada, and other western states to clear up issues.
CARB can be a severe pain. If you do go the California route, make sure it is a non urban county (ala East side of Sierras, Lassen, or something out of the way.
DO NOT try near any major city center or central valley (Fresno) etc.
I just imported a BJ60 from Canada through an importer. It was not a real big deal just hoops. I just got my tin plates today.
As for Kalifornia, can you try running biofuel through it to pass the EPA standards there. I think somebody did it in Seatle. Dig through the biodiesel thread.
Another quick note. Stickboy cut the frame of a diesel RHD (which makes it a parts vehicle as far as customes is concerend) , did an engine swap here in the states, then sold the rest of the RHD for parts. He has a good thread about this.
As for Kalifornia, can you try running biofuel through it to pass the EPA standards there. I think somebody did it in Seatle. Dig through the biodiesel thread.
Another quick note. Stickboy cut the frame of a diesel RHD (which makes it a parts vehicle as far as customes is concerend) , did an engine swap here in the states, then sold the rest of the RHD for parts. He has a good thread about this.
