"SGF" <pamlico_test@hot(removespam)mail.com> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
> If this subject has been covered before I apologize. Numerous searches
have
> not produced an answer so I thought someone in this group might help.
>
> My wife's family from England are visiting. My brother-in-law has
rekindled
> my interest in Land Rovers. I am interested in him buying a diesel series
> III for me and my bringing it to the USA and registering it here.
>
> Can anyone direct me to a Web site that outlines the process, and whether
or
> not it is feasible?
>
> Thanks
>
> SGF
>
>
A cut and paste from an international removalist's website.
If you want a good rust free Landrover try buying from Australia
and with the free trade agreement importing is a little bit easier.
CLEARING VEHICLES
To complete the process of clearing your vehicle through customs, you will
need any document covering the vehicle, including the carrier's original
bill of lading, the bill of sale and foreign registration. In addition, you
should consult your local automobile club or an international automobile
federation about obtaining the international Registration Marker - a permit
that must be displayed on all imported cars.
Safety and Emission Standards
An auto manufactured abroad may not be in compliance with U.S. safety or
emission standards. Therefore, you will be required to produce the foreign
manufacturer's statements verifying that the vehicle conforms with U.S.
safety and emission control standards. U.S. emission requirements apply to
all 1968 and later model year gasoline-fueled vehicles, 1975 and later model
year diesel-fueled vehicles, and motorcycles manufactured after December
31,1977. Since safety and emission requirements sometimes change over the
years, it is recommended that you contact one of the resources below for the
most up-to-date regulations applying to your vehicle.
For a copy of the free "Introduction Handbook for Complying with
Regulations of Imported Vehicles" and for information on safety standards,
contact:
U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, NSA-32
400 Seventh St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590, U.S.A.
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Hotline: (800) 424-9393
To call from Canada: (202) 366-0123
Fax: (202) 366-1034
For the EPA's fact sheet on emission control standards or for other
inquiries regarding the importation of a vehicle, contact:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Investigations / Imports Section Manufacturers
Operations Division (EN-340F)
Washington, D.C. 20460, U.S.A.
EPA Hotline: (202) 233-9660
Fax: (202) 233-9596
Below are some other important tips for clearing a vehicle through customs:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture required that all imported cars are free
from foreign soil. Consequently, you must have your car steam- sprayed or
cleaned thoroughly before shipping.
Do not ship personal belongings in your vehicle.
Any modifications that must be made to a vehicle imported into the United
States is based on the price paid or the invoice price. Contact your local
customs office for the current duty rate. A returning U.S. resident (one
returning from travel, work or study) may apply his or her $400.00 customs
exemption (as well as the exemptions of accompanying family members) toward
the value of the vehicle if it meets the following requirements:
The vehicle accompanies you on your return to the States.
It is imported for personal use.
The vehicle was purchased during your stay outside the United States.
After this exemption has been applied, the next $1,000.00 of the vehicle's
value is dutiable at a flat rate of 10% and the remainder is dutiable at the
regular rate.
You are entitled to import a foreign-made car if you are:
A U.S. citizen employed abroad, or a government employee returning from
temporary duty or on voluntary leave. These citizens may import a
foreign-made car free of duty provided they claim non-resident status, enter
the United States for only a short visit and export the vehicle when they
leave the States.
A civilian or military employee of the U.S government returning to the
United States at the end of an assignment of more than 140 days may include
a conforming vehicle among their duty-free personal and household goods
provided the auto was purchased abroad and was in the owner's possession
prior to his departure to the United States. Navy personnel serving a U.S.
vessel may be entitled to the free entry exemption after an intended
overseas deployment of at least 120 days.
A vehicle may be imported by a non-resident if the vehicle is for personal
use and is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Vehicles
conforming to these restrictions may remain in the United States
indefinitely. If the conforming vehicle was imported under duty free
exemptions, it is dutiable if sold within one year of importation. This duty
must be paid before the sale is completed. Non-conforming vehicles may not
be sold in the United States and must be exported within one year.
A car imported by a non-resident for purposes other than personal, such as
racing, repair or as a sample for taking orders, is subject to specific
customs regulations. Check with your local customs office for guidelines
pertaining to unusual situations and exceptions.
Federal Tax
Some imported automobiles are subject to the "Gas Guzzler Tax" stipulated
in section 4064 of the Internal Revenue Code. Liability for the tax is the
responsibility of the individual importing the vehicle and the tax rate is
determined by the EPA's fuel economy rating. (This rating may differ from
the fuel economy rating cited by the manufacturer). Additionally, before
registering and titling your vehicle, many states require proof that you
have paid the "Gas Guzzlers Tax" in cases where it is applicable. For
information on the "Gas Guzzlers Tax" contact:
Internal Revenue Service
Room 5314
CC: DOM : P&SI
1111 Constitution Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20224, U.S.A.
Phone: (202) 622-3130
Fax: (202) 622-4524
You may also contact the ITS for information on determining fuel economy
rates. Ask for section 4064 of the Code, Revenue Procedure 86-9,1986-1
Cumulative Bulletin 530, Revenue Procedure 87-10,1987-4 Internal Revenue
Bulletin 29, and Revenue Ruling 86-20,1986-1 C.B. 319.
It should be evident from the foregoing information that importing a
vehicle is difficult. An individual may not be able to import one if it is
not in compliance with EPA and DOT requirements, unless a company approved
by the entities is the importer of record. EPA and DOT should be contacted
before you attempt to bring your vehicle into the United States.
