IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!!!! Importing Proceedures, Celi Less than 25 yrs Old. The Real Real Truth Options

[Lil-Joe101]

Okay, Im back again with more news on this whole importing thing. I have been on this for 6 months now and I think I got it down to a btter understanding. (Maybe)
First off, you car doesn't have to be 25yrs old to be imported. Its has to be 25yrs old or older to bypass the majority of safety requiremnts. If you car is not of this age class then to legally get in the U.S. and registered and insured properly you will have to go through and registered Importer. Now exceptions. They will do all the conversions for you and make it eligable and register and insure. I found this on a Importers site which explains everything alot better than NHSTA. The site is wallacelab.com . Its the site of a Register Importer off the NHSTA List.

In order to import vehicles manufactured for sale outside the United States, you must satisfy the requirements of no less than three government agencies: US Customs, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). WETL imports vehicles for individuals from countries all over the world. However, due to the cost involved (on average $6,000.00 US dollars), the majority of the vehicles imported are Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Porsche etc. If you are able to obtain a letter from the vehicle manufacturer detailing the difference of your vehicle verses the US version, WETL may be able to import the vehicle under less stringent requirements. Many US manufacturers will provide such letters for vehicles built in the US for export. If this cannot be done the vehicle cannot be imported as a conforming vehicle. In this case, The importer must contract with en IR and post a DOT conformance Bond in the amount equal to 1 1/2x the vehicle's value.

Customs:
Upon arrival in the US, all vehicles must be cleared through US Customs. Most importers are required to pay an import tax, usually 2.5%. In addition, a customs entry bond equal to the vehicle value, as well as a DOT conformance bond equal to 1.5 times the vehicle value, must be posted. These bonds are included in our conversion agreements along with the required DOT eligibility fee and the EPA engine compliance fee. WETL coordinates the entry with a broker and oversees the filing of all necessary EPA and DOT declaration forms with customs. After customs has released the vehicle, WETL makes the arrangements to transport the vehicle from the Port of Houston to our facility.

DOT:
The DOT is responsible for issues related to the safety of automobiles sold or imported into the US. In order to import a non-conforming vehicle, you must have a contract with a company designated as a Registered Importer (RI) with the DOT. The DOT's Vehicle Import Regulations can be accessed via this link. WETL has been an RI since 1990 when the program was initiated. In order for an RI to import a vehicle, it must be on the eligibility list which can also be accessed via the DOT web site. If the vehicle is not on the eligibility list, WETL must petition the DOT to add the vehicle. This process while not expensive (approximately $800 US), takes in excess of five months. Below is a list of the type of modifications generally required for DOT conformance.

EPA:
The EPA is responsible for issues related to the engine exhaust emissions (pollution) of vehicles sold or imported into the US. In order to import a non-conforming vehicle, you must be designated as an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) with the EPA. WETL holds numerous certificates of conformity and is designated as an ICI. While EPA does not have a list of ICI's online, we have provided a link to the EPA Regulations and the actual text of the requirements. WETL has been an ICI since 1988 when the program was initiated. In order for an ICI to import a vehicle which is six years of age, or newer, we must have a certificate on the specific engine family and year model vehicle. We can import (by law) any vehicle over six years old. However, some vehicles are cost prohibitive due to the modifications required. Vehicles produced after 1996 are especially difficult and costly due to Onboard Diagnostic requirements. In addition to the modifications, EPA requires the vehicle undergo the federal testing procedures to provide proof of conformance. These procedures are extremely sensitive and the standards are stringent.

This is everything NHSTA explains but alot simpler and with better understanding that you basically don't do anything but pay the fees.


If you have anymore questions about this topice please hit me up and hoplefully I can give u more answers.

Lil-Joe101