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> So you want a GT4 JDM?, how to ship a gt4 from japan
post May 17, 2003 - 10:25 PM
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coustoe

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After pondering celicas and the cost comparisons Ive decided to start this new thread, specifically on how to ship JDM cars from japan to the US. I suggested group buy at the end of this thread . Ultimately I think we all know that getting a JDM GT4 is a hella lot better then trying to swap front clip and back clip into a USDM to get a GT4 AWD 3sgte, and cheaper. Though I'm sure you are all wondering about the legalities and all the ins and outs of how to do this.

Logistically It can difficult, you need to find a car in Japan that will match your criteria, then ship it to the US. This requires:

Requirements:
1. A Celica GT4 Source
2. Shipping company/Broker
3. Knowledge of Customs/rules and regs to get car in US
4. Language (Must Know Japanese)

I am convinced that once these hurdles are passed, and the process is understood that, gt4 JDM shipping will be a option to front clip and rear clip swaps.

As I have never actually done this, but have done research on how, I would encourage other people with ideas or who are seriously thinking about getting a JDM GT4 shipped to contribute to this thread.

I will update this thread with steps as they become clear and are workable, If all goes well we will have a HowTo for Shipping JDM GT4s and someone or I will have a JDM GT4.

Estimated Cost 94-96:
QUOTE
$8000-$9000 shipped
Edited: actually prices are more like $5000
Estimated Cost 97-99: $13000 - $14000 shipped
Estimate time to ship: 1 month

QUOTE
Again let me finally stress Because someone always brings this up, You are Shipping your JDM GT4 as parts only, So the car must be disabled at the shipping port ei. wheels taken off, Air flow meter removed and items shipped seperately.  If this is not done then Customs or the NHTSA will try to bond the vehicle until it meets US safety standards which could cost you $20,000.   AGAIN YOU WILL BE SHIPPING A CELICA AS PARTS ONLY.   Once you get the car you can put the tires back on and air flow meter to make your car driveable
Edited: I originally wrote this thinking I could use this method to get past customs, there is too much of a risk 50/50 that your vehicle will get bonded on the spot

Car comparision:

Celica upgraded Dream car - 2700lbs - 350+hp - $22k
Lancer Evo 8 - 3300lbs - 271hp - $29k
Impreza WRX - 31000lbs - 227hp -$27k
TT Supra - 3500lbs - 320hp - $26k
350z - 3200lbs - 287hp - $30k

Cost USDM Celica Dream Car:
Total cost + improvements:

Celica (car itself) - 7k
3sgte swap - 5k
350hp+ engine upgrades -2k
Suspension+brakes+wheels- 3k
Paint+bodykit - 3k
interior+stereo - 2k
awd conversion 7k
-------------------------------------------
Total - $29k

Imported JDM Celica Dream Car:
1996 GT4 celica - $6000-$7000
Shipping - $1000 - $2000
Engine upgrades to 350hp+ - $2000
Custom paint - $2000
Body kit - $1000
Custom interior - $1000
Stereo - $1000
suspension+brakes+wheels - N/A
awd conversion - N/A
---------------------------------------------
QUOTE
Total - $15k

Edited:This is probably going to be lower, maybe $10k total, Many of GT4s in Japan are already 330hp+ modified with body kits.

As you can see the cost for getting your Celica Dream Car imported is twice as cheap as converting a US version to the same spec.



Reference:


Imported motor vehicles are subject to U.S. safety standards, bumper standards, and air pollution control (emission) standards. Most vehicles manufactured abroad that conform with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards are exported expressly for sale in the United States; therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards. Be skeptical of claims by a foreign dealer or other seller that a vehicle meets these standards or can readily be brought into compliance. Nonconforming vehicles entering the United States must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed.

CONTENTS:

Prior Arrangements

The owner must make arrangements for shipping a vehicle. Have your shipper or carrier notify you of the vehicle's arrival date so that Customs can clear it. Shipments are cleared at the first port of entry unless you arrange for a freight forwarder abroad to have the vehicle sent in bond to a Customs port more convenient to you.

Customs officers are prohibited by law from acting as agents or making entries for an importer. However, you may employ a commercial customs broker to handle your entry.

Documentation

For Customs clearance you will need the shipper's or carrier's original bill of lading, the bill of sale, foreign registration, and any other documents covering the vehicle. You will also need written prior approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will be evident to the Customs inspector at the port of entry in the form of an approval letter from the EPA, or a manufacturer's label in the English language affixed to the car, stating that the vehicle meets all U.S. emission requirements.

Or, you may make arrangements to import your vehicle with an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI). In this case, the ICI will import your vehicle and perform any EPA-required modifications and be responsible for assuring that all EPA requirements have been met. ICIs can only import certain vehicles, however, and in general, their fees are very high.

See below for Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements and for driver's license and tag requirements.

Cleaning the Undercarriage

To safeguard against importation of dangerous pests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that the undercarriage of imported cars be free of foreign soil. Have your car steam-sprayed or cleaned thoroughly before shipment.

Your Car is Not a Shipping Container

For your own safety, security, and convenience, DO NOT use your car as a container for personal belongings.

Your possessions are susceptible to theft while the vehicle is on the loading and unloading docks and in transit.

Many shippers and carriers will not accept your vehicle if it contains personal belongings.

The entire contents of your car must be declared to Customs on entry. Failure to do so can result in a fine or seizure of the car and its contents.

Your vehicle may be subject to seizure, and you may incur a personal penalty, if anyone uses it as a conveyance for illegal narcotics.

Dutiable Entry

Foreign-made vehicles imported into the U.S., whether new or used, either for personal use or for sale, are generally dutiable at the following rates:

Autos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5%
Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25%
Motorcycles. . . . . . . . . . 3% or 3.4%

Duty rates are based on price paid or payable. Most Canadian-made vehicles are duty-free.

Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards

Motor vehicles not more than 25 years old must conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle safety standards that were in effect when these vehicles were manufactured. Passenger cars manufactured after September 1, 1973 must also meet bumper standards. The importer must file form DOT HS-7 (this link is a .pdf file; click here for free download software) at the time of entry, indicating whether the vehicle conforms to applicable safety and bumper standards. The original manufacturer is required to affix a label to the vehicle certifying that these standards have been met if the vehicle is intended for sale in the United States. Vehicles that do not bear a certification label attached by the original manufacturer must be entered as a nonconforming vehicle under a DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle's dutiable value. This is in addition to the regular Customs entry bond.

Unless specifically excepted, the importer must sign a contract with a DOT Registered Importer (RI), who will modify the vehicle to conform with all applicable safety and bumper standards and who can certify the modifications. A copy of the RI's contract must be attached to the DOT HS-7 form and furnished to the Customs Service with the DOT bond at the port of entry. A list of RIs is available from DOT and should be obtained before you decide to import a vehicle. Furthermore, DOT requires that the vehicle model and model year must, prior to entry, be determined eligible for importation. A DOT RI can advise you whether your vehicle is eligible; if it is not, the RI can submit a petition in your behalf to have your vehicle considered for eligibility, if you so desire. Understand, however, that fees must be paid at the time such petitions are filed.

For additional information or details on these requirements, see DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, or call (202) 366-5313 or fax (202) 366-1024, or write: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Director of the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NEF-32), 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20590.

Emission Standards

The following passenger cars, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty engines and motorcycles are subject to Federal emission standards:

Gasoline-fueled cars and light-duty trucks originally manufactured after December 31, 1967.

Diesel-fueled cars originally manufactured after December 31, 1974.

Diesel-fueled light-duty trucks originally manufactured after December 31, 1975.

Heavy-duty engines originally manufactured after December 31, 1969.

Motorcycles with a displacement of more than 49 cubic centimeters originally manufactured after December 31, 1977.

Beginning with the 1974 model year, vehicles that were originally manufactured to meet U.S. emission requirements, if driven outside the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Taiwan or the Bahama Islands, may be required to have their oxygen sensor and/or catalytic converter replaced. You may import your U.S.-version vehicle under a Customs bond and have any qualified mechanic perform the necessary work. You should contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directly for detailed requirements and options before shipping your vehicle.

Nonconforming vehicles must be imported for you by a currently certified Independent Commercial Importer (ICI), a list of which is available from the EPA. This list should be obtained before you decide to import a car. The ICI will be responsible for assuring that your car complies with all U.S. emission requirements. (As of July 1, 1988, EPA no longer has the one-time exemption for vehicles five or more model-years old.) Be aware that EPA will deny entry to certain makes, models, and model years if an ICI is not certified or is unwilling to accept responsibility for the vehicle(s) in question.

For importing motor vehicles, the EPA has an Information Faxback System: 202-564-9660, and additional Voice Help: 202-564-9240. Ask for a copy of the Automotive Imports Facts Manual (order #EPA420B94006), which describes emission requirements for imported vehicles. You may also contact the EPA by faxing (202) 565-2057, or writing: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Manufacturers Operations Division 6405-J, Investigation/Imports Section, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.


Individual state emission requirements may differ from those of the federal government. Proper registration of a vehicle in a state may depend upon satisfaction of its requirements, so you should contact the appropriate state authorities prior to importation. Be aware, however, that EPA will not accept compliance with a state's emission requirements as satisfying EPA's.

A Word of Caution

Both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advise that although a nonconforming car may be conditionally admitted, the modifications required to bring it into compliance may be so extensive and costly that it may be impractical and even impossible to achieve such compliance. Moreover, some vehicle models are prohibited from importation. It is highly recommended that these prohibitions and modifications be investigated before a vehicle is purchased for importation.

Exceptions

The following vehicles need not conform to emission or safety requirements but may NOT be sold in the U.S. and may require EPA and DOT declarations:

Those imported by nonresidents for personal use not exceeding one year. The vehicle must be exported at the end of that year-no exceptions or extensions.

Those belonging to members of foreign armed forces, foreign diplomatic personnel, and members of public international organizations on assignment in the U.S. for whom free entry has been authorized by the Department of State.

Those temporarily imported for research, demonstration, or competition, provided they are not licensed for use, or driven, on public roads. Parties responsible for such vehicles must submit proper documents-that is, forms EPA 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 to Customs at the time entry is made. Also, applicable written approvals from these agencies must be obtained in advance and presented to Customs along with these forms. Remember, the cost to return vehicles that have been refused prior approval can be very high and must be borne by the vehicle's owner(s).


Driver's Plates and Permits

Imported cars should bear the International Registration Marker. The International Driving Permit, issued in five languages, is a valuable asset. Consult an international automobile federation or your local automobile club about these documents.

U.S. RESIDENTS importing a new or used car should consult the appropriate department of motor vehicles in their State of residence about temporary license plates.

MOTORISTS FROM CANADA AND MEXICO are permitted to tour in the U.S. without U.S. license plates or U.S. driver's permits, under agreements between the United States and these countries.

HELP!

All regulations of Customs and other agencies are not covered in full, and they are subject to change. Before importing your vehicle, be sure to contact the Customs Attaché or Commercial Officer at your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy, or the appropriate agency below (particularly DOT and EPA):

Customs Service
If you are outside the United States, contact the Customs Attaché or Commercial Officer at your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

U.S. Customs Attaches Throughout the World
U.S. Customs Officers in Foreign Countries
Contact a U.S. Customs Port

U.S. Customs Service
Washington, DC 20229
Telephone (202) 927-6724
http://www.customs.gov


Department of Transportation (DOT)
DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website
Telephone: (202) 366-5313
Fax: (202) 366-1024

U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Director of the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NEF-32)
400 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20590


Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality
Telephone: 202-564-9240
Faxback System: 202-564-9660
Fax: (202) 565-2057

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Manufacturers Operations Division 6405-J
Investigation/Imports Section
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460


This post has been edited by coustoe: Jul 18, 2004 - 12:50 PM

Posts in this topic
- coustoe   So you want a GT4 JDM?   May 17, 2003 - 10:25 PM
- - uzthedentist   QUOTE Personally if I where to import a GT4 then I...   Mar 30, 2004 - 3:23 PM
- - 94GT   Realize, the car is in Japan. If you want to brin...   Mar 31, 2004 - 11:12 AM
- - drdos   i know this is an old ass thread but i want to bum...   Apr 13, 2004 - 2:34 AM
- - BigEdge169   Good luck getting any new updates, the info in thi...   Apr 13, 2004 - 3:41 PM
- - drdos   im trying to find one that is already in the state...   Apr 13, 2004 - 4:01 PM
- - anhcore   hey just to let you guys know that there is a way....   Apr 14, 2004 - 1:03 AM
- - Jabberwock   Whoa...I just remembered my Aunt is a U.S. Customs...   Apr 14, 2004 - 2:13 AM
- - anhcore   HEY! i got news on how to avoid that whole cra...   Apr 15, 2004 - 2:01 AM
- - drdos   QUOTE (anhcore @ Apr 14, 2004 - 6:03 AM) hey just ...   Apr 15, 2004 - 4:25 AM
- - nmanti   I'm gonna be checking out the ebay gt-4 in a c...   Apr 24, 2004 - 4:05 PM
- - 95WRC   hey, the check out www.alltrac.net about this car...   Apr 25, 2004 - 11:52 AM
- - nmanti   95WRC He's asking 11.5k now, which of course s...   Apr 25, 2004 - 12:19 PM
- - Einhander   QUOTE (anhcore @ Apr 15, 2004 - 7:01 AM) HEY! ...   Apr 27, 2004 - 7:52 AM
- - coustoe   K, guys im back, after a year i think. was Kinda ...   Jul 15, 2004 - 10:53 PM
- - coustoe   If anyone decides to import a Supra or a GT4, I wi...   Jul 15, 2004 - 11:02 PM
- - Jeremy1210   Sounds pretty cool. If you decide to do this, let ...   Jul 16, 2004 - 12:09 PM
- - SlowCelica94   why isnt this a sticky?   Jul 16, 2004 - 12:17 PM
- - drdos   hmm.. seems a lil to easy.   Jul 16, 2004 - 3:15 PM
- - poix   QUOTE (drdos @ Jul 16, 2004 - 8:15 PM) hmm.. seems...   Jul 16, 2004 - 11:04 PM
- - uzthedentist   BTW the japanese GT4s run on 102 Ron octane fuel, ...   Jul 18, 2004 - 5:54 AM
- - o8poa8o   QUOTE (uzthedentist @ Jul 18, 2004 - 10:54 AM) BTW...   Jul 18, 2004 - 11:50 AM
- - coustoe   QUOTE (drdos @ Jul 16, 2004 - 1:15 PM) hmm.. seems...   Jul 18, 2004 - 12:32 PM
- - Jen   QUOTE (anhcore @ Apr 14, 2004 - 2:03 AM) hey just ...   Jul 18, 2004 - 12:50 PM
- - coustoe   Yes, there is always the posibility that, once you...   Jul 18, 2004 - 12:58 PM
- - coustoe   Also as for switching out titles, From my experien...   Jul 18, 2004 - 1:03 PM
- - Rjb23   QUOTE (o8poa8o @ Jul 18, 2004 - 4:50 PM) QUOTE (uz...   Jul 19, 2004 - 2:14 AM
- - Drocay   isn't 102 ron like 95 or less of our octane be...   Jul 19, 2004 - 2:44 AM
- - Mike93ST   I have an answer to your problem of making it lega...   Jul 20, 2004 - 11:11 AM
- - coustoe   QUOTE (Mike93ST @ Jul 20, 2004 - 9:11 AM) I have a...   Jul 20, 2004 - 1:29 PM
- - nmanti   For $2000, you can just register it leagally ...   Jul 20, 2004 - 4:29 PM
- - coustoe   QUOTE (nmanti @ Jul 20, 2004 - 2:29 PM) For ...   Jul 20, 2004 - 4:56 PM
- - saleeka   QUOTE (coustoe @ Jul 20, 2004 - 6:29 PM) QUOTE (Mi...   Jul 20, 2004 - 5:20 PM
- - poix   QUOTE (saleeka @ Jul 20, 2004 - 10:20 PM) QUOTE (c...   Jul 20, 2004 - 10:56 PM
- - saleeka   QUOTE (poix @ Jul 21, 2004 - 3:56 AM) hmm wel...   Jul 20, 2004 - 11:34 PM
- - Pali_playa   QUOTE (poix @ Jul 20, 2004 - 11:56 PM) hmm well re...   Jul 20, 2004 - 11:35 PM
- - coustoe   QUOTE (saleeka @ Jul 20, 2004 - 9:34 PM) QUOTE (po...   Jul 20, 2004 - 11:49 PM
- - coustoe   I had my insurance company research the insurance ...   Jul 20, 2004 - 11:53 PM
- - saleeka   QUOTE (coustoe @ Jul 21, 2004 - 4:49 AM) QUOTE (sa...   Jul 21, 2004 - 12:41 AM
- - coustoe   doesnt matter if they want to be generous or not, ...   Jul 21, 2004 - 1:04 AM
- - saleeka   yes that works perfectly until the other insurance...   Jul 21, 2004 - 1:25 AM
- - poix   QUOTE (saleeka @ Jul 21, 2004 - 6:25 AM) yes that ...   Jul 21, 2004 - 1:38 AM
- - coustoe   QUOTE (saleeka @ Jul 20, 2004 - 11:25 PM) yes...   Jul 21, 2004 - 2:38 AM
- - saleeka   i would assume that the insurance company would fi...   Jul 21, 2004 - 12:32 PM
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