Vehicles and animals · EPA
EPA Form 3520-1: Declaration for imported motor vehicles and engines (emissions)
EPA Form 3520-1 declares the emissions basis on which a motor vehicle or highway motorcycle enters the United States. CBP needs it with the entry.
At a glance
- Issued by
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Rules
- 19 CFR 12.73 and 40 CFR 85.1501 onward
- Who signs
- The owner, the importer or their agent
- When
- With the entry
- Current edition
- August 2024
EPA Form 3520-1
What is EPA Form 3520-1?
EPA Form 3520-1 is the EPA declaration for motor vehicles, highway motorcycles and their engines, including kit cars and disassembled vehicles.
The importer checks one code. For example, code B is an unmodified U.S.-certified vehicle with the EPA label. Code E is a vehicle at least 21 years old in its original configuration.
A nonconforming vehicle that does not qualify for an exemption or exclusion must come in through an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI).
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- Every importer of a motor vehicle or highway motorcycle. The exception is a new vehicle imported by its original maker with an EPA certificate and label.
- Heavy-duty engines, off-road vehicles and nonroad engines use EPA Form 3520-21 instead.
- Imports under codes G, I, K, L, M-3 and O need a written EPA approval, attached to the form.
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- The owner, the importer or their agent signs the certification.
- Your broker files it with the entry. EPA explains electronic filing of its declaration forms through ACE.
- CBP can ask EPA to review the documents for any import on this form.
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
A vehicle under 21 years old that is not U.S.-certified
Code E needs a vehicle at least 21 years old, counted by calendar year of manufacture. Younger nonconforming vehicles generally need an ICI.A modified engine
Code E requires the original configuration. A replacement engine qualifies only in the limited cases the form describes.No EPA label
Code B needs the EPA emission control label, in English, in the engine compartment or on the motorcycle frame.No approval letter
Codes that need EPA approval fail at the port without the letter attached.
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
EPA's forms page has the current fillable PDF and a summary of the codes.
- Official pageEPA: Publications and Forms for Importing Vehicles and Engines (opens in a new tab)
- Current formEPA Form 3520-1 (PDF, epa.gov) (opens in a new tab)
Edition checked on September 26, 2026: EPA Form 3520-1, August 2024. We link to the official source and do not host copies, because agencies replace forms without notice.
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with EPA Form 3520-1?
We check the code that fits your vehicle before it ships, then file the 3520-1 with the entry.
Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, CBP filer code 9AJ. We file at all U.S. ports of entry.
Vehicle import service Car, motorcycle and truck entries with HS-7 and EPA forms.
Request: Help with EPA Form 3520-1
Quote on request
Questions
What else do people ask about EPA Form 3520-1?
What is EPA's 21-year rule?
Under code E, a vehicle at least 21 years old in its original configuration is exempt or excluded from EPA emissions rules. Age is the import year minus the calendar year of manufacture.
Is the EPA age rule the same as the DOT 25-year rule?
No. EPA uses 21 years (code E). DOT uses 25 years (HS-7 Box 1). A 22-year-old car can meet EPA's rule but not DOT's.
Can I use code EE for a car from Europe?
Only with a letter from the manufacturer's U.S. representative that the car is identical to a U.S.-certified version. A dealer or mechanic letter is not accepted.
Need help with EPA Form 3520-1?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.