Vehicle import · CBP, DOT and EPA
Import a car, truck or motorcycle into the United States
A shipper moves the vehicle. A customs broker files the entry that CBP, DOT and EPA require. Allied CHB is a licensed customs broker: we file the CBP entry and the DOT HS-7 and EPA 3520-1 declarations, at any U.S. port.
The decision
Which import route fits my vehicle?
| Route | Who it fits | HS-7 | EPA 3520-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-year DOT exemption | Any car, truck or motorcycle at least 25 years old | Box 1 | Code E (21 years) |
| 21-year EPA exemption | Vehicles at least 21 years old, in original configuration | Separate DOT route | Code E |
| U.S.-version vehicles returning | Vehicles built to U.S. standards, bought or used abroad | Box 2A | Code B (or F) |
| Registered Importer conversion | Vehicles under 25 years old that NHTSA lists as eligible | Box 3 | Codes A, C or Z (through an ICI) |
| Show or display | Rare vehicles of historical or technological significance | Box 10 | Code E if 21 years old, otherwise through an ICI |
| Temporary import by a nonresident | Visitors who bring their own foreign-registered vehicle for up to one year | Box 5 | Code O (EPA letter required) |
| Members of the military | U.S. service members and government employees returning from an assignment abroad | Same as any importer | Same as any importer |
- Most classic imports
25-year DOT exemption
A motor vehicle at least 25 years old can enter without meeting the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (49 CFR 591.5(i)). The 25 years run from the date of manufacture, not the model year. Keep proof of the date: the manufacturer's label, a first registration document, or a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society.
HS-7: Box 1 · EPA: Code E (21 years)
- Emissions
21-year EPA exemption
EPA counts calendar years: the year of importation minus the year of manufacture must be 21 or more (40 CFR 85.1502 and 85.1511(f)). In 2026, that is a vehicle made in 2005 or earlier. The vehicle must be in original configuration. A replacement engine must be the same model as the original. Otherwise it must come, with its aftertreatment, from a certified vehicle no older than yours.
HS-7: Separate DOT route · EPA: Code E
- Conforming
U.S.-version vehicles returning
The vehicle has the manufacturer's FMVSS certification label on the driver's door edge or door post. It also has the EPA emission label in English under the hood. Code F covers a U.S.-version vehicle whose catalyst or oxygen sensors were removed or damaged abroad. A vehicle made in the United States can return free of duty as U.S. goods returned (9801.00.10), with proof. A vehicle you took abroad for private use also returns free of duty. You must prove it was owned and registered in the United States.
HS-7: Box 2A · EPA: Code B (or F)
- Costly
Registered Importer conversion
A nonconforming vehicle under 25 years old can enter only if NHTSA has found the make, model and model year eligible. A Registered Importer (RI) imports it, or you sign a contract with an RI. The DOT bond is 150% of the vehicle's dutiable value, and the RI has 120 days to bring the vehicle into conformity. For emissions, an EPA Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) does the work, and EPA does not release the vehicle to you until the ICI finishes.
HS-7: Box 3 · EPA: Codes A, C or Z (through an ICI)
- NHTSA permission first
Show or display
NHTSA must grant permission before the vehicle ships. As a general rule, NHTSA refuses a model if more than 500 were made or a U.S. version exists. It also refuses a model that an RI can convert. A show or display vehicle may be driven no more than 2,500 miles a year. CBP says the vehicle must also meet EPA rules, in general through an ICI. EPA code K covers only a temporary display for public or business purposes.
HS-7: Box 10 · EPA: Code E if 21 years old, otherwise through an ICI
- Up to 1 year
Temporary import by a nonresident
A nonresident can bring a nonconforming vehicle for personal use for up to one year (49 CFR 591.5(d)). The vehicle must be registered outside the United States, cannot be sold here, and must leave within the year. The HS-7 needs your passport number and the issuing country. EPA requires its written approval first. The vehicle is free of duty when it comes in with you for your own transport (9804.00.35).
HS-7: Box 5 · EPA: Code O (EPA letter required)
- Duty relief only
Members of the military
A vehicle among your personal effects can enter free of duty and free of Section 232 duty when you return from extended duty abroad (9805.00.50). Extended duty is generally 140 days or more. The vehicle must be in your possession before you leave. CBP collects the duty if you sell the vehicle within one year. There is no DOT or EPA exemption for U.S. service members: the vehicle must be U.S.-version, old enough, or converted.
HS-7: Same as any importer · EPA: Same as any importer
Race cars
A vehicle built by its manufacturer for racing enters under HS-7 Box 8, with the manufacturer's letter. EPA must approve it first (code L). It cannot be registered for road use. See personal vehicles and classic autos.
Check the route before you buy
A nonconforming vehicle under 25 years old must be brought into compliance, exported or destroyed. Use the eligibility checker and ask us before you pay for the vehicle.
Checklist
What documents do I need?
Title or foreign registration
Proof that you own the vehicle, in your name or signed over to you. CBP asks for the foreign registration of the vehicle.
Bill of sale
The price paid or payable is the value for duty. Show freight and insurance on separate lines.
Bill of lading
The shipper's or carrier's original bill of lading for an ocean or air shipment.
DOT HS-7 declaration
Declares the NHTSA basis for entry, by box number. We transmit it with the entry in ACE.
EPA 3520-1 declaration
Declares the EPA basis for entry, by code letter. We transmit it with the entry in ACE.
Export certificate
The export or deregistration document of the country of export, for example the Japanese export certificate. It shows that the vehicle left the foreign register.
Foreign title cancellation
Proof that the foreign registration is closed. Examples: the Italian DU marked for export, or the UK V5C without its permanent export section.
Proof of the date of manufacture
For the 25-year and 21-year exemptions: the manufacturer's label, a first registration document, or a statement from a vehicle historical society.
Letters, when your route needs them
NHTSA permission (show or display, racing), EPA approval (nonresident, racing), the manufacturer's letter (Canadian vehicles), your RI contract and DOT bond, or your official orders.
Power of attorney
Lets Allied file the entry for you as a licensed customs broker. You sign it online.
Do not use the car as a shipping container
Everything inside the car must be declared to CBP. Items that are not declared can lead to a fine or seizure of the car and its contents.
Clean the underside
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires the underside of an imported vehicle to be free of foreign soil. Have it steam cleaned before it ships.
Process
How does a vehicle import work?
- YouBefore you buy
Check the route for your vehicle
Use the eligibility checker with the month and year of manufacture, the labels on the vehicle and the purpose of the import. Ask us before you pay for a vehicle under 25 years old.
- Allied
We review the documents and send a written quote
We check the title, the bill of sale, the date of manufacture and the country of origin. The quote shows the duty, any Section 232 duty, the MPF, the HMF and our fee.
- You
Sign the power of attorney, pay and book the shipment
Sign the power of attorney online. Pay the invoice before we file: by card at alliedchb.com/pay up to $2,000, or by bank transfer for a larger invoice. For a container shipment, the importer security filing is due 24 hours before loading abroad.
- AlliedBefore arrival
We file the entry, the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1
We classify the vehicle, calculate the duty and transmit the CBP entry with the DOT and EPA data in ACE. We arrange the customs bond when the entry needs one.
- Allied
CBP reviews and releases the vehicle
CBP can inspect the vehicle and compare the VIN with the papers. Then CBP releases it. A Registered Importer vehicle goes to the RI under the DOT bond.
- You
Title and register the vehicle in your state
Your state motor vehicle agency titles the vehicle. We send you the released entry papers, the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 for the application. Pay any gas guzzler tax to the IRS.
- Allied5 years
We keep the entry file
We keep the entry records for 5 years from the date of entry (19 CFR 163.4).
Motorcycles
What is different for a motorcycle?
The same 25-year rule
A motorcycle built for road use is a motor vehicle. Under 25 years old, it needs the manufacturer's FMVSS label, fixed near the steering head, or it goes through an RI.EPA rules from 1978
Highway motorcycles over 49 cc made from January 1, 1978 are subject to EPA standards. Older motorcycles are excluded. Code E also covers motorcycles at least 21 years old in original configuration.Off-road and race bikes
A dirt bike or race bike not made for road use enters under HS-7 Box 8 with a supporting statement. Off-road vehicles use EPA Form 3520-21, not 3520-1.Low base duty, no Section 232
Free up to 700 cc, 2.4% over 700 cc, free for electric motorcycles. The Section 232 automobile duty does not cover motorcycles. Since July 24, 2026, motorcycles from 60 economies, including the EU, Japan and the UK, pay the Section 301 forced labor duty. China and Canada over 800 cc (Section 338) pay more.
Duty
What duty will I pay?
| Vehicle | Base duty | Section 232 |
|---|---|---|
| Car, SUV or minivan (8703) | 2.5% | Plus 25%. EU, Japan and Korea: 15% in total. UK: 10% in total inside the quota. None if made in 2001 or earlier. |
| Pickup or light truck (8704) | 25% | Plus 25%. EU, Japan and Korea: nothing added. None if made in 2001 or earlier. |
| Car of 1,000 cc or less (8703.21) | 2.5% | Steel derivative duty: 15% in total, at any age. |
| Motorcycle (8711) | Free, or 2.4% over 700 cc | None. |
| Camping and other trailers (8716.10, 8716.39) | Free | Steel and aluminum derivative duty: plus 25% when the metal is 15% or more of the weight. |
CBP also charges the merchandise processing fee: 0.3464% of the value, with a minimum and a maximum. An ocean shipment also pays the harbor maintenance fee of 0.125%.
By country
Which country is my vehicle coming from?
Import a car from Japan
15% in total for a car made in 2002 or later.
Export document: Export certificate from the MLIT transport office.
Import a car from Germany
15% in total for an EU-built car made in 2002 or later.
Export document: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II and an EU export declaration.
Import a car from the United Kingdom
10% in total inside the UK quota.
Export document: V5C log book, permanent export section sent to DVLA.
Import a car from Italy
15% in total for an EU-built car made in 2002 or later.
Export document: PRA deregistration for export: DU marked for export.
Import a car from France
15% in total for an EU-built car made in 2002 or later.
Export document: French export declaration with a copy of the carte grise.
Import a car from Canada
25% plus the base rate for a Canadian-built car made in 2002 or later.
Export document: Provincial registration. No CBSA export declaration for the U.S..
Import a car from Mexico
25% plus the base rate for a Mexican-built car made in 2002 or later.
Export document: Returning U.S. car: close the Banjercito permit at the border.
Import a car from Australia
25% for an Australian-built car made in 2002 or later.
Export document: Australian export declaration for goods over AUD 2,000.
Our service
What does Allied do, and what does it cost?
We file the CBP entry. We classify the vehicle in the HTSUS, value it, and add the Chapter 99 lines for Section 232 and any other duty. We arrange the customs bond when the entry needs one.
We transmit the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1. Both go to CBP electronically with the entry, in ACE. We check the box and the code against the labels, the date of manufacture and your letters.
We work with your other providers. Your shipper, a Registered Importer or an EPA Independent Commercial Importer do their own parts. We give them the entry details they need.
Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey (CBP filer code 9AJ). We file at every U.S. port of entry, including land border crossings.
Request: Vehicle import entry (CBP entry, DOT HS-7, EPA 3520-1)
Quote on request
What is not included
Shipping
We do not ship vehicles. Your shipper or freight forwarder moves the vehicle and issues the bill of lading.
Conversion work
We do not modify vehicles. A Registered Importer (safety) and an ICI (emissions) do that work.
State title and registration
Your state agency titles the vehicle. We give you the federal import papers.
Legal advice
We explain the customs rules. For a dispute with CBP, NHTSA or EPA, you may need a lawyer.
Questions
Vehicle import: common questions
Is the 25-year rule counted from the model year?
No. NHTSA counts 25 years from the date of manufacture. A car built in March 2001 reaches 25 years in March 2026, even if it is a 2002 model. The date is on the manufacturer's label. If there is no label, use a first registration document or a statement from a vehicle historical society.
Why does EPA use 21 years and DOT 25 years?
They are two separate laws. DOT (NHTSA) enforces the safety standards and allows vehicles at least 25 years old. EPA enforces the Clean Air Act and exempts vehicles at least 21 years old in original configuration. A vehicle between 21 and 25 years old passes EPA but still needs a DOT route.
Can I drive a right-hand drive car in the United States?
Federal import rules do not ban right-hand drive. NHTSA says a right-hand drive vehicle can be made to meet the safety standards. A vehicle 25 years or older does not need to meet them. Your state titles and registers the vehicle, so check its rules before you buy.
Can I import a car that is 20 years old?
Only in three cases: it was built to U.S. standards, it is a qualifying Canadian-market vehicle, or NHTSA lists the model for a Registered Importer. Otherwise it must wait until 25 years from its date of manufacture. Do not ship it before you know the route. A nonconforming vehicle must be brought into compliance, exported or destroyed.
Can I import a vehicle myself without a broker?
Yes. The owner can make entry. CBP officers cannot act as your agent or make the entry for you. A licensed customs broker files the entry, the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 electronically in ACE.
Can I ship personal items inside the car?
CBP advises against it. Everything in the car must be declared to CBP. Items that are not declared can lead to a fine or seizure of the car and its contents. Many shippers do not accept a car with personal items inside.
Does the car need to be cleaned before shipping?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires the underside of an imported vehicle to be free of foreign soil. Have it steam cleaned before it ships.
What does Allied charge?
We quote each vehicle in writing before we start. The quote shows the duty, the Section 232 duty if any, the MPF, the HMF, the customs bond and our fee. Duty and CBP fees are paid to CBP, not to us.
Importing a vehicle? Check it before you ship.
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.
Sources
- 49 CFR 591.5
- 40 CFR 85.1502
- 40 CFR 85.1511
- 19 CFR 12.73
- 19 CFR 12.80
- 19 CFR 163.4
- NHTSA: Importing a Vehicle
- NHTSA: Importation FAQs
- NHTSA: Motorcycle FAQs
- EPA: Import forms (3520-1)
- CBP: Importing a Motor Vehicle
- CBP: Section 232 FAQs, automobiles
- CSMS 64624801 (Section 232 automobiles)
- CSMS 69326983 (Section 301 forced labor duties)
- HTSUS 2026 (hts.usitc.gov)