Import Cars to the US in 2024: US Car Imports from Europe, UK & More

US Car Imports

We help car enthusiasts import their dream cars from anywhere in the world. 

The United States imports more vehicles than any other country in the world. Buying cars from overseas and importing them to the US is becoming increasingly popular due to their rarity and the potential to get a good deal on cars due to a strong US dollar. The increasing popularity allows us to offer shared container service, saving you up to 50% on car imports.

Trusted by Collectors, Dealers, Auctions & Manufacturers Worldwide

Our global team works to provide safe and reliable international shipping for collector cars worldwide. With extensive experience and door to door transport options we've become the go-to team to provide international logistics support for car events, rallies, shows and auctions around the world. We are here to guide you through the import process and the complexities with importing vehicles and US Customs the NHTSA, DOT and the EPA.  

Extensive Experience With All Types of Vehicle Imports

We ensure the safe and reliable transport of your vehicles worldwide and hold the extensive experience needed to handle some of the most priceless cars around the world.

• Collector cars
• Classic & vintage cars
• Non-running projects
• Finished vehicle logistics
• Special projects and confidential pre-releases
• Race cars
• Oversized vehicles
• Crated and palletized vehicles
• Temporary US car imports to the US for events and auction sales

Some of the most popular cars to import currently include:

• Porsche 911
• Citroen DS
• Mercedes 300SL
• BMW 2002

US Car Import Laws & Regulations

US Car Import Documentation Checklist

Tackling Import, EPA &  DOT Requirements

For cars less than 25 years old, the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) requires that your vehicle meets US emission standards. Take a look at this article to find out if your vehicle meets US standards.

Cars under 25 years old also have to conform to the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. This includes safety standards, bumper standards, and theft prevention requirements. It is unlikely a car obtained overseas can meet all of these requirements, unless the same vehicle was originally made for the US market. Vehicles manufactured for the US will have a manufacturer's certification label near the driver’s side door of the vehicle, specifically denoting the vehicle as certified to meet US standards.

Race cars have no age requirement and can be imported of any year, but only if the car was originally produced by the manufacturer as a race car. This exemption is not applicable if the car is converted from a road car to a track car. It must have been a track car built by the factory. 

If your car does not meet the US car import requirements, the vehicle can only be imported by a registered importer. The car must also be modified into compliance, which can be an expensive and lengthy process. Ultimately it is up to the US Customs and Border Protection agency to approve the vehicle to enter the United States.

If your classics or any vehicles are over 25 years old and are also unmodified, then they do not have to comply with DOT or EPA requirements.

You can avoid the 2.5% import duty in the US only if:

• The car was originally built for the US market - here's how to find out if your vehicle was built for the US market in mind
• Or the car was originally sold in the US, remains original, and is being re-imported back by the original owner 

What Are The Costs to Import a Car?

These are some of the costs involved when importing a car to the United States from overseas. Contact us today for a bespoke quote.

• Local Transport - Transport to the port or loading warehouse via open or enclosed transport.
• Export Declaration - Documentation filed which notifies the governing body for the country of export that the vehicle is leaving the country.
• Export Charges - Loading and transport charges
• Booking Cost - Cost paid for the ocean or air freight booking.
• Customs Exams - Possibility of random customs exams upon departing overseas and arriving to the US.
• Import Duties - Calculated at 2.5% of the cargo value, unless the vehicle is a pickup truck which is taxed at a much higher 25% due to the Chicken Tax. Duties are applicable even if taxes were paid on the vehicle overseas. If the vehicle is imported for a sale in the US and is exported from the US upon sale, a duty drawback may be possible.
• HMF (Harbour Maintenance Fee) - This is a fee applicable from all US ports. Calculated at 0.125% of the value of the commercial cargo shipped through identified ports. HMF is not collected on cargo imported or transported via air.
• MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) - Calculated for all imports to the US at 0.3464 percent of the cargo value. Fee shall not exceed $614.35 and shall not be less than $31.67.

• US Customs Bond - The customs bond is purchased and non-refundable. US customs typically asks for a deposit at 10x the value of the vehicle to ensure the car is properly imported. If for some reason the vehicle is not exported, or they discover any type of issues with the value claimed they would pursue keeping that deposit. Instead of risking an enormous deposit, importers typically buy a bond that covers them. The bond can be purchased for a single car, or for a number of years.
• Cargo Damage Protection- optional cargo damage protection which covers the vehicle during shipping.
• US Port Charges - Additional destination terminal and port charges which depend on the port, terminal and carrier.
• Import Charges - Cost paid to truck the container from the port in the US.
• Unloading Charges - Unloading the vehicle from the container or crate at our warehouse.
• Local Delivery - Open or enclosed transport to any location within the United States.

There are over a dozen charges involved with importing a vehicle to the United States. We make it simple and provide a door to door service which includes most charges.