Importing A Classic Car Into the United States: What You Need to Know

If you’re a car collector who loves foreign makes and models, there’s a good chance that you’ve wanted to import a car to the USA. Although importing vehicles from Europe, Asia, or even Canada takes more work than buying a collector car locally, it’s a worthwhile endeavor if it means you’ll finally get your hands on the car of your dreams.

To give you a better understanding of how to import a foreign car, we have outlined some of the top import laws, rules and regulations so you can decide if importing a car is worth it for you.

Import Laws & Restrictions for Classic Cars in the United States

For decades, the US has maintained strict regulatory standards when it comes to importing vehicles from abroad. According to US car import laws, vehicles that are 25 years old or less must comply with the various rules set forth by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). 

Otherwise known as the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act, the “25-year import law” is a US regulation that prohibits individuals from buying and importing new foreign vehicles without first going through stringent testing. The law is designed to keep American drivers safe from potentially hazardous or unreliable vehicles. 

There are some other laws regarding EPA requirements, Department of Transportation’s (DOT) safety standards, emission requirements and more. The laws your vehicle needs to fall into compliance with include: 

• Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (1972)
• Motor Vehicle Safety Act (1966)
• Importing Vehicle Safety Compliance Act (1988)
• Clean Air Act (1990) 

These laws are in place to ensure that Americans are getting quality cars that meet the USA’s safety standards and Environmental Protection Agency’s emissions standards. Additionally, you’ll need to use one of the EPA’s registered importers. However, there is a law that allows for a few exemptions for cars under 25 years old called the “Show or Display Rule.” 

Show or Display Rule 

The “Show or Display Rule” is an amendment to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. It exempts certain makes and models from the 25-year import ban if they are deemed “historically or technologically significant.” Since they don’t have to meet the 25-year rule, many tend to be high-performance sports cars and exotic vehicles. 

However, this also excludes you from using your vehicle as a daily driver for personal use. Vehicles that fall under the Show or Display Law can only be driven up to 2,500 miles per calendar year. 

Importing Vehicles from Various Nations

When it comes to importing a car to the United States, you don’t just have to worry about the regulations set by the government and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. You also need to follow the import laws from your vehicle’s country of origin. 

Most commonly, people are importing vehicles from the following countries:

• Various EU Countries 
• Japan
• Canada
• Australia

So, we want to provide you with additional information on the importing process from these countries.

Importing From European Countries

Importing cars from European countries tends to be popular with car collectors, especially for aficionados of old-school, hard-to-find Porches, sporty Italian Alfa-Romeos and more. However, as a car collector who’s importing a classic or antique vehicle from from countries like Germany and Italy, you’ll still have to fill out the required paperwork and abide by US Show and Display laws. 

To import a European car, you’ll likely have to use one of the EPA’s verified Independent Commercial Importers to gain port of entry for your vehicle.

Importing From Japan

We’re often asked: “how much does it cost to import a car from Japan?” Given how far away they are from US soil, Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles are notoriously expensive to import and make compliant with FMVSS regulations and consequently, very few newer JDM vehicles are imported within the “25-year import law” period. Often, you can expect to pay between two and five thousand dollars on top of the car’s market value to have the car purchased, cleaned, and shipped overseas to a US port of entry on the west coast. 

If the vehicle is less than 25 years old, you will need to have the bill of lading from the shipping company, as well as the English translation of the Export Certificate, the English version invoice, and the original car title. 

Importing From Canada

If you’re wondering how to import a car from Canada, you must obtain a tag and insurance from whichever Canadian province or territory where your Canadian vehicle is imported from. To import a car from Canada to the United States, you must also obtain a certificate of origin, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the Canadian bill of sale.

Importing From Australia

To import a collector car from Australia, you’ll still need to file form HS-7 and form 3520-1. Classic cars older than 25 years old do not need to conform to EPA and DOT restrictions like newer cars do. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to import a car to the United States?

While entering the United States with a new car may seem overwhelming, it is actually a fairly straightforward process as long as you have the right paperwork. Before entering the United States, you’ll need to ensure you have the following documents:

• Foreign registration
• Bill of sale
• Proof of insurance
• EPA Form 3520-1 (completed)
• DOT Form HS-7 (completed)

Is the process for entering the country with new and used vehicles the same?

Entering the United States with a new car is significantly harder than entering with a used car. You can expect to see an increase in paperwork needed and restrictions on what type of new cars qualify for importing.

What documents do I need to import a car to the United States?

To import a collector car from Australia, you’ll still need to file form HS-7 and form 3520-1. Classic cars older than 25 years old do not need to conform to EPA and DOT restrictions like newer cars do. 

What fees are associated with importing a car to the USA?

Duty rates and fees apply to any foreign vehicle entering the US. Although importing a car from Canada is free, vehicles from other foreign markets are subject to the following fee structure:

• Automobiles (2.5%)
• Trucks (25%)
• Motorbikes (Up to 2.4%)

The values listed above are the percentage of the vehicle’s cost that is applicable upon entry into the US. US citizens can bring their US-registered vehicle back from a trip abroad without incurring any charges from CBP.

Can you import a motorcycle to the United States?

Yes – you can import a motorcycle to the United States. However, they will need to meet the United States and the EPA’s emissions standards before entering.s older than 25 years old do not need to conform to EPA and DOT restrictions like newer cars do. 

Can non-residents import a car to the USA?

Non United States residents are permitted to import a car to the USA, but for only up to a year. 

Insure Your Classic Cars with an Agency You Trust

With a little know-how, you can import a classic car from Japan, Europe, Australia, or any other foreign market without any headaches or hassles. Once you have your documents collected and your duty fees prepared, importing a foreign vehicle is mostly a waiting game as your vehicle ships to the port of entry. 

Once your vehicle has arrived, get a free quote from American Collectors Insurance and get started protecting your new passion. An imported collector is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. With the right classic car insurance policy, you can ride with confidence and excitement knowing that your imported vehicle is protected.