http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/....html
The following provides information concerning the importation of a passenger car, truck, trailer, motorcycle, moped, bus, or MPV built to comply with the standards of a country other than the U.S. or Canada. Importers of motor vehicles must file form HS-7 (available at ports of entry) at the time a vehicle is imported to declare whether the vehicle complies with DOT requirements. As a general rule, a motor vehicle less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) to be imported permanently. Vehicles manufactured to meet the FMVSS will have a certification label affixed by the original manufacturer in the area of the driver-side door. To make importation easier, when purchasing a vehicle certified to the U.S. standards abroad, a buyer should have the sales contract verify that the label is attached and present this document at time of importation.
A vehicle without this certification label must be imported as a nonconforming vehicle. In this case, the importer must contract with a Registered Importer (RI) and post a DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle’s dutiable value. This bond is in addition to the normal Customs entry bond. Copies of the DOT bond and the contract with an RI must be attached to the HS-7 form.
Under the contract, the RI will modify and certify that the vehicle conforms to all applicable FMVSS. Before an RI can modify a vehicle NHTSA must have determined that the vehicle is capable of being modified to comply with the FMVSS. If no determination has been made, the RI must petition NHTSA to determine whether the vehicle is capable of being modified to comply with the FMVSS. If the petitioned vehicle is not similar to one sold in the U.S., this process becomes very complex and costly. A list of vehicles previously determined eligible for importation may be obtained from an RI or from the NHTSA web site at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import.
Since the cost of modifying a nonconforming vehicle, or the time required to bring it into conformance, may affect the decision to purchase a vehicle abroad, we strongly recommend discussing these aspects with an RI before buying and shipping a vehicle to the U.S.
For federal regulations concerning vehicle emissions contact the Environmental Protection Agency, Manufacturers Operations Division, EN-340, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460, (202) 564-9660, or http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/. Information concerning duty or other Customs matters can be obtained from the Classification and Value Division, U.S. Customs Service, Washington, DC 20229, (202) 927-0300, or http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/import/.
For information regarding registration or operation of a properly imported vehicle in a specific state, we advise you to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or other appropriate agency in that state since the requirements vary by state.
Vehicle Importation Information
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Nismo_Freak
- Posts: 10314
- Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2002 10:42 pm
- Car: 89 Nissan 240SX
EPA -Kit Car Policy -
The following represents a clarification of EPA's policy concerning the regulation of imported and domestically produced kit cars and kit car packages. Kit vehicles are understood by EPA to typically involve new bodies, used drivetrains and new or used chassis. Used components may or may not be refurbished. This policy applies to kits or assembled kit cars only. This policy does not apply to regular production vehicles offered for importation into or produced in the United States.
1.
Fully-assembled kit cars are "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. Complete kit car packages are also "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. These are packages which contain all of the major components needed for assembly (i.e., body, chassis, engine and transmission). As "motor vehicles" they are subject to all applicable emission regulations. If an assembled kit car or complete kit car package is offered for importation and the kit is not covered by an EPA certificate of conformity issued to an original equipment manufacturer, an EPA Form No. 3520-1 must be filed at the port of entry and the vehicle must be imported by an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) eligible to import such vehicles or kits. The ICI then must ensure that the vehicle or kit complies with all applicable emission requirements. 2.
An assembled kit car or complete kit car package which meets the following guidelines will be considered to be a rebuilt vehicle of a previously certified configuration and will be considered to be covered by that configuration's original EPA certificate of conformity. 1.
The components of the drivetrain (engine, transmission, differential) must be exclusively or substantially used and/or rebuilt. Regardless of the combination of new and used components, the engine must be used or used and rebuilt. The engine block and cylinder head(s) must be used, other components of the engine may be new. "Used" means the component has been in a vehicle that has been titled to an ultimate purchaser. A rebuilt component is defined as a used component which has been refurbished with new or other used parts. 2.
All emission-related components and settings must conform in all material respects to those of one previously certified configuration. Therefore, all part numbers for the emission-related components of a fully assembled kit vehicle or complete kit car package must match or be traceable to the numbers specified in the application for certification of a previously certified configuration. 3.
Consistent with EPA Advisory Circular (AC) 64, which deals with modifications performed before sale to the ultimate purchaser, the vehicle weight of the kit configuration can be no more than 500 pounds greater than the weight of the originally certified configuration. 4.
All catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and charcoal canisters must be new, original equipment parts. 5.
Kit vehicles must: (1) have the same transmission configuration (i.e., manual, automatic, semi-automatic, number of forward gears, and shift calibration) as the originally certified configuration; and (2) consistent with AC 17F, have an N/V ratio (speed of vehicle in miles per hour/speed of engine in revolutions per minute) which matches the N/V ratio of the originally certified configuration within three (3) percent in every gear.*
*The Agency would consider minor variations to these limitations upon an appropriate demonstration that the altered configuration will meet Federal emission requirements. 6.
Each vehicle and its accompanying documentation must be clearly labeled as to the make, model year, engine family, subfamily, and tune-up specifications represented by the originally certified vehicle. 7.
If the originally certified configuration required unleaded fuel, then the vehicles must have fuel filler neck restrictors and unleaded fuel labels which meet the requirements of 40 CFR 80.24. 3.
The production, sale and importation of automotive bodies alone (i.e., no chassis, engine or transmission) are not regulated by EPA since such units are not considered "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. EPA form 3520-1 is not required for imported automotive bodies. A motor vehicle from which the engine has been removed is still a motor vehicle and is not considered a body. 4.
The production, sale and importation of vehicle parts (engines, transmissions, chassis, vehicle bodies, etc.) are not regulated by EPA because parts are not considered motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. However if the parts constitute a disassembled vehicle or an approximate disassembled vehicle, the combination is considered a motor vehicle under the Clean Air Act. Any attempt to use this policy to circumvent the Clean Air Act or the Imports regulations will be considered a violation of the Clean Air Act and will be strictly enforced. An example of such circumvention is: A kit car maker who also provides the engine and transmission before or after production/importation of the body/chassis.
5.
"Motor vehicles" must comply with the Clean Air Act and may not be disassembled nor purchased in a disassembled form for the purposes of evading the Clean Air Act or the Imports regulations. In these situations the kit car body/chassis combination must be certified by the manufacturer, must be in a configuration which was previously certified by EPA subject to the guidelines discussed at "2" above or, in the case of an importation, an EPA form 3520-1 must be filed at the port of entry and the vehicle imported by an eligible ICI who must ensure that the kit car body/chassis complies with all applicable emission requirements. At the present time, there are no ICIs eligible to import kit cars. 6.
Except with regard to kit vehicles meeting the guidelines at "2" above; an individual or firm that assembles kits for hire or resale, that produces assembled kit cars for resale or that produces complete kit car packages for resale will be considered to be a manufacturer of new motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. Such manufacturers and their vehicles are subject to all applicable regulations under the Act including civil penalties of up to $25,000 per vehicle for each new motor vehicle distributed in commerce, sold, offered for sale, or introduced, or delivered for introduction, into commerce, unless such vehicle is covered by a certificate of conformity issued by EPA.
KIT CAR POLICY SUPPLEMENT
The supplement contains definitions from the Clean Air Act and justification used to derive the position of the Kit car Policy.
Section 216 (1) defines a "manufacturer" as..."any person engaged in the manufacturing or assembling of new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines, or importing such vehicle or engines for resale..."
Section 216 (2) defines a "motor vehicle" as ..."any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway."
Section 216 (3) defines a "new motor vehicle" as..."a motor vehicle the equitable or legal title to which has never been transferred to the ultimate purchaser.."
Section 216 (5) defines a "ultimate purchaser" as..."the first person who in good faith purchases such new motor vehicle or new engine for purposes other than resale".
Section 203(a)(1) prohibits:..."in the case of a manufacturer of new motor vehicles...the sale, or offering for sale, or the introduction,..into commerce..any new motor vehicle...unless such vehicle...is covered by a certificate of conformity.."
Section 205 states.."any person who violates Section 203(a)(1)..shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25,000...Any such violation...shall constitute a separate offense.."
The following represents a clarification of EPA's policy concerning the regulation of imported and domestically produced kit cars and kit car packages. Kit vehicles are understood by EPA to typically involve new bodies, used drivetrains and new or used chassis. Used components may or may not be refurbished. This policy applies to kits or assembled kit cars only. This policy does not apply to regular production vehicles offered for importation into or produced in the United States.
1.
Fully-assembled kit cars are "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. Complete kit car packages are also "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. These are packages which contain all of the major components needed for assembly (i.e., body, chassis, engine and transmission). As "motor vehicles" they are subject to all applicable emission regulations. If an assembled kit car or complete kit car package is offered for importation and the kit is not covered by an EPA certificate of conformity issued to an original equipment manufacturer, an EPA Form No. 3520-1 must be filed at the port of entry and the vehicle must be imported by an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) eligible to import such vehicles or kits. The ICI then must ensure that the vehicle or kit complies with all applicable emission requirements. 2.
An assembled kit car or complete kit car package which meets the following guidelines will be considered to be a rebuilt vehicle of a previously certified configuration and will be considered to be covered by that configuration's original EPA certificate of conformity. 1.
The components of the drivetrain (engine, transmission, differential) must be exclusively or substantially used and/or rebuilt. Regardless of the combination of new and used components, the engine must be used or used and rebuilt. The engine block and cylinder head(s) must be used, other components of the engine may be new. "Used" means the component has been in a vehicle that has been titled to an ultimate purchaser. A rebuilt component is defined as a used component which has been refurbished with new or other used parts. 2.
All emission-related components and settings must conform in all material respects to those of one previously certified configuration. Therefore, all part numbers for the emission-related components of a fully assembled kit vehicle or complete kit car package must match or be traceable to the numbers specified in the application for certification of a previously certified configuration. 3.
Consistent with EPA Advisory Circular (AC) 64, which deals with modifications performed before sale to the ultimate purchaser, the vehicle weight of the kit configuration can be no more than 500 pounds greater than the weight of the originally certified configuration. 4.
All catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and charcoal canisters must be new, original equipment parts. 5.
Kit vehicles must: (1) have the same transmission configuration (i.e., manual, automatic, semi-automatic, number of forward gears, and shift calibration) as the originally certified configuration; and (2) consistent with AC 17F, have an N/V ratio (speed of vehicle in miles per hour/speed of engine in revolutions per minute) which matches the N/V ratio of the originally certified configuration within three (3) percent in every gear.*
*The Agency would consider minor variations to these limitations upon an appropriate demonstration that the altered configuration will meet Federal emission requirements. 6.
Each vehicle and its accompanying documentation must be clearly labeled as to the make, model year, engine family, subfamily, and tune-up specifications represented by the originally certified vehicle. 7.
If the originally certified configuration required unleaded fuel, then the vehicles must have fuel filler neck restrictors and unleaded fuel labels which meet the requirements of 40 CFR 80.24. 3.
The production, sale and importation of automotive bodies alone (i.e., no chassis, engine or transmission) are not regulated by EPA since such units are not considered "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. EPA form 3520-1 is not required for imported automotive bodies. A motor vehicle from which the engine has been removed is still a motor vehicle and is not considered a body. 4.
The production, sale and importation of vehicle parts (engines, transmissions, chassis, vehicle bodies, etc.) are not regulated by EPA because parts are not considered motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. However if the parts constitute a disassembled vehicle or an approximate disassembled vehicle, the combination is considered a motor vehicle under the Clean Air Act. Any attempt to use this policy to circumvent the Clean Air Act or the Imports regulations will be considered a violation of the Clean Air Act and will be strictly enforced. An example of such circumvention is: A kit car maker who also provides the engine and transmission before or after production/importation of the body/chassis.
5.
"Motor vehicles" must comply with the Clean Air Act and may not be disassembled nor purchased in a disassembled form for the purposes of evading the Clean Air Act or the Imports regulations. In these situations the kit car body/chassis combination must be certified by the manufacturer, must be in a configuration which was previously certified by EPA subject to the guidelines discussed at "2" above or, in the case of an importation, an EPA form 3520-1 must be filed at the port of entry and the vehicle imported by an eligible ICI who must ensure that the kit car body/chassis complies with all applicable emission requirements. At the present time, there are no ICIs eligible to import kit cars. 6.
Except with regard to kit vehicles meeting the guidelines at "2" above; an individual or firm that assembles kits for hire or resale, that produces assembled kit cars for resale or that produces complete kit car packages for resale will be considered to be a manufacturer of new motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. Such manufacturers and their vehicles are subject to all applicable regulations under the Act including civil penalties of up to $25,000 per vehicle for each new motor vehicle distributed in commerce, sold, offered for sale, or introduced, or delivered for introduction, into commerce, unless such vehicle is covered by a certificate of conformity issued by EPA.
KIT CAR POLICY SUPPLEMENT
The supplement contains definitions from the Clean Air Act and justification used to derive the position of the Kit car Policy.
Section 216 (1) defines a "manufacturer" as..."any person engaged in the manufacturing or assembling of new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines, or importing such vehicle or engines for resale..."
Section 216 (2) defines a "motor vehicle" as ..."any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway."
Section 216 (3) defines a "new motor vehicle" as..."a motor vehicle the equitable or legal title to which has never been transferred to the ultimate purchaser.."
Section 216 (5) defines a "ultimate purchaser" as..."the first person who in good faith purchases such new motor vehicle or new engine for purposes other than resale".
Section 203(a)(1) prohibits:..."in the case of a manufacturer of new motor vehicles...the sale, or offering for sale, or the introduction,..into commerce..any new motor vehicle...unless such vehicle...is covered by a certificate of conformity.."
Section 205 states.."any person who violates Section 203(a)(1)..shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25,000...Any such violation...shall constitute a separate offense.."
EPA Emissions testing-
Emissions Testing
The Federal emission testing requirements are based on complex laboratory testing procedures as described in 40 CFR Part 86. The emissions are measured while the vehicle is being driven in the laboratory on a chassis dynamometer. The vehicle is driven through a specific driving cycle representing a typical urban drive of 10.5 miles, takes 14 to 36 hours, and includes fuel filling, starting, stopping, accelerating, decelerating, cruising, idling, and sitting while parked*. The emissions measured include hydrocarbons (H C), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrous Oxides (NOx), Evaporative emissions, and particulate emissions. Commercially, testing for light-duty vehicles (e.g., passenger cars) typically costs about $1,000. State emission tests are typically much shorter, simpler, and cheaper, and measure only HC and CO. EPA does not accept the results of state emission tests to demonstrate compliance with Federal emission standards.
* The testing details described above represent the Federal emission testing requirements for light-duty vehicles (cars) and light-duty trucks. Heavy-duty engines are tested on an engine dynamometer (not mounted in a truck, bus, etc.) and have different testing procedures.
Emissions Testing
The Federal emission testing requirements are based on complex laboratory testing procedures as described in 40 CFR Part 86. The emissions are measured while the vehicle is being driven in the laboratory on a chassis dynamometer. The vehicle is driven through a specific driving cycle representing a typical urban drive of 10.5 miles, takes 14 to 36 hours, and includes fuel filling, starting, stopping, accelerating, decelerating, cruising, idling, and sitting while parked*. The emissions measured include hydrocarbons (H C), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrous Oxides (NOx), Evaporative emissions, and particulate emissions. Commercially, testing for light-duty vehicles (e.g., passenger cars) typically costs about $1,000. State emission tests are typically much shorter, simpler, and cheaper, and measure only HC and CO. EPA does not accept the results of state emission tests to demonstrate compliance with Federal emission standards.
* The testing details described above represent the Federal emission testing requirements for light-duty vehicles (cars) and light-duty trucks. Heavy-duty engines are tested on an engine dynamometer (not mounted in a truck, bus, etc.) and have different testing procedures.
There is too much misinformation out there about the actual importation and legalization process . The actual process requires the satisfication of several government agencies . The government agencies concerned are :
1) NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or DOT (Department of Transportation) 2) EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 3) Customs Service.( Part of Homeland Security now) 4) CARB ( California Air Resources Board) if you are in California. 5) Local Deparment of Motor Vehicles.
There is a lot of information about importation of vehicles . It is a little difficult to transfer several years of knowledge and experience into a few lines of information. The truest way to learn the information is though doing it and from reading the Code of Federal Regulations , along with the local laws and information.
My state doesn't have emissions testing , so is it any cheaper to legalize my vehicle ?
No , its not any cheaper as the vehicle , and every vehicle when first sold new must meet Federal Emissions Standards . If your state does not have emissions standards , that does not mean you , or your state does not meet them . It merely means there is no in use testing. Federal emissions standards are FTP testing. It is run on a dyno from a cold start . Though an 11 mile drive cycle. All of the emissions from a vehicle are tested , and the vehicle must meet certain criteria for the year it was produced .
I want to bring in a Toyota Supra from Japan (any vehicle not produced for the US market) , I have seen people have them here already , why do you say I can't have the car ?
All eligibility numbers are for left-hand drive motor vehicles except where right-hand drive (RHD) is identified after the model. While there is no specific restriction on importing a right-hand drive vehicle, an eligibility number based on a substantially similar U.S.- certified motor vehicle may not apply. Our experience has shown that the safety performance of right-hand drive vehicles is not necessarily the same as that of apparently similar left-hand drive vehicles offered for sale in this country. However, we will consider them "substantially similar" if the manufacturer advises us that the right-hand drive vehicle would perform the same as the certified left-hand drive vehicle in crash tests. If the vehicle is not substantially similar to one sold in the U.S., the RI would have to demonstrate that the vehicle, when modified, would comply with the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, which could involve crash testing several vehicles.
Whats FTP ?
Federal Test Procedure, or FTP means the test procedure as described in Sec. 86.130-00 (a) through (d) and (f) which is designed to measure urban driving tail pipe exhaust emissions and evaporative emissions over the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule as described in appendix I to this part.
.
Whats DOT ?
Department of Transportation . Mostly we are concerned with the NHTSA . National Highway Transportation Safety Administration . OVSC . Office of Vehicle Safety and Compliance
Whats FMVSS ?
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Whats EPA ?
Environmental Protection Agency
Whats CARB ?
California Air Resources Board.
What is an HS-7 ?
Its the DOT form required to import a vehicle.
What is a 3520 -1 ?
Its the EPA form required to import a motor vehicle.
What is Show or Display exemption ?
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/...play/
I want to import a race car how do I do it ?
There are two ways to import a race car . Temporary and permantent . http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/....html
I want to do the work myself , why do you say I can't ?
Registered importers are supposed to preform all modifications as the modifications are covered by safety recall insurance . If the RI did not preform the modifications there is no way for them to ensure the modifications are done correctly.
Why do you care if I import a car and sell it ?
If this guy sells it to someone , without the person fully knowing about the car they may have some problems .
The only person that has something actually to lose is the guy that buys this car . If I can use some of my knowledge about this , to possibly help someone out , then I will .
I hear 1996 and up cars need OBD -II . What is OBD -II ? Do cars made for other countries have it ?
http://www.obdiicsu.com/ No system was required by other countries until recently .
1) NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or DOT (Department of Transportation) 2) EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 3) Customs Service.( Part of Homeland Security now) 4) CARB ( California Air Resources Board) if you are in California. 5) Local Deparment of Motor Vehicles.
There is a lot of information about importation of vehicles . It is a little difficult to transfer several years of knowledge and experience into a few lines of information. The truest way to learn the information is though doing it and from reading the Code of Federal Regulations , along with the local laws and information.
My state doesn't have emissions testing , so is it any cheaper to legalize my vehicle ?
No , its not any cheaper as the vehicle , and every vehicle when first sold new must meet Federal Emissions Standards . If your state does not have emissions standards , that does not mean you , or your state does not meet them . It merely means there is no in use testing. Federal emissions standards are FTP testing. It is run on a dyno from a cold start . Though an 11 mile drive cycle. All of the emissions from a vehicle are tested , and the vehicle must meet certain criteria for the year it was produced .
I want to bring in a Toyota Supra from Japan (any vehicle not produced for the US market) , I have seen people have them here already , why do you say I can't have the car ?
All eligibility numbers are for left-hand drive motor vehicles except where right-hand drive (RHD) is identified after the model. While there is no specific restriction on importing a right-hand drive vehicle, an eligibility number based on a substantially similar U.S.- certified motor vehicle may not apply. Our experience has shown that the safety performance of right-hand drive vehicles is not necessarily the same as that of apparently similar left-hand drive vehicles offered for sale in this country. However, we will consider them "substantially similar" if the manufacturer advises us that the right-hand drive vehicle would perform the same as the certified left-hand drive vehicle in crash tests. If the vehicle is not substantially similar to one sold in the U.S., the RI would have to demonstrate that the vehicle, when modified, would comply with the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, which could involve crash testing several vehicles.
Whats FTP ?
Federal Test Procedure, or FTP means the test procedure as described in Sec. 86.130-00 (a) through (d) and (f) which is designed to measure urban driving tail pipe exhaust emissions and evaporative emissions over the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule as described in appendix I to this part.
.
Whats DOT ?
Department of Transportation . Mostly we are concerned with the NHTSA . National Highway Transportation Safety Administration . OVSC . Office of Vehicle Safety and Compliance
Whats FMVSS ?
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Whats EPA ?
Environmental Protection Agency
Whats CARB ?
California Air Resources Board.
What is an HS-7 ?
Its the DOT form required to import a vehicle.
What is a 3520 -1 ?
Its the EPA form required to import a motor vehicle.
What is Show or Display exemption ?
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/...play/
I want to import a race car how do I do it ?
There are two ways to import a race car . Temporary and permantent . http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/....html
I want to do the work myself , why do you say I can't ?
Registered importers are supposed to preform all modifications as the modifications are covered by safety recall insurance . If the RI did not preform the modifications there is no way for them to ensure the modifications are done correctly.
Why do you care if I import a car and sell it ?
If this guy sells it to someone , without the person fully knowing about the car they may have some problems .
The only person that has something actually to lose is the guy that buys this car . If I can use some of my knowledge about this , to possibly help someone out , then I will .
I hear 1996 and up cars need OBD -II . What is OBD -II ? Do cars made for other countries have it ?
http://www.obdiicsu.com/ No system was required by other countries until recently .
AZhitman wrote:Sean - How about some info on importing a mid-90's Nissan President, or a JDM-spec mid-90's (pre-OBDII) Q45?
Barring that, how about a President front clip w/o engine?
I have every intention of entertaining this notion if someone can make it happen. What a great "ad car" for NICO!
The Q45 existed in Japan . The biggest problem would be the right hand drive.
We could go though the petition process. Import a car - and petition the DOT for substancially similar status.
However , they would probably want to see crash testing.
The DOT would contact Nissan and ask Nissan if the JDM car and US car would preform the same in a crash test.
Since the JDM car was not crash tested in accordance with US regulations , they would respond with "it would not meet US standards".
Then it would be down to crash testing.
For the EVO VII and VIII , I have been bantering back and forth with the DOT for the last 14 ? 15 months...
