Anyone Imported A Car To the US From Europe?

"Tripper" (tripe46)
11/02/2018 at 09:51 • Filed to: None

Asking for a friend...JK it’s for me, and I’m getting pretty serious about it. I’ve contacted a few shipping companies and am awaiting quotes. I have asked them all if they help with customs/import procedures so that I am easily able to title and ensure the vehicle. No word on that yet. I would love to hear from an Oppo who has done it.

Also Happy Friday!

DISCUSSION (37)

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 10:00

GIB MINI PLS

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 10:06

Here’s your guy!

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/importable-ebay-germany-finds-of-the-week-1730390919

E90M3 > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 10:12

Why bother with all of that when Porsche already went through that hassle years ago importing the 997.

diplodicus > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 10:28

This guy is active on both MyE28 and R3v https://www.e28.nl/contact/

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=425216

http://www.mye28.com/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=6204&sid=90162477c92f4fe1195cd108aba4b7c3

Tripper > E90M3
11/02/2018 at 10:32

Somewhere out there, t here are a hand full cars that are unknowingly competing for a spot in my driveway (997 obviously included) . Each is a particular make/model with specific attributes that make up my dream version of that car . All they have to do is knock at my door or come up in an internet search and let me know that they exist. One of those cars has knocked at my door but from really far away. So I’m going to make every reasonable effort to buy it.

87mgte! > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 10:37

yup all the time, i’m a customs broker

Tripper > 87mgte!
11/02/2018 at 11:12

Yea? So do you know if most shipping companies handle all of the stuff that needs to be handled with customs, or are there things that I would need to do before I’m able to title and ensure the vehicle?

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 11:16

I got really close until i learned that a Lada Niva is too tall to double stack containerized, and no one was willing to drive/haul it to a port with RO-RO service for an acceptable amount of money either. The shipping would have cost double or more the value of the vehicle :/ the container guys woild pick it up and pack it, but since it was too tall to double stack they wanted almost double normal to ship it. The closest RO-RO port was nearly 150 miles away from the car and no one was interested in delivering it and dealing with the hassle of presenting it to the shipper for a reasonable amount of money, not to mention the port of entry for RO-RO would have been 4 00 miles away from me... Hence me not getting to the actual importation and registering bit, and still not owning a Lada Niva. :p

Tripper > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
11/02/2018 at 11:27

I’ve just heard back from one shipping co. They want $2750 to get it here. +2% of the vehicle value for insurance. Guessing I’ll also have to pay PA sales tax @ 6%. Guessing driveway to driveway for around $3500. Seller is willing to drive it 50 miles to the shipping co.

I responded with a few questions regarding customs etc...I want to be able to pick it up, title and insure it. I don’t want to have to mickey mouse around with customs on my own, hoping the company will handle all of that.

We’ll see.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 11:59

Not yet, but I have been talking a bit to people that have imported them. Doesn’t sound too bad. Just a bit pricey and so much to go through it.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 12:15

yeah, the Container Guys (who would pick it up) wanted $6,500 to ship it because it would effectively take up two spots in the container. The RO-RO company quoted me $2400 for shipping, insurance and customs brokerage, but it would have cost nearly that much to have it towed and delivered to the port :P I thought about hiring some local to do it, but I felt there was too much risk in it, especially with a language barrier . The seller had no interest in doing it themselves. The car was only €1900.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 12:27

Depends. Is it a 25-year rule car ?

If Not: STOP. YOU MUST USE A REGISTERED IMPORTER TO HANDLE BOTH PURCHASE AND IMPORT.
If Yes: Depends on the broker, the importer, etcetera. Customs paperwork is not difficult. But people are fucking lazy, entitled assholes, and not filling it out completely is what gets cars crushed.

DO NOT BE THAT ASSHOLE THAT TRIES TO CHEAT ON IMPORT DUTIES. If you claim a lower sale price (or even if you make a mistake) and don’t immediately correct it? The car will be seized . Also be dead certain that your broker has a continuing surety bond with US Customs.

As the final receiver there is paperwork you must fill out correctly and completely ! YOU bear final responsibility for ALL CUSTOMS DOCUMENTS as the final receiver! No importer can do ALL the paperwork for you; there are items you will need to sign. Double check their work. The forms tell you what you need in there, so it’s not a lawyer required thing. Just make sure everything is filled out completely and truthfully. Double check it again.

A good broker will know all of the forms required (they’re standardized) and will do nearly all the paperwork for you. But if your DOT form HS-7 is missing or incomplete? The car will be crushed . I strongly recommend having MULTIPLE copies of the HS-7 because that is your PRIMARY document to protect against destruction. For a 25 year vehicle, consult an expert in that specific vehicle before filling out HS-7. It is not just “tick box 1.” There are situations where you must tick additional boxes even on a 25 year car.

You also must have EPA form 3520. A lot of people miss this one. It is absolutely mandatory for 25 year cars. If you are not code E, EE, or Y, you need an attorney . Note that you MUST NOT code Y for “flex fuel.”

You will then have a CBP form 7501 as well, the entry summary. The importer will fill this one out. Make absolutely certain every single item checks out. This can be corrected, but if there is ANY error such as a typo in your address? Immediate red flag. (You’ll be the ‘Ultimate Consignee.’) Those MUST be corrected before you take possession.

Always ship title, sale, and registration documents SEPARATELY and AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE . For states that require a VIN inspection, contact the BMV/DMV to make appropriate arrangements in advance of arrival. Many states will issue a 30 day tag prior to VIN inspection, but do not buy the 30 day tags until the car has fully cleared customs. Depending on port of entry, lag time from entry to clearance can be same day to over a month.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 12:43

Sounds like you have a specific car you’re looking at – but have you had any experience with the Port of Portland? It’s pretty tempting that they do seem to bring in a lot f vehicles from Asia…and Japan has a pretty good selection of old low mileage cars in ridiculously good condition to choose from, including a fair bit of European models. Always been tempted by that prospect, being the local port and all too.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/02/2018 at 13:26

Thanks, this is great intel. The car is older than 25 and the particular model was sold in America. I got the following from the shipping company:

Cost for shipping port to port is $2,750 for 1 car in a 2 pack 40ft container.

custom duties are 3% (HMF & MPF fees included)

All-risk shipping insurance is 2% of the vehicle value

1% customs bond

The car would arrive in NY, I’d go get it and drive it back to PA.

I’ve asked what HMF & MPF but have not heard back yet.

“Always ship title, sale, and registration documents SEPARATELY and AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE. “

So I’d pay the guy, he ships the documents, then we get the car on the boat?

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 14:04

OK, you need to consult an expert BEFORE you fill out your HS-7. (Only fill out one, then make like.. 10 copies. Just in case.) If it is NOT labeled as US compliant, there’s nothing to it. If it DOES have US conformity labeling on the car, consult an expert . Any EPA labels complicates the process because it’s no longer an exempt non-conforming car; it’s a conforming car. Rules change there.

HMF is Harbor Maintenance Fee and MPF is Merchandise Processing Fee. These are collected by CBP for the IRS. The HMF is a fee of 0.125 percent of the value of the shipment. The MPF is more complex; you have a formal entry so it is an ad valorem of 0.3464 percent, with a maximum MPF of $485 but not less than $25 . These are charged in addition to normal duties .

The duty schedule is complex as hell if you’re unfamiliar with the classifications and shitshow of bureaucracy involved . You qualify for a flat rate duty but cannot claim personal exemption. This part you don’t need to worry about so much because CBP will tell you if the duty is wrong when you come to collect . (Plus you really do not want to deal with Commerce and USTR.)

2% is a normal insurance rate for a freight shipment of this nature, and the customs bond can be set by the carrier or broker if they have a surety bond with CBP . You want to be sure of whether you are paying to use their bonding or if you are posting bond directly .

Here’s some more info on surety bonds with regards to importing. I f the broker is doing pass-through (where they basically perform all the work and simply pass through as single-entry to CBP) then that’s fine. Just make sure you know whether you’ll be using their bond or they are passing through.

So I’d pay the guy, he ships the documents, then we get the car on the boat?

Yes, pretty much exactly this, or close to it. Do NOT transport the title OR original bill of sale with the vehicle under ANY circumstances. A copy of the bill of sale SHOULD stay with the vehicle (and should include both the seller and buyer names and addresses .) This is just so if there are any paperwork problems or confusion , you have a document behind seal that shows origin and destination. The broker will tell you any other documentation that needs to stay with the car, because it varies by origin and destination. (Primarily in how they handle movement, insurance, and storage after clearing customs.)

So now I do have to ask: what’s the car exactly?

duurtlang > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
11/02/2018 at 16:05

That’s a long time ago :)

Anyw ay, I have shipped to the US before but all I have done is the European side of things.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/02/2018 at 16:52

It’s a heavily/perfectly modified BMW 1502

f86sabre > Tripper
11/02/2018 at 19:02

Not from Europe, but I imported one from Japan last year. I put the guide below together. Should be the same process. If you want a Mini, Flavien seems to be able to find cool ones from Japan. The one we bought wasn’t showy, pic in the link, but had a pretty good body and a good engine.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/importing-a-japanese-car-in-16-easy-steps-1819944587

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/11/2018 at 19:32

So the seller said that the original documents have to stay with the car, but will send me copies prior to shipping. You seem to know otherwise. Also the is a 1975 1502 but has a 1.8 liter M10 does that matter as far as the EPA forms go?

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/11/2018 at 20:40

Uh, wat? Once the title is signed, anybody can fill in the rest and pose as you. That’s why the title never stays with the car. Registration absolutely can no problems. But I would like very much to know where this idea that the title stays with the car is from. The only way it wouldn’t is a title escrow service (and fraudulent title escrows are rampant, especially in Europe.)

But not sending the signed title separate from the car is a big red flag for an EU export. Without the title in hand, you can very easily end up screwed. The seller fills out the export documents in EU, sends you the signed original title and required copies of export documents FedEx or DHL, registration stays with the car. In the EU, the title pretty much MUST be sent separately.

On a ‘75 BMW 1502, should just be 25-year rule, but I would advise checking with a BMW expert. I’ve done very little with BMW so I don’t know the ins and outs of this model.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/11/2018 at 21:17

I just looked back at the email and he said he “thinks the original papers must go with the car.” I’ll just tell him that I want the title sent to me after I pay him, I’m guessing the shipping is going to suggest that anyway. I’m speaking with them in the morning.

The engine has been replaced, but with another M10 (same engine) is there anywhere that has to be noted or is it just code “E”. I’ve got an attorney taking a look at the docs for me, but he’s not an import specialist or anything.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/12/2018 at 09:16

The shipping company agrees with you about the title. The shipping company also said that they are aware of the US DOT and EPA forms. Said they do 400+ vehicle imports to the USA per year. Lots of Rovers and lots of classic BMW’s. I will probably be an annoying client for them but I just want to make sure that I have all of the bases covered.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/12/2018 at 10:46

OK, it sounds like the seller’s just confused there. Title goes separate, operating registration can go with it. Sounds like the shipper knows their stuff as well, so, not likely you’ll be an annoying client. Really a BMW 2002 is a bog standard thing; I just don’t know it myself. So they should be able to tell you if the 1502 needs any additional boxes ticked.

And really that’s... about it. Easy-peasy lemon-squeezy.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/16/2018 at 12:12

Hopefully this will be my last dip into your vast well of knowledge for which I am very grateful.

“But if your DOT form HS-7 is missing or incomplete? The car will be crushed . I strongly recommend having MULTIPLE copies of the HS-7 because that is your PRIMARY document to protect against destruction. For a 25 year vehicle, consult an expert in that specific vehicle before filling out HS-7. It is not just “tick box 1.” There are situations where you must tick additional boxes even on a 25 year car.”

I contacted the shipping company again to ask if they have everything they need because all that I have given them is the bill of sale and current registration (from the seller). They said they have everything that they need and are aiming to pick up the car late this month for an early December departure. I replied back asking what forms they need me to fill out and file. To which they said:

“Yes, we will hook you up with our agent as soon car is here and dropped at the port.

That will be an automatic process as we need to do that before vessel leaves …”

They’re dutch if you aren’t able to tell, haha. My question is the HS-7 and EPA 3520 have to be filled out and filed BEFORE the car arrives, correct?

It seems like they’re saying that they will put me in touch with their agent when the car arrives at the port in Holland, but when I read it first I thought they meant when it arrives stateside.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/16/2018 at 13:12

Haha, no worries if it’s not. I’m happy to help where I can.

SO! This is an interesting one because the EXACT timing involved is actually open to interpretation. What that means is: you will not be allowed to leave quarantine without your HS-7 and Form 3520 being completed, examined, and approved. Which makes sense, right? These two are the absolute most important forms if you don’t want it crushed, much less want to register it in the US.

When you NEED to present those forms however is actually open to interpretation. Per CBP, form 3520-1 and HS-7 are to be filed upon entry.

But depending on who you get, when it is, and what’s going on, they may expect these forms before it’s loaded on the ship. Or they may only require them when the seal is broken . That’s because there are three different interpretations of ‘entry.’ 1: when a shipment enters the legal borders of the country . 2 : when a shipment is received by CBP for inspection. 3 : when the importer files a shipment entry record with CBP to be inspected on arrival .

The broker will be able to tell you the norm for their port and inspectors. (Supposedly it’s standardized at all ports now, but, I’ll believe it when I see it.) You always want to do things the way that make their inspectors happy. A CBP agent who is happy with how you present your paperwork, is much less likely to find blocking faults with it.

Now, the reason I tell folks to fill out the 3520 and HS-7 before shipping the vehicle is because it’s much easier to get the information then . You need the VIN and the date of manufacture. At MINIMUM the week and year (e.g. Week 44, 1975) or preferably the exact date (e.g. November 12 1975.) This DOM MUST match any DOMs stamped on the chassis or associated to the VIN . If you have an EXACT date but the car is stamped week-year, make sure they match, and know both. (Note that the EPA and DOT can both be REALLY pissy about this. So you really MUST know the date of manufacture.)

I know that it’s a 1975 and it’s clearly well within the 25 year rule, but again, it’s about paperwork presentation. Most importations that go badly? Are because people were sloppy with paperwork. My former neighbor was CBP import inspection, so I actually got the straight dope direct from the source. They’ve got a LOT of shipments to inspect with a LOT of paperwork. If you make sure your paperwork is clean, clear, and in order? It makes their job easier. If you immediately know the answers to any questions they might have? It makes their job easier. Making an effort to have paperwork in order is an indication that you’re acting in good faith. A shipment presented for inspection that accurately describes the contents with an attempt made to have everything they want ready and correct? They’re much more likely to give you a pass on any minor glitches, or let you correct them more easily. Showing an effort goes a long way.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/16/2018 at 14:53

Ok, got it. Is there a better/more accurate way to find out the date of manufacture than those vin decoder sites? Should I have the shipping company look for it on the car somewhere? I don’ t know if they had those door plates back then, haha.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/16/2018 at 14:56

If there’s a door plate, that’s the ticket, but there isn’t always. Sometimes there’s a VIN plate or similar which will have the week/year at minimum. But since it’s pre-80's and EU I honestly don’t know. There’s probably some BMW site out there that can tell you by VIN sequence when it was made.

If you can at least narrow it to month/year, that’s usually accepted for true, obvious classics like this. They’re a lot more stringent with newer stuff where people keep trying to sneak in a month or two early.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/16/2018 at 15:00

Gotcha, I have been able to find the month/year. I also found an email address on a beemer bike forum that is supposed to be able to provide more detailed info, so I gave them a shout with the vin.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/20/2018 at 15:24

So I just called the Auto Tag place in PA to verify that I can get a temp tag for the car once it is here and I have the paperwork. He said that I cannot until everything has been processed by the state which can take 2-3 weeks...

So... do I try and fool around with renting a trailer, or do I drive it home with my father tailing me closely and eat the ticket if I get one? Will customs want to see that I have registered in in my home state?

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/20/2018 at 17:24

Customs doesn’t care about anything but your customs paperwork. Their authority basically ends once you take possession. They can’t write you a ticket for not having a registration. It’s weird that they’re saying 2-3 weeks for Harrisburg to issue a temp tag though. Then again, it’s the Commonwealth, and they’ve always tried to be as fucked up as the Massholes for some unknowable reason.

Renting a trailer is totally safe though, as long as you have the rental agreement with you. Customs sees people with rented haulers and trailers all the time. As long as you’ve got the U-Haul or Penske or whoever’s paperwork that says you rented it? Won’t have any problems at all there.

I definitely wouldn’t risk driving it if only because you’re dealing with Virginia (at least I presume they’re bringing it in a Port of Virginia.) VA is a bunch of assholes. Assume they will immediately seize and crush, or just claim ‘civil forfeiture’ bullshit and keep it for themselves.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/20/2018 at 17:45

It’s coming to Baltimore so 95 all the way from MD to PA . I def wouldn’t mess with VA but I’m considering as I have no idea what it will look like going into the port and I’ve never driven anything with a trailer let alone a big one for a car.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/20/2018 at 21:32

I wouldn’t chance it, no way no how, not without any sort of tags. That’s just asking for trouble on the east coast, always.

If you’re not comfortable driving a trailer, it might make more sense to contract a shipping service then. (The shipper should have recommendations there.) But there’s always a risk with that. However, if you show up with someone else with the towing vehicle registered in THEIR NAME (trailer matters less - so long as it’s rented or in one of your names it’s fine ) you won’t have any problems. Has to be THEIR name. Not a parent. Not a spouse unless they’re both on the registration. NO company vehicles EVER unless the company AND employee has a current TWIC.

Really, s tuff like that’s completely routine. Showing up with a buddy driving their truck and a rented trailer, they’re not going to bat an eye unless it’s not their truck.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/20/2018 at 21:47

So I rent the trailer, use my father’s truck and just make sure he comes with?

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/20/2018 at 23:10

Not just comes with - he has to be the one driving the truck, and it has to be registered in his name. Either one of you can be on the trailer rental. If you rent the truck and trailer , the person driving must be the one on the rental agreement for both. Basically, the truck needs to be registered to whoever is behind the wheel.

He’ll also need his driver’s license (and I would bring a passport if you have one.) The shipping company can tell you when the car arrives if you need to bring any additional documents. It may vary for security reasons, but a driver’s license is always required and a passport is sometimes preferred .

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/21/2018 at 08:19

“Basically, the truck needs to be registered to whoever is behind the wheel.”

Just while were at the docks, correct? I’m only asking because I want to be the one driving once the car is hooked up and were on the actual road.

Tripper > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
11/21/2018 at 11:14

Or what about having my dad wait outside of the security with the truck/trailer I go in and get the car and drive it out to him?

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Tripper
11/21/2018 at 17:42

Possibly an option, but, depends on port security and movement rules in the secured areas. That varies by port, so check with the importer there.