How to Import Secondhand Cars
If you need to import secondhand cars, there are some regulations that you must meet. A car that enters into the United States must conform to certain specifications. The car also must be thoroughly clean, so you can be sure you are not carrying any unwanted insects into the United States.
- Select a United States Customs port where you can pick up your car that is convenient for you. You can search for ports available to you on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. You can search for this site using your favorite search engine, such as Google or Bing.
- Use the Customs Bond Form 301 to import the car to Customs at the port you selected. This form is available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
- Show the Customs agents your car registration, sales receipt, and any other documentation they may require, such as conversion documents. If the car was converted to United States specifications while overseas, you will need to show the agents the conversion documents.
- Show the Customs agents the original bill of sale from the shipper you used for your car. The shipper should have given you the correct document, as they are aware of the requirements for Customs.
- Fill out the Environmental Protection Agency Form 3520-1, which will be provided to you by Customs. Fill out the form and give it back to them.
- Fill out the Department of Transportation Form HS-7, which will be provided to you by Customs. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration requires this form to be filled out.
- Pay taxes and duty to the Customs department cashier. This figure will be based on how much the car cost you. For an older car, duty will cost you 2.5 percent of what you paid for the car.
- Pick up your car. Customs will give you a clearance document that will allow you to pick up your car and take it with you.