3520-1 EPA Form for Importing Vehicles : Updated February 2021

 New EPA form 3520-1. Updated February 2021. OMB 2060-0717 Approval expires June 30,2023

The new form has changed some verbiage on Code E.   New verbiage

3520-1 Code E. Vehicles over 21 years old

Code E - vehicles at least 21 years old (calendar year of manufacture subtracted from year of importation) and in original unmodified configuration is either exempted or excluded from EPA emission requirements, depending on age. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this exemption unless the replacement engine is the same model as originally installed, or an engine with any aftertreatment from a certified vehicle no older than the one being imported. Customs may require proof of age. 

US Conforming and "identical vehicles

Code B - US certified unmodified vehicle with a US emissions label

Code F - US certified, catalyst restoration - US certified, except needs some work to be brought back into full compliance

Code EE - identical in all material respects to a US certified version - either a Canadian certified vehicle, or a vehicle that was sold in another country, and has a letter from the manufactures US representative. 

Code FF - Canadian "identical" models imported for resale or lease

EPA Exempted Vehicles

Code M - miscellaneous exemption either Canadian that is emigrating to the US, inheritance, or EPA hardship letter. 

Code E- vehicles at least 21 years old are either exempted or excluded. 

Code L -racing vehicle 40CFR85.1511(e) with EPA approval letter

Code U - 2005 or older motorcycle, scooter, or moped with engine displacement less than 50 cc and rated speed greater than 5000 rpm.

Code W - non chassis mounted engine to be used in a car or truck, that is covered by an EPA certificate of conformity

Code Y - unregulated fuel. Earlier than 1991 other than gas or diesel. 1991-1996 other than gas, diesel, or methanol. 1997 and later operates on fuel other than gas, diesel, methanol or ethanol, or compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). This does not apply to 2004 or later vehicles.

Temporary Imports

Code G - imported for repair or alteration. Bond required. EPA approval letter required

Code I - imported for testing. May not be registered or licensed for road use. Bond required. EPA approval letter required

Code K - imported for display. May not be registered or licensed for road use. Bond required. EPA approval letter required

Code N - imported by FOREIGN service member or government official. 

Code O - imported by a NON RESIDENT for personal use for up to a year. EPA approval letter required

Independent commercial importer (ICI) imports

Code A - Imported by ICI for modifications under a valid EPA certificate of conformity

Code C- Imported by ICI for modifications and testing, must be at least 6 years old

Code J - Imported by ICI for pre-certification testing

Code Z -Imported by ICI for modifications to be identical to an OEM version

OEM imports

Code H - imported, owned, and controlled by an OEM in accordance with 40CFR85.1706

Code Q - imported, owned, and controlled by an OEM for storage pending EPA certificate of conformity

EPA form 3520-1. Updated February 2021. OMB 2060-0717 Approval expires June 30,2023

EPA form 3520-1. Updated February 2021. OMB 2060-0717 Approval expires June 30,2023

EPA website