HS7 Rev 02-2020

 

Importation of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment Subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft Protection Standards Revised 2-2020

In order to legally import a vehicle to the United States, you have to declare the vehicle with US Customs and Border Patrol, which includes filling out a NHTSA form HS7, and EPA form 3520-1. 

HS7 rev 9 2-2020

The ways to properly declare a car with the NHTSA and US Customs and Border Patrol

Permanent means the vehicle is a "consumption" entry or allowed in the US forever. The importer will also need to fill in a 3520-1. Tariff/ tax will be due.  Temporary means some certain amount of time, which is normally a year, then must be exported or destroyed.  Most temporary imports have a bond of 150% of the value of the vehicle. 

Box 1. Permanent import over 25 years old

Box 2A. Permanent the vehicle conforms with standards.

Box 2B. Permanent the vehicle conforms to Canadian standards, needs a manufacturers letter. 

Box 3. Permanent the vehicle can be brought into compliance. The important part being can be. It doesn't mean the car can be imported without bringing it up to standards. An RI must import, the vehicle must be bonded. 

Box 4. Temporary the vehicle is imported for export.

Box 5. Temporary the vehicle is imported by a NON RESIDENT for up to a year, then will be exported. 

Box 6. Temporary the vehicle is imported by a diplomat for personal use. Will not be sold in the US, and when leaving the country will be exported. 

Box 7. Temporary the vehicle is imported for research, investigation, demonstrations or training, or competitive racing events. NHTSA permission letter is required. 

Box 8. Permanent the vehicle was not manufactured primarily for use on the roads, aka race car. 

Box 9. Temporary the vehicle is incomplete.

Box 10. Permanent the vehicle is eligible under Show or Display. NHTSA permission letter required. 

Box 11. Permanent The equipment is subject to 40 CFR 541 and marked as such

Box 12. Temporary the vehicle is owned by a member of the armed forces of a FOREIGN country on assignment in the US. The vehicle will not be sold, and will be exported at the conclusion of tour of duty. 

Box 13. Permanent when brought into compliance, otherwise temporary the vehicle is imported by an RI in order to work on a petition. The vehicle may have to be exported or destroyed if not brought into compliance.  Requires NHTSA permission letter.