PRINT THIS PAGE AND KEEP IT NEARBY TO HELP YOU THROUGH EACH STEP

  Before you export your car to the United States, go through this document to learn all the steps involved. Consult the Automotive Imports Facts Manual (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/factmtop.htm) for comprehensive information. The guidelines below will help you through the process.

  There are a few things you'll need to know about your car before you list on eBay and make it available to a U.S. buyer.
  • Not all vehicles can be exported to the U.S. Some vehicles may be ineligible if not manufactured for the Canadian market. Visit http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/canadian.htm for list of eligible vehicles.
     
  • Vehicles under 25 years old must comply with the American Department of Transportation standards for the year they were produced. Vehicles built after September 1, 1978 must also comply with bumper standards. Visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/VIG_Canada07032.html to contact the original manufacturer and ask for a letter of confirmation stating whether the vehicle complies with applicable U.S. Federal Motor Standards. This letter will either confirm that your vehicle can be exported without modification or must have certain modifications made prior to the entry of the vehicle.
     
  • Vehicles under 21 years old must meet applicable emission standards  which means that the catalytic converters and/or oxygen sensors must be in good working order. Remember that federal and state emissions requirements are independent of one another, so passing a state emissions test does not guarantee that the car will meet federal standards. Visit http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/ for more detail on emissions standards, including a list of vehicles that require no modification of emissions control systems to enter the U.S.

  Once you've sold your vehicle to a U.S. buyer, here's what you'll need to do.
  • Make sure your buyer understands that they'll need to pay duty for their vehicle. Foreign-made vehicles imported into the U.S., whether new or used, either for personal use or for sale, are generally dutiable at the following rate:
  • Auto - 2.5%
  • Trucks - 25% (defined as a vehicle with an open cargo area)
  • Motorcycles over 700cc - 2.4% (Motorcycles under 700cc are generally not charged duty)
  • Notify U.S. customs of the date of arrival of the vehicle more than 72 hours in advance.
     
  • In order to clear U.S. customs, you will need to provide a bill of sale, a completed U.S. Customs Invoice, Copy of Canadian registration, completed HS-7 Department of Transportation form, completed 3520-1 Environmental Protection Agency form, and any other documents related to the vehicle.