Import a Car to USA & Canada – Essential Guide

Your Roadmap to Seamlessly Importing a European Vehicle

Blog Contents:

  • Why Import a Car from Europe?
  • Importing a Car to the USA
  • Key Eligibility Rules
  • Required Documentation
  • Customs & Compliance
  • Importing a Car to Canada
  • RIV Program & Vehicle Age
  • Tax, Duty & Provincial Requirements
  • Choosing a Shipping Method
  • AutoHUB Europe – End-to-End Import Brokerage
  • Common Import Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
  • FAQs: Import a Car to the USA or Canada
  • Final Steps & Call to Action

1. Why Import a Car from Europe?

Europe remains one of the most desirable markets for sought-after luxury, performance, and classic vehicles. Whether you're pursuing a rare model Porsche, a lower-mileage Ferrari, or a timeless Land Rover Defender classic, Importing offers:
 Exclusive models not available in North America
 Rich provenance and superior condition for collectables
 Stronger resale value for well-maintained classics
 Competitive pricing despite duties and fees

However, to successfully import a car from Europe, it’s essential to understand the regulations and logistics of both the destination country and your chosen vehicle.

2. How to import a Car to the USA

AutoHUB Europe - RORO Port Drop Off

Key Eligibility Rules

The U.S. enforces strict environmental and safety regulations through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).

  • 25-Year Exemption: Vehicles ≥25 years old are exempt from EPA and DOT compliance
  • Under 25 Years: Must meet all U.S. emissions and safety standards

Requires certification or conversion by a Registered Importer (RI) and Independent Commercial Importer (ICI).

To import a car into the U.S., prepare:

  • Bill of Sale & Foreign Title
  • Bill of Lading (BOL)
  • EPA Form 3520-1
  • DOT Form HS-7
  • CBP Entry Form 7501

Vehicles without OEM compliance labels may require formal certification through an ICI, which may increase costs and processing time.

Costs & Fees

  • Import Duty: 2.5% of vehicle value
  • Gas Guzzler Tax: Applies to low-MPG vehicles
  • DOT Bond: 1.5x vehicle value (if non-compliant)

📌 Pro Tip: Work with a customs broker to avoid delays.

Inspections occur at the port of entry. Non-compliance or missing paperwork can result in delays, storage fees, re-export, or denial of entry.


3. How to import a Car to Canada

Land Rover Defender 110 at Shipping Port

RIV Program & Vehicle Age

Canada’s import regulations are governed by Transport Canada and the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).

  • 15-Year Rule: Vehicles ≥15 years old are exempt from Transport Canada standards
  • Under 15 Years: Must be on the admissible vehicle list
  • RIV Inspection: Required for most vehicles under 15 years
  • Recall Clearance Letter: Needed for registration

Tax, Duty & Provincial Requirements

  • GST: 5% on import value
  • PST/QST/HST: Varies by province
  • Duties: Typically, 6.1% unless covered under CETA (EU-Canada Trade Agreement)
  • AC Tax & Green Levy: May apply based on engine size or emissions

4. Choosing a Shipping Method

AutoHUB Europe - RORO Port Southampton

Your shipping method affects cost, delivery time, and risk.

Choosing the Best Shipping Method

Method

Best For

Pros

Cons

RoRo

Budget-friendly, operable cars

Cheaper, faster loading

Exposed to weather

Container

Luxury/classic cars

Secure, climate-controlled

Higher cost

Air Freight

Urgent, high-value imports

Fastest delivery

Very expensive


5. AutoHUB Europe – Your Trusted Vehicle Import Partner

AutoHUB Europe specializes in sourcing, inspecting, and coordinating the safe import of vehicles from Europe to North America. We are known for:

✅ In-Person Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections in Europe (PPI)

✅ Trusted Relationships with shipping lines and customs brokers

✅ Full-Service Coordination: End-to-End Logistics (Sourcing, shipping, customs)

✅ Clear Communication & Transparent Pricing

AutoHUB Europe - Ferrari 308 GTS

Client Success Snapshot:
A client imported a  Ferrari 308 GTS sourced in Denmark. We performed an on-site inspection, secured secure-container transport, and ensured DOT/EPA compliance, resulting in timely delivery to the new owner. 


6. Common Import Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake: Missing or Incomplete Documents

Solution: Use a checklist and partner with a professional broker.

Mistake: Misunderstanding Vehicle Age Rules

Solution: Confirm date of manufacture—not model year—when determining eligibility.

Mistake: Underestimating Total Costs

Solution: Request a landed cost estimate including taxes, duties, brokerage, shipping, and compliance.


7. FAQs: Importing a Car to the USA or Canada

AutoHUB Europe FAQ

Q: Can I import a non-compliant car under the 25-year rule in the U.S.?
Yes. Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from EPA and DOT requirements.

Q: What is required to register an imported car in Canada?
RIV inspection (if applicable), recall clearance letter, proof of taxes paid, and provincial registration documents.

Q: Do all European cars qualify for duty-free import to Canada under CETA?
No. To qualify, the vehicle must be manufactured in the EU and meet CETA origin rules. Documentation is required.

Q: How long does the process take?
From sourcing to final delivery: 6–10 weeks depending on shipping method, inspections, and customs clearance.

Q: Can I import a leased vehicle?
No—leased vehicles usually have export restrictions.


8. Ready to Import Your Dream Car?

Porsche 911 Turbo - Restored

Whether you’re sourcing a rare Porsche 911 Turbo, a well-preserved Mercedes SL, or a low-mileage Toyota Land Cruiser, the process to import a car from Europe to the USA or Canada is manageable—with the right guidance.

AutoHUB Europe provides you with that guidance—plus expert sourcing, trusted inspections, and full-service import coordination.

📣 Looking to source or inspect a European vehicle with confidence?
Contact AutoHUB Europe today to experience full-service, transparent brokerage that delivers results.

Schedule a consultation with our import specialists today.
📧 info@autohubeu.com
📞 Canada: +1 403.879.7221
📞 US Toll-Free: +1 877.665.8412
📱 Europe / WhatsApp: +34 634.785.442
🌐 Website: www.autohubeu.com

🔗 Explore More Guides:
👉 How to Import a Car to the US: A Cost Purchase

 

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