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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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