How to import cars from the UK - costs, processes and important tips (2023)

There's no denying that foreign cars have always had an element of appeal to the general American consumer. And there are even fewer arguments against British automakers who make some of the most luxurious, exciting, reliable and fast cars on the market.

Take the Jaguar, for example. It was hard to sell a Jaguar decades ago when it was introduced to the general public. But now it's part of the world's most recognizable luxury vehicle brands.

Many people want to import cars from UK manufacturers whether new or old. The problem is that the process is not always as simple as buying a car straight from the dealership. If you want to import your dream car, there is a lot of information you need to know.

Legislation you need to know

Three major laws determine most of the standards that imported cars must adhere to, including many cars imported from the UK.

National Motor Vehicle and Traffic Safety Act of 1966

This is the legislation that dictates vehicle safety and road safety standards in the United States. An addition was made in 1988 with the Import Vehicle Safety Compliance Act.

The two laws now define all import standards regarding the shipment of cars from abroad.

Motor Vehicle Cost Savings and Information Act 1972

This law contains legislation that provides penalties against manufacturers that may be violating specific fuel economy standards applicable on US soil, including for imported vehicles.

Clean Air Act of 1968

This law has been amended twice, in 1977 and again in 1990. It makes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responsible for setting national emission standards for all sources of air pollution, such as motor vehicles.

So cars imported from the UK must meet these standards before you can ship them abroad and drive them on US soil. Of course, some exclusions may apply to some UK-manufactured vehicles.

It is essential to know these acts and the norms established by the government and other responsible authorities or bodies. Many vehicles manufactured outside the US and not for US distribution may well violate some standards and require substantial modifications.

Exemptions worth considering

In general, the US wants to restrict consumers from buying imported cars below a certain age. More specifically, it targets cars manufactured less than 25 years before the customs clearance date.

This makes shipping cars from the UK, Japan, New Zealand and beyond a little more complicated.

However, there isexemptionsyou can take advantage For example, you can import cars from the UK if they are over 21 years old and still have their original engines. This can give you an EPA exemption, which is a benefit. But it may not be enough to meet other import standards.

If the car is over 25 years old, it must already meet DOT requirements.

Noncompliant cars can be exempted from many regulations if you re-import them. For example, shipping a car from the US to the UK can make it eligible to be re-imported with less hassle, even if it has been modified to make it eligible in the UK.

Another way to obtain a vehicle from UK locations is to import it as an individual with diplomatic status or a member of the foreign armed forces. Alternatively, the import process may be easier if the car is imported for personal use for no longer than 12 months.

In special circumstances you can ship a non-compliant car from the UK if you agree to make changes. But this can be costly, especially if you aren't there to oversee the process. Still, some DOT registered motor vehicle importers can handle this to ensure you get your UK dream car.

The US Department of State has its own list of exceptions that allows newer, non-compliant vehicles to pass through customs easily. For example, racing cars, show cars, and show and test motor vehicles can be easier to import compared to regular cars.

Importing new models is definitely difficult if you want a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle in a left-hand drive (LHD) country. That said, vintage or classic cars shipped across the pond are unlikely to be seized by customs, impounded or returned.

Documents required at customs

Whether you're shipping a car from the US to the UK or vice versa, you'll need to complete a lot of customs paperwork.

Compliant vehicles coming from the UK must have a manufacturer's label showing compliance with active emissions standards. They must also have a security certification label confirming compliance with theft prevention, bumper and other security regulations.

In addition, customs brokers must inspect the following documents:

• EPA Form 3520-1
• DOT HS-7 form
• Bill of lading
• Fiscal Note
• foreign registration
• Other relevant documents

The shipping company representative usually passes these documents on to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agent or inspector.

Vehicle shipping costs

Many factors determine the total cost of shipping compliant and non-compliant vehicles. The dimensions, the distance of the trip, the freight service, the type of transport and even the distance between the ports of origin and destination influence the price.

But please note that shipping costs are independent of destination fees, taxes and customs fees.

Auto tax rates are around 2.5% in the US for foreign-manufactured vehicles. In general, it doesn't matter if the car is for sale, commercial or for personal use.

Some customs currency exemptions may apply to expatriates or exchange students returning home if the vehicle is the same vehicle you left with or if you are importing it for personal use. But despite the potential deductions, modifications may still be required to bring the vehicle into compliance after customs clearance.

How much does it cost to ship a car from the US to the UK

Here's something interesting about dealing with foreign-made cars and shipping a car from the US to the UK. Cost estimates, at least the conservative ones, call for an asking price of $850.

This is for a service that can take up to 28 days to complete and does not include customs fees, import taxes and possible modifications.

How much to ship a car from the UK to the US

Car shipping to the UKUnlike bringing imported cars from the UK, it's cheaper. The reference price for crossing the ocean with a car and entering the US starts at around US$1,850..

Of course, these prices vary between vehicle carriers and are affected by many factors. However, it is almost always more expensive to import cars from the UK than it is to ship an American car across the ocean by sea freight.

Of course, these estimates are subject to change at any time due to the ever-changing automotive shipping industry and its government policies.

Choose the right service

You must be aware of the different shipping methods available when you want to import cars from the UK. This will ensure you minimize your costs while maximizing your vehicle's protection based on its value.

The roll-on and roll-off (RO-RO) method is generally the most popular. This involves sending cars across the ocean on essentially floating parking lots. Your car will be stored in the same cargo area as the other vehicles.

Another method is the shared container service. In theory, shared container service could be cheaper and safer because there are fewer cars next to each other. In addition, each vehicle is usually packed and securely tied down.

But unlike the previous service, the shared container option may incur additional service costs. Although they are shared between several vehicle owners, there is no guarantee that they will be cheap. And the containers only leave when they reach their maximum load, which can disrupt your schedule.

Full container load is a premium way to ship your vehicle. That's one railcar per container, which means you get a shorter lead time at the expense of additional handling fees. But since your car gets the luxury treatment, it can be an ideal choice for fragile, old and expensive vehicles.

Crucial Tips to Know

There are a few things to remember before and after importing cars from UK dealers, dealers or collectors, or bringing your personal vehicle onto US soil.

Tip #1: Make sure the undercarriage is spotless

This might not seem like a big problem. Why does the car need a deep clean if it's going to end up in a dumpster that might not be that clean?

This is usually not the case.

Some countries have strict customs laws regarding foreign soil. This is the same whether you are returning from a UK holiday, a backpacking trip through Germany, etc.

Imported cars must not contain foreign soil samples. This law was passed in an attempt to minimize or eliminate the introduction of foreign contaminants such as fungi, microorganisms, plants, etc.

A thorough wash and steam cleaning is recommended for the vehicle's exterior, undercarriage and wheels.

The interior doesn't need the same treatment, not least because a long trip can generate mold due to excess humidity.

Tip #2 – Identify the sender’s list of foreign services

You need a carrier to handle paperwork on both sides of the border, coordinate with freight forwarders and everyone else in the supply chain.

That said, it may take a lot of prep work to make your UK dream car eligible for import into the North American continent.

What type of prep work can a carrier provide?

• documentation
• Find a pick-up destination for the port carrier
• Make sure proper equipment is used to load and unload the car.
• Find storage in case of late departure
• Finding a Reliable Cleaner
• Determining car import eligibility
• Find exemptions that apply to your car
• Making necessary modifications for customs clearance
• Payment of taxes and customs duties on your behalf
• Provide storage in case of a delayed pickup

There are many that are registered with the DOTinternational deliverycompanies can do for you to import cars easily from UK locations.

Tip #3 – Contact the DMV

Once your car arrives in the US, you'll probably want to drive it. But getting all the certifications can be tricky and time consuming if left to the last minute.

Contact your state's DMV ahead of time and ask about license plates, car-related documents, and other documents you must present to drive the car right away.

Tip #4: Seriously consider steering wheel mods

If you buy a car that is old enough, you can drive it as is. You won't have to change the pedal, the steering wheel position or the odometer. Take a look at some American made cars such as Postal Vans or RHD Jeep models.

Of course, a vintage RHD car from a UK luxury brand could be a good talking point. However, consider the challenges of driving on left-hand drive-specific infrastructure.

Visibility will always be an issue. Passing other cars, signalling, changing lanes, and almost any maneuver other than driving straight ahead will put you at a disadvantage.

If you go to all that trouble importing cars from UK sources, you'll probably want to drive them often. But just because an RHD vehicle is legal to drive in the US doesn't make it a solid choice for regular cars.

Tip #5: Set aside money for modifications

Car conversion kits can be very expensive. Keep this in mind when buying a newer, non-compliant British car that you want to drive on American soil.

Even meeting road safety and air pollution emissions standards can be tricky and requires professional intervention.

Work with experienced carriers

Virtually any car can be imported from overseas as long as it complies with US laws, DOT and EPA regulations, or if you modify it to comply.

Many exemptions can allow you to buy your dream car made in the UK and not take into account various modifications. But when it comes to the best course of action, few can advise you better than experienced international shippers.

You need someone to constantly deal with customs inspectors, handle logistics, and navigate customs and legal paperwork for you. Given the right circumstances, you could even have your car in the garage within two to three weeks.

For more information on UK car shipping or a direct quote, please feel free tocontact Shipvehicles.