DIY: How to Import an E30 Touring

[Vic]

This is a god sent! I imported a touring from Ivo back in March, and my hold up with getting it registered here in Indianapolis is that my local BMV they are requesting stamped dot and epa forms... I kept arguing the fact that the vehicle is 25 years old and that I had the cbp release form.

Well they kept asking me for the stamped forms that I didn't have (and still don't!) and they printed off the 3520-1 and asked that I contact the epa to get it stamped by them... complete misinformation!

My question is... This all went through a broker and had NMT (shipping company) ship it directly to me, why didn't I get those stamped forms to begin with? I was so close to parting this thing and taking it on the chin. Thank you so much!

[Seawolf]

Awesome write-up, I wish this had been around years ago when I shipped my Jaguar lightweight.

A couple of points from my experience:

The 25 year exemption applies to DOT requirements, EPA exemption is 21 years. Not really relevant but there for completeness.

If you have owned the car for a minimum of 11 months then Customs import charges are stamp duty and fees only, about $120 when I shipped my Jag which saved me a small fortune considering the value of the car.

Get your paperwork straight, if your imported car is rejected then you will be charged Customs storage charges (an arm and a leg per day) and have a limited time to export the vehicle after which it can never come back, ever.

Alternatively USC will destroy the vehicle for you and charge you for the service, about $800 last time I looked. Talk about rubbing salt into the wound.

I shipped my Jag 15 years ago, regulations may have changed but these were my stress high points for a while.

[george graves]

Although I don't plan on doing this(that I know of!)....it's an awesome write up! Two thumbs up!

[TimeMachinE30]

Super RT. A real service and benefit!

[roguetoaster]

Glad you liked it. Absolutely, the right car is usually worth it.

Should mention that if this needs correction/revision/clarification, or if you'd like to add something that I didn't cover post up the info or PM me and I'll include it.

[Shock(/\)ave]

An excellent and thorough post - thanks for the contribution. :)

I'll add that finding a touring is really easy - there have been plenty to choose from for as long as I've been looking - but the hard part is recognizing a really good example when you see one, with a seller willing to cooperate.

We used a buyer's agent to import our new car, and the cost of importation into Canada more than doubled the total cost of the car, but once we found the car we wanted and secured it with the buyer, the remainder of the process (including getting it from the middle of southern Germany to the port) was handled for us neatly.

Well worth the effort for the right car in my opinion. ;)

[roguetoaster]

Several members have asked for it, so I do hope some people find this to be of use. This will cover buying remotely from Europe, shipping to Baltimore, Maryland, USA via roll on, roll off carrier (RORO), using a broker/clearing the car yourself in person, picking up the car from the port as arranged by the broker/in person/using a self-contracted transporter and registering the car in Maryland.

THIS GUIDE IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE and is a relation of the processes/experiences during the import of my four tourings.

Buying Remotely Overseas:

Remember, any car 25 years old (from year of production) may be imported without use of a registered importer, and will not require any modifications to be legal for importation (state registration may be another matter). At this moment it does not appear that Customs & Border Protection [CBP] cares about the specific month/day of production. However, there are certain restrictions, but none should apply to E30 tourings if you import one from the usual suspects in Western Europe or Japan. Be aware that importing more than one car at once will require following a different method than those listed below, and failing to do so will probably result in your shipments being flagged/impounded, as well as fees associated with improper filing.

You're pretty much on your own when it comes to buying, just know that you should ask for pictures of everything, and walk if anything bothers you. But keep in mind that these people probably aren't selling the car for a premium price, so be reasonable with your requests.

You will most likely have to wire money directly to the seller/exporter as this is how most non-local business is done in Europe, and this can be somewhat of a leap the first time, so do your due diligence before buying. Sellers normally have to drop the car off/arrange transport to the port/sometimes set up shipment and file the required paperwork to legally export the car. Some people will be very much unwilling/unable to do so, and if this is the case just move on. I have only personally purchased from Ivo Christov, but did attempt to work with others several times before to no avail.

I do suggest buying from Ivo Christov in the Netherlands, not only is he a reputable BMW enthusiast, but he is pretty easy to work with. He goes by ovide on forums, and he has a site which can link you to his current inventory (although it is out of date at present): http://www.e28.nl/

Importing Using a Broker (not a registered importer!!!):

Why use this method: If you cannot visit the port in person. Brokers can handle all of the import paperwork for you.

The broker will set up the shipper, fill out the required forms, will arrange for transport from the port to your final destination, and will provide you with copies of the required forms to register the car. You may be required to fill out a limited power of attorney so they may act on your behalf during the import process. This method may add approximately $1,000 USD or more to the price of the process, and may delay the actual date that you will have your car. As I was highly dissatisfied with the broker I used for the first import I cannot recommend a specific company, and would encourage you to take a more hands on role in the process. Be aware that brokers will want to use your SSN as an identification number for your shipment, but it is possible to use your drivers license number as a substitute.

For states that require import documents (only CBP documents generally need to be stamped, CBP says that they will not stamp the DOT declaration or EPA form after the fact [EDIT:12/13/16 according to r3v member Vic they will now stamp them]) to be stamped you will need to be sure that you will be provided with a stamped copy beforehand, or you will need to work with CBP by emailing them your electronic release (CBP 3461) along with a prepaid mailer to get a stamped copy sent to you. This can add some time to the process of registering the car.

CBP phone for questions: 1-877-CBP-5511
CBP email for stamped copies: tradeenforcementteam@cbp.dhs.gov

Your broker will provide you with the following documents, ideally with customs stamps:

Bill of Lading; CBP 7501; CBP 3461

Your broker may provide you with the following, although some will not (in which case you may fill them out yourself and submit them directly at the DMV/MVA);

EPA 3520; DOT HS-7


Before Arranging Shipping:

You will need a proper bill of sale for the car showing your address (should be the same as your desired delivery address)/description of the car/VIN/price (for tax reasons)/seller signature or endorsement, copies of all titles/registrations from the country of export, and a copy of your photo identification. If your seller/exporter is arranging shipment you should You should also understand which port near you will be most economical for your shipment.

Be certain that the car is just that, a car, and not being used as a container for additional things that do not belong (unless you container ship the car). That included spare sets of tires/wheels as inclusion of additional cargo is unlawful and will potentially result in impound/fees. Also be very sure that the car is reasonably clean and free of organic matter both inside and out before shipment as a dirty car is more likely to be inspected, and may fail agricultural inspection.

Also arrange for the local title/registration documents and any additional service history to be sent to you via certified post at this time.

Importing Only Arranging Shipping:

Why use this method: If you are near enough to your local port to visit it in person or have time to do so.

In an ideal situation the seller/exporter will arrange the shipment. However, if you are exporting a car you have owned overseas or if the seller is unwilling/unable to do so you, the buyer, may arrange shipping. Thus far I have been completely satisfied with NMT Shipping and can recommend them to anyone planning to use RORO.

In addition to shipping I suggest that you have your shipper (or seller/exporter if they have that ability, as in the case of Ivo) file the Import Security Filing (ISF), while this is theoretically possible for an individual to do it will not be covered here. Typical ISF filing fees range from $80 to $200.

Shipping is typically $1,200-1,500 from Europe to the Eastern USA, and will undoubtedly be more to the Western side.

You may opt for containerized shipping or RORO. I have only used RORO, have been happy with the results, and have not had a car damaged in the process. However, if you are shipping an expensive car I would suggest that you get specific insurance to cover your shipment, and you should consult your shipper for information.

The shipper will need to file a notification of arrival with CBP, the ISF, and possibly other paperwork, none of which should require any involvement on your part after you have provided them with your personal information. Be aware that shippers like to use your SSN as an identification number for your shipment, but it is possible to use your drivers license number as a substitute.

Your shipper will provide you with several documents, which you will need to clear customs:

Bill of Lading; Sea Arrival Notice; Delivery Notice

Clearing Customs in Person:

Before you can clear the car through customs it must have arrived and have been cleared for release by CBP. Be aware that a car may be subject to extra inspections on a random basis, and you may be liable for fees for certain inspections. Your shipper should notify you of the customs release when you receive the Sea Arrival Notice. However if you do not hear from them within three business days of expected arrival contact your shipper to verify, as cars that sit for more than seven days at the terminal are often subject to storage fees.

You will not be allowed in to the port unless you have a Transit Workers Identification Card (TWIC) or an authorized port escort. For the Port of Baltimore the only port escort agency is A-1 Escort Service, and they charge $50 per hour, from start to finish, including waiting in lines, for their service. If you have a reflective safety vest you should bring it with you as you will be required to wear one in the port, although the escort agency will sell you one for a nominal fee.

Do not use your cellular phone in the customs office as this is against regulations, which should be clearly posted. You may however use your phone to take pictures at the port within reason, although doing so is also technically against regulations.

At the customs office you will need the following:

Photo identification; payment (2.5% of value on Bill of Sale + $9 processing fee) in the form of cash, check or credit (depends on the port, bring exact change in cash if in doubt); Bill of Sale; Bill of Lading; Sea Arrival Notice and title of the car.

You will fill out the following forms on paper:

CBP 7501; EPA 3520; DOT HS-7

CBP officer may fill out the following form or may ask you to do so:

CBP 368

All forms filled out at in the office will be stamped, along with the Sea Arrival Notice, Bill of Lading, Delivery Notice and potentially the Bill of Sale. The CBP officer may provide you with copies of documents for use at the cargo terminal. Expect this part of the process to take under one hour if there are no real delays entering or exiting the port.

Picking Up the Car in Person:

If you do not intend to flat trailer the car from the port, and in addition to the forms obtained at the customs office you will need the following if you intend to drive the car out of the port or utilize a tow dolly:

Temporary tags/registration; proof of on road insurance for the imported vehicle; anything you believe will be needed to get the car running

You will need to immediately notify your contact at your shipper that you have cleared the car through customs, and that you would like them to clear the car for release at the port terminal. If they are unable to do so in short order (remember that some of their head offices are not in the same time zone as you are, ask in advance if unsure) you may have to leave the port and come back later in the day or another day entirely. Do you best to inform your shipper of your intentions in advance and of when you plan to collect the car.

Once at the cargo terminal present the person in charge with your documentation and they should take the required forms or copy thereof. They will then inform you of the location of the cargo, possibly provide keys (although they should be in the car) and you may then proceed to pick up your car.

After getting the car running/loaded on to the trailer you may then leave the port. Be aware that staff at the entrance/exit of the port may decrease at lunch time, resulting in a delay and additional expense in the form of port escort time. When you get to the port exit present the officer with your documentation, and head back to the port escort service to pay them.

Arranging Transport from the Port:

This can be a less expensive way of removing the car from the port as it mitigates the potential delays and associated costs of using the port escort agency as well as trailer/tow vehicle expenses. Be aware that using a non-TWIC holding transporter will be more expensive as they will also need to use a port escort at the same rate as if you were to collect it yourself.

If you wish to arrange for transport of the car from the port you will need to do the following:

Obtain the terminal release from the shipper; inform the shipper of the agency/agent you plan to use to collect the car and the date of expected pick up; provide the transporter with the documentation (they will tell you what they need if they are competent)

The transporter I have used with great success has been ABC Auto Transport in Dundalk, MD. You may contact Stan Lohoski, the owner/operator by doing a simple google search of "ABC Auto Transport Dundalk, MD." Expect to pay about $200 to have your car delivered to a location near Baltimore, or less if you collect it from their storage lot in Dundalk. Do inform your transporter of any special starting/loading/unloading requirements of your vehicle in advance.

Registering Your Import:

The majority of states need the CBP 3461 (either in electronic form or with stamp depending on the state), HS-7, EPA 3520, foreign title, bill of sale and nothing more to register the car. However, some states will require a certified translation of the foreign title (if other than English), if this is the case you may be able to get one from the country of export as many offer titles in English. Otherwise it should be the standard practice in your state of VIN rubbing, State Police inspection or otherwise. Residents of California intending to register their imports in state will need to have them emissions certified, a process which is expensive and most likely not worth it for your average E30 touring.

Forms You Should Understand and Example Photos:

CBP 3461 Customs Release - clears car for entry to the US
CBP 7501 Customs Entry Summary - itemizes and describes cargo to be cleared
CBP 368 Customs Collection Receipt - receipt for payment of import duties
DOT HS-7 Declaration (pg2) - declares car to be 25 years old or older and exempt from safety/theft standards
EPA 3520 Declaration (pg2) - declares engine to be 21 years old or older, and exempt from emissions requirements
Delivery Order - notifies the customer of intended final destination of cargo and arrival dates
Sea Arrival Notice - cargo arrival notification
Bill of Lading - cargo/routing manifest
Bill of Sale - shows price/identification of cargo and value for import duties
Foreign Title - non-US title showing VIN and description of car

Helpful links:

CBP Importing a Car: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-impo.../importing-car
EPA Importing Cars/Engines: https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines
DOT HS-7 .pdf: http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/hs799short.pdf
EPA 3520 .pdf: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production...nts/3520-1.pdf (LINK BROKEN -if you have a new one PM me)