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Import Cars from the UK & Europe to the USA

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars directly to the United States. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Europe directly to the USA. Whether you need a prestige car, classic vehicle, or reliable used car, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and EPA/DOT compliance.

Our UK & Europe Car Export Service for the USA – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK and European trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. Our specialists advise on specifications, condition, and negotiate the best prices for you.

All prestige brands are available, including Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and more.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

  • Bespoke sourcing across UK and European markets
  • Management of purchase and collection
  • Quality assessment and condition verification
  • Mileage verification and reports
  • Pre-export compliance assessment

Car Shipping to the USA

At UK Roadrunner, we provide fully managed UK & Europe to USA car shipping service with full EPA, DOT, and CBP compliance, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely and professionally and meets all U.S. regulations.

Shipping Options:

  • Container shipping: Most secure method (20ft/40ft)
  • RoRo shipping: Cost-effective option (select vehicles)
  • Air Freight

Car Documentation & Compliance

We manage all vehicle documentation and regulatory compliance for smooth U.S. customs clearance and registration.

We coordinate delivery of all required documents to your address or clearing agent

UK & Europe to USA Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

The USA permits vehicle imports from the UK, Europe, and other countries under strict regulatory frameworks. Most vehicles must meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and DOT (Department of Transportation) standards. Vehicles 25 years or older are generally exempt from EPA/DOT requirements. Right-hand drive vehicles face restrictions unless they meet specific exemptions. Reciprocal tariffs apply with base import duty of 2.5% for cars and 25% for trucks. U.S.-spec vehicles originally made for the American market can be imported more easily.

Key Requirements:

  1. Vehicle eligibility: U.S.-spec vehicles, 25+ year old classics, or modified imports
  2. EPA compliance: Emissions standards certification (unless 25+ years old)
  3. DOT compliance: Safety regulations and crash standards (unless 25+ years old)
  4. Right-hand drive: Generally prohibited (limited exemptions)
  5. Import duty: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks (reciprocal tariffs apply)
  6. Customs clearance: CBP required at U.S. port of entry
  7. State registration: DMV registration in destination state
  8. Customs bond: May be required depending on vehicle type
  9. Licensed broker: Recommended for customs clearance

USA Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

The USA permits the importation of vehicles from the UK, Europe, and other countries, subject to strict regulatory and compliance requirements.

Eligible Vehicles:

U.S.-Specification Vehicles:

  • Vehicles originally manufactured for the American market
  • Built with U.S.-compliant specifications
  • Already meet EPA and DOT requirements
  • Easier import process
  • Lower compliance costs

Classic Vehicles (25+ Years Old):

  • Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago
  • Generally exempt from EPA/DOT requirements
  • Subject to less stringent compliance rules
  • Import duty applies (2.5%-25%)
  • Must still clear U.S. Customs (CBP)
  • Ideal for classic car collectors

Temporarily Imported Vehicles:

  • Diplomatic vehicles
  • Military vehicles
  • Show vehicles (auto shows, exhibitions)
  • Specialized temporary import provisions

Restricted/Prohibited Vehicles:

  • Non-compliant vehicles (not U.S.-spec and under 25 years old)
  • Right-hand drive vehicles (prohibited with limited exceptions)
  • Gray-market imports (imports without proper certification)
  • Vehicles that cannot meet EPA/DOT standards

Right-Hand Drive Vehicles:

  • General prohibition: Right-hand drive vehicles generally NOT allowed
  • Limited exemptions:
    • Show vehicles (temporary)
    • Specialty/collector vehicles (case-by-case)
    • Vehicles 25+ years old (exempt from DOT requirement)
  • Compliance: Must demonstrate meeting all applicable safety standards

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Compliance

EPA Requirements:

  • Emissions standards: Vehicle must meet EPA emissions standards for the model year
  • Certification: EPA compliance certification or exemption required
  • 25+ year exemption: Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago exempt from EPA requirements
  • Fuel system: Must meet EPA fuel safety and compatibility standards
  • Documentation: Compliance certificate must accompany the entry.

EPA Testing:

  • Emission control systems must meet current standards
  • Catalytic converters and particulate filters required (if applicable)
  • On-board diagnostics (OBD) system compliance
  • Modifications may be required for non-compliant vehicles

DOT (Department of Transportation) Compliance

DOT Requirements:

  • Safety standards: Vehicle must meet DOT crash safety standards
  • Certification: DOT compliance certificate or exemption required
  • 25+ year exemption: Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago exempt from DOT requirements
  • Bumpers: Bumper height requirements for U.S. roads
  • Lighting: Headlight, brake light, and turn signal specifications
  • Documentation: Safety compliance certificate required

DOT Testing:

  • Structural integrity and crash standards
  • Lighting systems and visibility
  • Brake system requirements
  • Steering and suspension standards
  • Modifications may be required for non-compliant vehicles

Documents Required for USA Car Import

Essential Pre-Import Documents:

  • Commercial invoice (proof of purchase)
  • Vehicle registration (country of origin)
  • Title/ownership documentation
  • Vehicle identification (VIN/chassis number)
  • Engine specifications
  • Year/model/make information
  • Mileage documentation
  • Insurance documentation

For EPA/DOT Compliance:

  • Compliance assessment: Vehicle eligibility review
  • EPA exemption documentation: If 25+ years old
  • DOT exemption documentation: If 25+ years old
  • Modification certificates: If modifications made for compliance
  • Testing reports: If EPA/DOT testing performed
  • Certification letters: From compliance testing facilities

For Customs Entry (CBP):

  • HS Code classification: Correct tariff classification
  • Bill of Lading: Original shipping document
  • Commercial invoice: Full vehicle details and value
  • Entry summary: CBP form 3461 (entered at port)
  • Import duty calculation: Based on vehicle value
  • Vehicle description: Make, model, year, VIN, engine size
  • Origin documentation: Country of manufacture/export

For Customs Bond (if required):

  • Bond documentation: Customs bond application
  • Importer registration: Importer of Record number
  • Bond guarantor: Surety company or cash deposit
  • Bond amount: Typically 10% of appraised value or duty owed

For State Registration (DMV):

  • Title application: State-specific title registration form
  • Proof of ownership: Bill of sale and/or previous registration
  • Proof of residency: Address verification
  • Identification: Valid driver's licence
  • Insurance documentation: Auto insurance proof
  • Emission testing: May be required depending on state

Import Duties & Taxes (Detailed)

Reciprocal Tariffs (2025):

Standard Import Duty:

  • Passenger cars: 2.5% of vehicle value (NADA guide value)
  • Light trucks (under 8,500 lbs): 25% of vehicle value
  • Heavy trucks (over 8,500 lbs): 25% of vehicle value

Vehicle Value Calculation:

  • NADA Guides: National Automobile Dealers Association pricing
  • Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Alternative valuation source
  • Cost basis: Invoice/purchase price (may be used if lower)
  • Market value: Determined by CBP appraiser

Additional Costs:

  • Port charges: depending on port
  • Customs broker fees: If using broker
  • EPA/DOT certification: If modifications required
  • Customs bond: 10% of appraised value (typical)
  • Harbor maintenance fee: 0.125% of invoice value
  • Merchandise processing fee: 0.3464% of invoice value

Customs Clearance Process (CBP)

The U.S. customs clearance process begins once the vehicle arrives at the designated port, where it is held pending review. A licensed customs broker (recommended) manages documentation, files the required entry forms with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and declares the vehicle’s details, value, and compliance status. CBP may conduct inspections, assess applicable duties and fees, and verify EPA/DOT compliance before approving release. Once all requirements are satisfied and payments completed, the vehicle is cleared and released for collection or delivery.

State Registration (DMV)

Registration Process:

Each state has specific registration requirements. General process:

  1. Obtain title from seller's state (if available)
  2. Complete state title application (varies by state)
  3. Provide proof of ownership:
    • Bill of sale
    • Previous registration
    • Owner's certificate
  4. Submit proof of residency:
    • Utility bill
    • Lease agreement
    • Mortgage statement
  5. Provide identification:
    • Valid driver's licence
    • Passport
  6. Obtain vehicle inspection (if required by state):
    • Safety inspection
    • Emission testing (varies by state)
  7. Pay registration fees:
    • Title fee (varies $50-$250)
    • Registration fee (varies by state/weight)
    • Plate fee (varies $20-$100)
  8. Receive registration plates and title

State Requirements Vary:

  • Emission testing: Required in some states (California, NY, Massachusetts)
  • Inspection: Required in some states
  • Title sources: Some states require original title; others accept imports
  • Registration period: 1-2 years depending on state

Why Choose UK Roadrunner for Your USA Car Import

Years of Experience:

With extensive experience in USA imports, we understand EPA, DOT, and CBP requirements. We navigate complex regulations efficiently.

Complete EPA/DOT Compliance:

We assess vehicle eligibility, manage compliance modifications (if needed), and ensure all documentation is correct before shipment.

Transparent Pricing:

We provide detailed cost breakdowns showing port charges, customs fees, and EPA/DOT compliance costs upfront with no surprise fees.

Exceptional Quality Vehicles:

All vehicles are thoroughly inspected and assessed. We verify compliance before purchase to avoid costly delays.

Trusted & Proven:

With satisfied customers worldwide, you can trust us to manage your U.S. import professionally and efficiently.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on USA car import regulations, procedures, and requirements, consult these official sources:

U.S. Government Agencies:

State DMV Offices:

  • State registration requirements vary
  • Contact your destination state DMV for specific registration procedures

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Europe to the USA?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Europe to the USA with full EPA, DOT, and CBP compliance. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about vehicle sourcing from UK and Europe and USA import regulations and compliance requirements

Get your free compliance check and quote today. Let UK Roadrunner manage your USA car import and ensure full regulatory compliance.