U.S. Relocations

Importing your car into the U.S. 

 
Basic paper requirements for Motor Vehicles entering the United States 

To import your vehicle into the U.S., you are responsible for ensuring that your vehicle meets the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation.

A letter from the manufacturer is required, identifying your vehicle by its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), stating that it complies with all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Please read the following variations in the letter, which must be addressed in order for the vehicle to be allowed across the border:

1. If the letter states compliance, except for minor labeling requirements it is an acceptable letter.

2. If it states compliance, except for the speedometer or headlights, you may have these parts replaced at a dealer authorized by the manufacturer. You must also present the invoices for these services with your original letter of compliance.

3. If the letter states that your vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS, except for FMVSS Number 208 (which relates to automatic and passive restraint requirements) the vehicle must be modified by a registered importer (which could be expensive).

4. If the manufacturer will not issue a letter, your vehicle will not be permitted for importation into the U.S.

An E.P.A. approval form is required to be produced at the time of border crossing, along with the manufacturer’s Letter of Compliance.

The following are phone numbers for various automobile manufacturers:

Acura Division - American Honda: in Canada or U.S: 310.783.3260

Jaguar, in Canada: 905.792.9400. Ext 243, U.S: 201.818.8171

Audi, in Canada or U.S: 1.800.822.2834

Land Rover or MGB, in Canada or U.S: 301.731.9040

BMW, Canada: 905.683.1200, in U.S: 201.573.2041

Mazda, in Canada or U.S: 949.727.1990

Chrysler, in Canada: 1.800.465.2001, in U.S: 1.800.992.1997

Mercedes Benz, in Canada: 416.425.3550, in U.S: 201.573.2632

Ferrari, in Canada or U.S: 201.816.2600

Mitsubishi, in Canada or U.S: 714.372.6000

Ford, in Canada: 1.800.565.3673; in U.S: 1.800.392.3673

Hyundai, in Canada: 905.477.0202, in U.S: 1.800.633.5151

Isuzu, in Canada or U.S: 1.800.255.6727

Nissan, in Canada or U.S: 310.532.3111

Infiniti (division of Nissan), in Canada: 310.532.3111, in U.S: 1.800.662.6200

General Motors, in Canada: 905.644.5843; in U.S: 313.556.7777

Subaru, in Canada or U.S: 1.800.782.2783

Suzuki, in Canada: 905.889.2677, in U.S: 714.996.7040

Toyota, in Canada: 1.800.263.7640

Volkswagen, in Canada or U.S: 1.800.822.8987

Volvo, in Canada 1.800.663.8255, in U.S: 201.768.7300

Harley Davidson, in Canada or U.S: 717.848.1177

Yamaha, in Canada or U.S: 714.761.7710

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