980126. Importing cars means ensuring U.S. standards are met
by Robert Szostek
U.S. European Command Public Affairs
MANNHEIM, Germany (AFNS) -- U.S. military members and civilians overseas
risk losing lots of money importing vehicles that do not comply with
U.S. standards, say Environmental Protection Agency experts.
The agency strongly recommends people stationed overseas sell their
foreign-specification cars abroad and buy a vehicle meeting U.S.
standards after arriving in the United States.
"EPA recently worked out that shipping, paperwork, duties, EPA-required
emissions work and safety conversion cost an importer at least $7,500,
and often much more," said Norman Kaucher, customs program manager at
U.S. European Command.
Military members often request hardship waivers from the EPA, but the
agency only offers these exemptions in rare cases involving extreme
hardship or extraordinary circumstances. One example is a handicapped
person needing a special vehicle not available in a U.S. configuration.
Both the EPA and the Department of Transportation monitor the import of
foreign vehicles to ensure they meet U.S. air pollution and road safety
standards. Under EPA regulations, nonconforming vehicles less than 21
years old may only be imported into the United States through an
independent commercial importer -- unless exempted by the EPA.
These vehicles have to be tested and converted to the emission standards
in effect at the time of production. Vehicles 21 years old -- or older
-- do not have to be tested or converted to air pollution standards.
The Department of Transportation requires people who ship vehicles not
meeting U.S. standards to sign a contract with a registered importer.
The importer must certify in advance that the vehicle can be converted
to U.S. safety standards.
These vehicles must also be entered under a bond for one and a half
times their duty value. "Motorcycles and other vehicles over 25 years
old do not need conversion to U.S. safety, bumper and theft prevention
standards," Kaucher added, "but they must still be entered by a
registered importer."
Military customs offices have more information on shipping vehicles to
the United States, including the "Importing a Car" pamphlet. Customers
with Internet access can also visit the new military customs web site at
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Jim Kearman
73 MGB
jkearman@juno.com
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