Dear Customer,

Here is a brief overview of what needs to be done for any vehicle.

EPA options: Does the vehicle have a label in the engine compartment that says that it was built to meet US EPA emission standards?? If not, you will need a letter from the manufacturer certifying that it does. If no letter, it needs to be tested and certified by an Independent Commercial Importer who are licensed by the EPA I am only licensed by the NHTSA, not the EPA. We have worked with a company in New York that is EPA licensed. Their EPA fee is approx. $5000.00 plus modifications. The main items needed are an OBD2 computer system and a catalytic converter. There is no ICI in the NW at this time, but may be in the near future. Please refer to www.epa.gov/OMS/imports for more information.

If necessary, your vehicle would have to be shipped to the ICI for the EPA side of things first then shipped to Seattle. A Custom's Broker would clear you through Customs there.

Many shipping or freight forwarding companies are also brokers. I can work with any of them. Duty is usually approximately 2.5%. Trucks and trailers have a higher rate. Please contact a broker for that rate. Broker's fees and Custom's Bond fees also will be due.

Our Base Fee for the NHTSA approved vehicles that have EPA certification is $2000.00 each. Any modifications would be in addition to that. A vehicle with the steering wheel on the right side needs to be certified by the manufacturer that it meets the same crash testing requirements as the same vehicle with the steering wheel on the left side.

However, if your vehicle is not on the list. Please refer to www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import.

We would have to do a petition which would start at $5000.00 and could take 9 to 10 months and could only be done if there is US crash testing data available.

Just a few items to check: the minimum requirements for the speedo is that it shows both KM and Miles and that the odometer is labeled that it is in KM, " DOT" needs to be on, and might need replacing, would be lights and lenses, windows, tires and rims and brake lines. Air bags and shoulder belts. A third seatbelt is needed in the rear if it could seat three people. "Objects are Closer Than They Appear" needs to be on the passenger side mirror. It will need a high mounted third brake light. The bumper needs shock type supports & steel reinforcement beams and the doors also need steel impact beams inside. The power windows need to be inoperative when the key is in the off position. I would have to do a lot more research to tell you exactly what needs to be done per the petition. The only way to know for sure is to see the vehicle.

Your only other option is to get the manufacturer to write you a letter, very specific to your vehicle, stating that it meets US EPA Emissions and US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. It has to come from the Corp offices, not just a dealer. The dealer may help you with this, however.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Regards,

Karen Bister,
Import Specialist