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- 1). Check the list of auto parts that must meet FMVSS specifications on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration website under "Importing Motor Vehicle Equipment." If your auto parts are on the list, import the auto parts from the manufacturer so they are certified and marked by that company.
- 2). Choose a customs port of entry that will be convenient for you to pick up your auto parts. A list of ports by state is available on the U.S Customs and Border Protection website. You can send smaller items through a postal carrier.
- 3). Make arrangements with the shipper or carrier to send the auto parts to your chosen U.S. port. You will have to pick up the auto parts in person, if it is a large shipment that can't be delivered by a postal carrier.
- 4). Present the sales receipt to Customs.
- 5). Give Customs the original bill of lading from your shipper or carrier. The shipper or carrier you use should already be aware of Customs requirements. For "Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standards," some replacement parts must bear the manufacturer's trademark and the letter "R." Some manufacturers are excluded from this. For example, a BMW Mini parts is exempt from the marking, but a BMW Z8's parts must have the marking. Review the complete list of replacement parts that must bear the mark and vehicle manufacturer's parts that are exempt from the mark, on the GPO website under "49 CFR 541," to see if your parts must meet this standard.
- 6). Complete Environmental Protection Agency form 3520-1. This form will be given to you by Customs if you are importing engines. You must request an approval or exemption letter from the EPA. Attach this letter to the form. Engines that are not U.S. emission standard engines must be imported through an Independent Commercial Importer. The ICI is responsible for certifying the engine. Choose an ICI from the list on the EPA website.
- 7). Pay duty and taxes to the Customs cashier. To determine what your duty amount will be, use the U.S. Customs formula. The formula is available on the CBP website under "Determining Duty." You can pay duty by cash (U.S. currency only), personal check drawn on a U.S. bank, travelers check, government check or money order. Some locations will accept credit cards. But those locations are not listed. So you will have to ask Customs in advance, at the location of your cars arrival, if they accept credit cards.
- 8). Pick up your auto parts from the inspection area. You will be given a clearance form from Customs for the release of your parts.
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