UK to USA What do we need for the Customs
 

A group of us are planning to take our Bikes to the USA for a month 2003, We have been told we do not need a carnet but have been told we need something called a Temporary non-resident exemption and need to register the bikes, can anyone advise us on this?

Thanks

Jabandbill

Below is a post from Nick. From December 01.
John.

Hi Chris,
I'm currently in New York with my UK registered F650. I've no idea about temp import via Canada, but getting into the USA wasn't too difficult. Firstly, if 12 months is ok for you, you can import a vehicle for up to 12 months without complying with the EPA regulations or any of the DOT (NHTSA) safety regs. If you do this, you have to a) export the vehicle withing 12 months and b) not sell the vehicle.
But that's at the federal level... Technically in each state there are laws to comply with. Most states require you to register your vehicle within 30 days if you're a resident. If you're travelling through the US I wouldn't think this'll be a problem. You'll also need insurance. This can be difficult without a US licence or a residential address, though not impossible. I'm insured with Progressive (www.progressive.com), $2000 per 12 months in New York state. I'd suggest you try a more rural state if you want to get it cheaper.

When I shipped I paid about GBP 400 for shipping and handling (from the UK to New York) and about USD 100 for customs clearance. I turned up at the warehouse, opened the crate, filled up with gas and rode home.

US Customs website has most of the info you need: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/imp-e...formal/car.htm

Cheers,
Nick.

You do NOT need to register the bikes. Any paperwork you need is available on the spot at customs when you arrive.

You WILL need insurance. See our links page http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/lin...cycleInsurance for some possibles. Sunrise is supposed to have good rates.

See the story "Nightmare in Minneapolis" at

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/new...00-08-01.shtml

for some customs tips and how not to do it.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks for the replies

We will be shipping 8 bikes in a container to the US,
Can I assume that the shipping agent will take care of the dealings with the Cuctoms on our behalf?

I have contacted some of the Insurance companys on your list and am awaitng replies

We have found the site very interesting and informative

Thanks again

Janandbill

when are you shipping your crate of bikes. I an heading to north america/ canada in june 2003 and will need to ship my bike. Any room for one more bike in the crate for a share of the costs?

The shipping agent can and probably expects to deal with customs. Let them, it's painless.

Glad to hear you like the site, thanks!

have a great trip,

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Here's my situation and a word of warning to others.

I'm stuck in Galveston, Texas waiting for a clearence from the Customs. The bike arrived 02/02/03 with boat from Sweden. I have a agent that was supposed to take care of the papperwork. I have so far paid 300$ including customs and the agent.

When I arrived I visited the customs and realized that the bike was non conformant with EPA and DOT regulations. I was told by then officer at customs in Houston that I had to do a formal entry (kind of temporary import) procees time approx. 3 days. And it have to be cleared in 15 days or else the vehicle should be SEIZED.

I was not suprised it was expected since I had read it in this thread before leaving Sweden.

I have now been waiting 13 days.

I have asked my agent what is wrong and always get the same answer:

"The customs don't tell was is wrong and don't retuns phone calls"

I have been told that customs in Texas are espacially sticky and perhaps I picked the wrong state?

Anyone with similar experince?

I guess I'm stupid that did not followed the advice from others (espacially people at this site) and avoided shipping by boat.

This is driving me crazy.

Now I have to make alternate plans anything from send the bike back to shipping to another country :-(

Any suggestions?

First off I would bypass the agent and go straight to customs and find out what the problem is. MAKE VERY SURE that they know you are only passing through and NOT staying in the US or ESPECIALLY not planning on selling the bike.

Don't say anything about selling the bike directly, that gets them VERY twitchy, just hint at it by telling them your plans, e.g. your plans are to head to Mexico and south or north to Canada and then home from there with your beloved bike.

EPA etc regs should NOT apply as you are not resident and NOT registering the bike in the country. I suspect your agent has fouled things up in some way by saying or assuming something he shouldn't have.

Good luck, let us know what happens. Also please post final results in the "Shipments by travellers" page - link on left.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com