USA temporary import
 

Could anyone tell me how difficult the procedure is for temporary import of a motorcyle to the USA? The US Customs home page mentions prior approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies. Is this pre-approval true or do you just file the forms?
The reason I ask, is that most of the motorcylists here in Japan who bring their bikes to the USA go through Canada and use Carnets. I assumed that the USA procedures are just too difficult so they go through Canada with a Carnet. Although I have heard a (unconfirmed) rumor that Canada will stop allowing use of the Carnet.
* I apologise in advance if this information is somewhere else. I couldn't find it.
Thanks
Chris Lockwood

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.

Thanks Nick!
Anyone know about temporary import to Canada (other than driving across the US border)? The Canadian Customs home page mentioned deposits and bonds and other expensive (but refundable) things if you don't use a Carnet.

Hi Chris

To the best of our (and BMWMOA's knowledge),
"USA, Canada, Mexico and European countries do not require duty, Customs bond or Carnet to import personally-owned 'tourist' vehicles as long as they are re-exported within liberal timeframes, usually 6-12 months."

From Canada Customs site:

"At the time of importation of a conveyance or baggage into Canada, a security deposit may be required at the discretion of the customs inspector to ensure that all of the conditions of importation will be complied with. While a security deposit may be in an amount equal to the duties otherwise payable on the goods, a nominal amount is often satisfactory. Normally, security deposits are not required when visitors enter Canada for short periods of time for holiday or leisure purposes."

Key message there is that they normally don't require a deposit, unless they suspect you plan to stay in the country longer than allowed or sell the vehicle.

As for insurance, suggest you check with Mike Mandel/Motorcycle Express for both US and Canadian coverage.
http://www.motorcycleexpress.com/express/temporary.asp



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USA Customs Bond Temporary Import Motorcycle
 

I am investigating a temporary import of my Kawasaki 650cc 2009 Ninja for an extended tour to USA...and possibly Canada.

I'm experiencing difficulty in getting info and availability on getting the bike shipped ! I've now been put in touch with a broker and I'm told I will have to pay a USA Customs bond.....

Now...nowhere in my trawling around the net have I found info to match this except maybe buried in the TIB (temporary importation under bond) regs.

This last post in 2001 suggests it isn't necessary...but can anyone give me any updated information.

Thanks:helpsmilie:

The 2001 post is essentially accurate/ unchanged for temporary vehicle import entry into USA:

Non-Commercial Vehicle Importations for Non-Residents - CBP.gov

read the entire section, but note

"...nonresidents who will export the vehicle within one year, and do not need to use the services provided by an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) or Registered Importer (RI) may also use the CF 7501, type 11, without bond to make entry..." [underlined emphasis added]

and
Importing a Motor Vehicle - CBP.gov

"Free Entry....
Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner’s arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S. There is no exemption or extension of the export requirements."

[Bookmark or print these sections, because sometimes shippers and even US Customs officers onsite at air/seaports may have to be reminded doh]