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It is not easy for US citizens wanting to bring a Mini into the US. Depending on the specific situation, can range from a mild hassle, to hard, to very difficult, to impossible. You will have to deal with Environmental Protection Agency emission issues and Department of Transportation requirements for safety equipment and standards. Of course, you will have to pay duty on the vehicle as well, 2.5% for a car. This page provides information for importing a vehicle into the U.S. , including requirements of the U.S. Customs Service and those of other agencies. Since requirements are subject to frequent changes, contact information has been provided for the agencies mentioned. Be sure to contact these agencies (particularly EPA and DOT) before importing your vehicle.
As a general rule all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with the FMVSS by a Registered Importer. Imported motor vehicles are subject to U.S. safety standards, bumper standards, and air pollution control (emission) standards. Most vehicles manufactured abroad that conform with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards are exported expressly for sale in the United States; therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards. Be skeptical of claims by a foreign dealer or other seller that a vehicle meets these standards or can readily be brought into compliance. Nonconforming vehicles entering the United States must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed. All regulations of Customs and other agencies are not covered in full, and they are subject to change. Before importing your vehicle, be sure to contact the Customs Attaché or Commercial Officer at your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy, or the appropriate agency below (particularly DOT and EPA):
Customs Service If you are outside the United States , contact the Customs Attaché or Commercial Officer at your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. U.S. Customs Attaches Throughout the World U.S. Customs Officers in Foreign Countries Contact a U.S. Customs Port U.S. Customs Service Washington, DC 20229 Telephone (202) 927-6724 http://www.customs.gov
Department of Transportation (DOT) DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website Telephone: (202) 366-5313 Fax: (202) 366-1024 U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Director of the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NEF-32) 400 7th Street SW Washington, DC 20590
To read about and link to a White House Petition to change 25 year rule to 15 years, there are about 11,000 of the 25,000 needed so far (time limit was 11/09/11 through 12/09/11).
I only just now found out about it.
__________________ 28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
Mods: European Center Armrest+Wet Okole w/Lumbars over 4" Memory Foam(see Gallery)+XM-Radio+ScanGauge II
28April2008, 'Trixy' Cooper Automatic+Sunroof+AutoAir+HiFi+CruiseControl+15" Rotator Six Spoke
