Border Crossing Infomation for Car Shows

Be sure to print out the Border Crossing Car Show Checklist!

If you have any questions along the way, do not hesitate to call us at 1.888.332.2202 or email us at service@aacbusa.com.

Anyone importing a vehicle into the United States for car shows will require a Temporary Import Bond, which allows your vehicle into the USA on a temporary basis, therefore avoiding any duty or taxes to be paid to US Customs.

As a US Customs Brokers, we can explain the proper procedure and necessary form required to bring your vehicle into the US temporarily. 

Prior to any customs documentation, approximately three weeks before you cross the border, you will need to write a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The letter must be addressed directly to the EPA with the following information:

• Location of the vehicle(s) at present
• Owner’s full name
• Owner’s Address
• Owner’s Phone number
• Indicate the purpose for the exemption request
• Indicate the vehicle will not be offered for sale, trade or gift
• Indicate when the vehicle will return to Canada
• Indicate the name and address of the return location

The EPA will send you a contract, known as the “Memorandum of Understanding”, with an understanding and re-iteration that the vehicle will only be on display and the vehicle will not be placed on sale, traded, or gifted, nor used on public roads.

Once you have received the “Memorandum of Understanding” you must sign, date and fax it back to the EPA, who will review it and then send you a “final exemption letter”.

A & A Contract Customs Brokers USA Inc will require the following documents to clear customs:

• The final exemption letter from the EPA
• US Customs Invoice (click here for US Customs Invoice)
• Shipper
• Consignee
• Vehicle Description
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Serial Number
• Country of Origin of the vehicle
• Value of vehicle
• Weight of vehicle
• Department of Transportation (DOT)  (click here for DOT form)
• Required to confirm the framework of the vehicle meets US safety standards
• Mark box number 4
• Environmental Protection Agency 3520-1 Form (click here for 3520-1 form)
• Required to confirm that the vehicle meets the engine meets US emission standards
• Mark Code K
• A photocopy of your registration of the vehicle

Lastly, you will have to determine how you will transport your vehicle to the car show.  If you choose to drive it yourself, then you can call US Customs and request a “one time crossing exemption,” but if you do not receive the “one time crossing exemption” then you must act like a commercial carrier and obtain a carrier code.  Also, you will need to provide a carrier manifest, a service provided by A & A Contract Customs Brokers USA Inc. 

If you decide to use a commercial carrier, they will have their own carrier code and will process the carrier manifest themselves. 

Now you will have your Temporary Import Bond and are ready to cross the border!

But don’t forget, on your way home you will need to cancel your Temporary Import Bond with US Customs before crossing into Canada.