How to import a classic car from Mexico

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Bernuga

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Mexico
Hi, my name is Andrea, I'm from Florence, Italy, and I live in Mexico, I would like to buy classic cars here in Mexico, restore them, and then export to the U.S. for sale.

Does anybody here know what should I need to import a classic car to the U.S.?

Here: CBP Customer Service there's a link regarding the import of classic cars, but it's not working ( Login Template Title ), I only found that "Cars that are more than 25 years old are exempt from EPA and DOT requirements" and "EPA will permit the importation of a nonconforming vehicle only if it qualifies for exclusion or an exemption, or is imported by an independent commercial importer (ICI), who is a current holder of a valid EPA certificate of conformity. The ICI importing the vehicle has to clear the goods through CBP, not the vehicle owner."

Hope someone can help me in finding the best way to sell a classic car in the U.S., thanks
 
Thanks for your answer, I already wrote to an ICI in California, let's see what's the answer.
I'm not sure, but I don't think a foreign citizen could become an ICI in the U.S.

if you wrote to someone in commiefornia NOT being a citizen will probably work in your favor
 
As a buyer, I would be concerned about the complications with DMV. I know that registration of an out-of-state vehicle is extremely expensive.
 
I'll bet you could sell a few 99-01 Ramchargers if the paperwork is clean.

mexican-ramcharger-6.jpg
 
Stick with '94 and older vehicles and you don't have to deal with the EPA at all. You will have to work with a broker in the USA. They will know exactly what needs to be done to import to the USA. Obviously, none of this is free. There are duties and fees that the USA also collects on any import. You'll have to check with the Mexican authorities about their rules on exporting.
This might be a place to start: Importing Cars To The U.S. | Clearit USA
 
I already contacted them, but they told me that CIA is not interested in classic cars trafficking.
Glad you saw the humor in my post. Good luck in your endeavors, its more than what I'd want to take on.
I once sold a car to a buyer in France, that will be my first and last international sale. He handled all of the paperwork which was very involving.
Again, good luck and welcome to the forum.
 
Glad you saw the humor in my post. Good luck in your endeavors, its more than what I'd want to take on.
I once sold a car to a buyer in France, that will be my first and last international sale. He handled all of the paperwork which was very involving.
Again, good luck.

Thanks, I hope it will be easier than what it seems, I also found videos on YT of people from US who simply came to Mexico, bought a car, and then crossed the border with it:



I'm pretty sure there could be a good market in the US regarding classic VW Beetle and VW Combi.
 
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