Importing a Vehicle (Subaru) Without TPMS - Success!

[PurpleGrass 0]

What an incredibly helpful post! It seems like many POE have started enforcing the OEM rule for TPMS. Drats!  Now, I know this is a forum called Visa Journey.... but I'm wondering if anyone knows the process for American citizens for importing cars? Does anyone know if a moving company/ importer would even move the car for me if I have aftermarket TPMS? The idea being, if they get through with importing, great. If not, I'll still get my car and I take care of getting the rest done states side? I have a 2021 Crosstrek and I'm moving to NYC from Calgary. I can't drive as I have a terrible back and a 36 hour drive might kill me. 

[PurpleGrass 0]

On 7/27/2021 at 4:15 PM, han21 said:

Thank you for sharing! You seem very prepared and succeeded! 

I tried the after-market TPMS by myself as well and there was no luck. Even though they didn't seem care what kind of TPMS it is, they wanted it to be installed by the professional. I am trying to find the professional just to install it for me in the US. Most of mechanics refused to do it. I had to drive to cross the border where officers are dealing with this frequently, so visiting the US custom office might be one of the other options. Does any US custom office deal with importing vehicles? I have found a couple of them near my place. 

How did you end up importing your car? Were you able to do it via customs office once you were in the US? 

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

***Multiple copied and pasted comments removed.  Please do not spam threads***

[ZLo 0]

Writing here, since this thread was super helpful to me! <Thanks again to OP and all the folks who gave in their inputs here>

 

Went to the CBP Office in Atlanta, was a breeze. They didn't seem to care at all about the TPMS issue, even though i had got after market TPMS installed through Hyundai (i have a Hyundai car). They wanted the 3 forms - EPA, DOT and CPB forms, along with the letter from the manufacturer. They also saw the bill of sale, car title document and valid insurance. Additionally, they then wanted me to get the emissions testing done and local police VIN clearance (probably a Georgia thing). I went back with these 2 new things and then they inspected 3 things in the car - whether the speedo has a miles dial, validated my VIN and confirmed the EPA sticker. 

 

That's it! They stamped my forms and i was on my way! Very cooperative personnel at the CBP. I was a bit nervous walking in but they got it done smoothly!

 

Moral of the story - avoid the border ports of entry!

 

 

[Tabornok 1]

I understand this is an old topic but still thankful to have found this thread. All the other info I found was telling me that I can't import my car going to the US if it does not have an OEM TPMS installed. I was planning to buy a new car here in Canada and have it imported to the US next year when we move. I know that my it likely is cheaper to buy the car in the US but it would be a bit of a hassle to get rid of the old car by that time. I wanted to take advantage of a good offer for my 2018 Subaru so might as well enjoy a new Car. Did any of you needed an importer to help or just going to the border would be fine as the agents will help out? How much did it cost to import your cars? is it a percentage of it's current market value or do they have some sort of tabulated data depending on brand/model?

Edited October 18 by Tabornok

[vk787 3]

16 minutes ago, Tabornok said:

I understand this is an old topic but still thankful to have found this thread. All the other info I found was telling me that I can't import my car going to the US if it does not have an OEM TPMS installed. I was planning to buy a new car here in Canada and have it imported to the US next year when we move. I know that my it likely is cheaper to buy the car in the US but it would be a bit of a hassle to get rid of the old car by that time. I wanted to take advantage of a good offer for my 2018 Subaru so might as well enjoy a new Car. Did any of you needed an importer to help or just going to the border would be fine as the agents will help out? How much did it cost to import your cars? is it a percentage of it's current market value or do they have some sort of tabulated data depending on brand/model?

If you are buying a new car in Canada, please ask dealer to provide the compliance letter for USA, before you make any payment for the car. If the car is made in Canada USA or Mexico, there will be no duty. If it is made in any other country it will be 2.5% of the price that CBP has for reference. Mine was a 4 year old car, so they did not charge anything. Going to the border should be ok, no need for RI.

Edited October 18 by vk787

[Tabornok 1]

On 10/18/2024 at 11:11 AM, vk787 said:

If you are buying a new car in Canada, please ask dealer to provide the compliance letter for USA, before you make any payment for the car. If the car is made in Canada USA or Mexico, there will be no duty. If it is made in any other country it will be 2.5% of the price that CBP has for reference. Mine was a 4 year old car, so they did not charge anything. Going to the border should be ok, no need for RI.

Do we have to fill out a form somewhere prior to crossing and importing the vehicle or can this be done on the spot?
I think i've read somewhere that we need to inform them something like 4 days before appearing however the comments here seem to indicate that it was done on the spot?