Importing Car to US (Not Compliant to 49 CFR Part 541 Theft Prevention Standard)

[GlobalTurnover 1]

Hi all,

 

I am planning to import my 2017 Honda Accord to California. On the Letter of Compliance from the manufacturer, one of the exceptions (non-compliance) is "49 CFR Part 541 Theft Prevention Standard, relating to the parts marking requirements".

 

Per NHTSA:

Quote

If the manufacturer’s letter states that the vehicle complies with all applicable FMVSS but does not comply with the parts marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard at 49 CFR Part 541, the vehicle can only be imported as a conforming motor vehicle under Box 2B if the importer furnishes Customs with an invoice from a franchised dealer or other commercial entity showing that the required theft prevention markings have been applied to the vehicle.

 

After doing some research, it looks like a lot of cars (including my vehicle) are exempt from this regulation because the standard equipment is just as effective in deterring motor theft. I asked the manufacturer to remove this clause from the Letter of Compliance since they have been granted exemption, but they won't modify the Letter of Compliance in any way.

 

Standard:

https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-541/appendix-Appendix%20A-I%20to%20Part%20541

 

Has anyone run into the same issue and how did you demonstrate compliance? If I show customs the vehicle is exempt from the standard, will that be sufficient?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Edited May 6, 2021 by GlobalTurnover
Update link

[GlobalTurnover 1]

Bumping this post!

[MovingToFlorida 71]

20 minutes ago, GlobalTurnover said:

Bumping this post!

I would call the border where you are crossing to ask them all your questions about rhe car and anything else then you'll know for sure. That's what we're going to do. I didn't even know about importing a car up until recently. 

[GlobalTurnover 1]

Good idea, I'll give that a go. Last thing I want is being turned back at the border.

[GlobalTurnover 1]

On 5/9/2021 at 6:06 PM, MovingToFlorida said:

I would call the border where you are crossing to ask them all your questions about rhe car and anything else then you'll know for sure. That's what we're going to do. I didn't even know about importing a car up until recently. 

 

Gave port of entry a call but the officer is not even aware of this standard 🙄 Sigh..

[SKM93 0]

On 5/10/2021 at 9:56 PM, GlobalTurnover said:

 

Gave port of entry a call but the officer is not even aware of this standard 🙄 Sigh..

Any further update on this ?