Does any one have a contact at the USA Customs?

[Jan]

Hi

Many of you know that we re trying to bring our motorcycles to the USA in Aug for a convention,

well the US shipper has just informed us that on top of the $1000 per bike that he is charging for the shipping we now have too pay an extra $250 per bike for the Customs

I wonder if this guy is being honest with us,

I have looked at the Customs Website and it is very difficult to understand

does any one know of a person who works in the Customs who may be able to advise us?

If the cost is correct we will just have to pay it but I would like a second opinion

thanks

Jan

 

[DuchessBear]

Here's what I found on the Customs web site (search under FAQs). Apparently a bond is required. Make sure your shipper gives you copies of all paperwork. Good luck. I hope you have a great trip on this side of the pond.

Vehicles and engines imported into the U.S. temporarily may be eligible for an exemption from complying with Federal emission requirements. Generally vehicles are imported temporarily for the following purposes: for repair or alteration, display, testing, imported by a diplomat or foreign military member or nonresidents. Generally, a Customs bond is posted for vehicles temporarily imported for repair or alterations, display, and testing purposes. The importer must file a temporary importation under bond (TIB) entry with Customs. A bond is usually required for vehicles that are shipped. When a vehicle accompanies a traveler crossing the border a bond generally is not required. However, a Customs inspector can require the importer to post a bond. You can obtain a Customs bond from a surety company. A list of sureties is available on the Treasury web site at www.fms.treas.gov, under publications, circular 570.

Generally, diplomats, foreign military, and nonresidents temporarily importing a vehicle through a land border do not have to file a Customs bond. However, a Customs inspector has the authority to request a bond be filed. Approval to temporarily import a vehicle is not required from EPA or DOT, however the forms 3520-1 and HS-7 should be filed and submitted to Customs. The form 3520-1 can be obtained at www.epa.gov/otaq/imports and HS-7 at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/care/rules/import . Ensure you check the appropriate box when filling out the 3520-1, and indicate the appropriate code for temporary imports in block 9 on the form HS-7.

Vehicles or engines temporarily imported for the above purposes, must be exported or destroyed within 1 year. They can only remain in the U.S. if an entry is filed with U.S. Customs and duty is paid. These vehicles must conform to U.S. emission and safety standards to be cleared through Customs and to be registered in your state by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

For additional information, please see our publication "Importing or Exporting a Car" at www.customs.gov. Click on (Importing & Exporting, Publications, Forms and Videos)

 

[Jan]

USA Customs

USA Customs

Hi DuchessBear,

Thank you so much for the information you posted,

I have found it most helpful,

I will be speaking with another shipper on Wednesday so i hope to get this thing sorted soon

Thanks again

Jan